Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup: A Flavorful and Easy Recipe
Looking for a savory treat that is both flavorful and easy to prepare? This Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup perfectly fits the bill. Combining the rich flavors of chicken enchilada with the convenience of a slow cooker, this soup is not quite a tortilla soup and not quite a taco soup, but boasts a taste that’s sure to impress. The magic of a slow cooker lies in its ability to amplify flavors, making this dish ideal for quick meal prep and delightful dining. With ingredients like chicken breasts, garlic, and tomatoes, your kitchen will be filled with inviting aromas. This soup also stores beautifully and even tastes better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. So, let’s dive into this wonderfully tasty creation!
Yield and Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup
Whether you’re serving a family or planning meals for the week, this recipe yields 8 servings, coming together with minimal prep and cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, drained
- 2 (10 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chile peppers
- 1 (12 fluid ounce) can pale ale
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen corn
- 1 (8 ounce) package red enchilada sauce (such as Frontera®)
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 pound frozen chicken breasts
- 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
Instructions to Prepare Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup
This slow cooker recipe is as simple as combining ingredients and letting time and heat do the work. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving an incredibly delicious soup.
How to Cook Your Soup
- To start, prepare your chicken breasts by placing them at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add the onion and garlic, allowing their aromatic flavors to meld beautifully with the dish.
- Next, pour in the chicken broth, canned tomatoes and their juice, black beans, and pale ale, stirring to combine.
- Incorporate the diced jalapeno pepper and frozen corn for that subtle spice and sweetness balance.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning and add the red enchilada sauce, which will enrich the soup with its distinct and delightful flavor.
- Cook on the low setting for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Alternatively, set it on high for approximately 3 hours if time is limited.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken breasts using two forks directly in the pot. The tender meat will fall apart easily.
- Finish by folding in the freshly chopped cilantro to brighten the dish.
- Finally, serve hot. You may top with sour cream, cheese, and accompany with tortilla chips or cornbread.
Health Benefits of Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup
Beyond its vibrant flavors, this soup boasts significant nutritional benefits. Chicken breasts provide a lean source of protein, supporting muscle maintenance and repair. Black beans are teeming with dietary fiber, crucial for digestive health and maintaining a healthy weight. The inclusion of cilantro introduces valuable antioxidants, potentially reducing inflammation and protecting cells from damage.
Optional Healthier Cooking Suggestions
For a healthier iteration of this Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup, consider these alternatives: Use a lower-sodium chicken broth to cut down on salt intake. In addition, you can enhance nutritional richness by tossing in some fresh spinach towards the end of cooking.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
This Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup stands out because it’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. In just over six hours, you’ll have a meal that’s hearty, comforting, and satisfying. The flavors deepen after a day, making it perfect for leftovers. Moreover, this dish is versatile enough to serve as a standalone bowl or part of a larger spread. Most importantly, it combines taste, texture, and aroma – a true testament to comfort cooking. So, the next time you crave a warming, hearty dish, remember this recipe and enjoy the delight it brings to your dining table. Give it a try and delight in every spoonful!
