Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 6 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
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If you’re looking for a meal that's both cozy and effortless, this Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup is your answer. It's perfect for those days when you want something warm and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Let the slow cooker do the work while you get on with your day!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup

Chicken breasts provide lean protein and become perfectly tender when slow-cooked. Chicken broth is the base, adding depth and richness to the soup. The black beans and corn contribute heartiness and texture, while the red enchilada sauce brings a tangy, spicy kick. Chopped green chilies add an extra layer of mild heat. Chopped onions offer a touch of sweetness and savory depth. The garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder are key for that classic enchilada flavor. A pinch of salt and black pepper enhances everything. Finally, shredded cheddar cheese and diced avocado make for a creamy, satisfying topping.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño along with the chilies.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the beans before adding them.
  • Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker with a handheld mixer for speedier prep.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs wonderfully with warm tortillas or a side of cornbread. A crisp green salad with a lime vinaigrette can balance the hearty flavors. For a touch of creaminess, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top works wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs will add even more flavor and richness.
Can this soup be frozen?
Yes, it freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before storing in airtight containers.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it's too thick.

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe Walkthrough

First, place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker. This is your main protein source, and it’ll cook perfectly surrounded by all those flavors. Next, pour in the chicken broth. This will ensure that everything cooks evenly and stays moist.

Now, toss in the black beans and corn. Make sure the beans are drained and rinsed to remove any excess sodium. Add the red enchilada sauce and chopped green chilies. The sauce is the heart of the soup, giving it that distinct enchilada taste, while the chilies offer a mild heat.

Scatter the chopped onions over the top. These will soften and sweeten as they cook. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. These spices bring everything together, providing that warm, comforting flavor.

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer, slower cook will yield more tender chicken, but the high setting works if you’re short on time.

When the cooking time is up, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and give everything a good stir to combine. This ensures that the chicken soaks up all those delicious juices.

Serve the soup hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese and diced avocado. The cheese melts into the soup, adding a creamy richness, while the avocado provides a fresh, buttery contrast.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Set it and forget it: Minimal prep and the slow cooker does the heavy lifting.
  • A comforting blend of flavors with a hint of spice.
  • Perfect for meal prep: Make once, enjoy all week.
  • Family-friendly and easily customizable.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cups chicken broth
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
1 (4 oz) can chopped green chilies
1 cup chopped onions
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
1 avocado, diced (for topping)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Add chicken broth, black beans, corn, enchilada sauce, green chilies, onions, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
5. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir.
6. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese and diced avocado.

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