Chili’s Enchilada Soup Recipe

This Chili’s Enchilada Soup recipe has been a favorite in our home for years!

The rich, creamy soup packed with enchilada flavors is pretty irresistible.

I love how the combo of chicken, cheese, and spices creates a unique ensemble in my bowl.

One valuable tip: use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful addition.

I also recommend simmering the soup slowly to allow all the flavors to meld together.

Don’t forget to garnish with tortilla strips, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.

How to Make Chili’s Enchilada Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
• 1 Onion (diced)
• 2 tsp Garlic (minced)
• 4 cups Chicken Broth
• 2 cups Water
• 1 cup Masa Harina
• 1 can Enchilada Sauce (10 oz.)
• 1 tbsp Chili Powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Ground Cumin
• 2 cups Cheese (shredded)
• 2 cups Chicken (cooked and cubed)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes.

Step 2:

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.

In a bowl, whisk the masa harina with 2 cups of water until smooth.

Step 3:

Add the masa harina mixture to the pot, stirring constantly.

Add the enchilada sauce, chili powder, salt, and cumin, stirring to combine.

Step 4:

Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Add the shredded cheese gradually and stir until melted.

Step 5:

Finally, add the cooked chicken cubes and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.

You’re all set to serve!

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Choose Quality Cheese

Use cheese that melts well for a smooth consistency; it makes a big difference in texture.

Adjust Spiciness

If you enjoy more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup.

Consistency Control

For a thicker soup, add more masa harina; for a thinner soup, increase the chicken broth.

Cook Ahead of Time

Prepare the soup a day earlier, if possible—flavors develop even more overnight.

Storage Tip

Leftovers are perfect for freezing; let them cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

What to Serve with Chilis Enchilada Soup

Cornbread

You can’t go wrong with cornbread when serving Chilis enchilada soup. The slightly sweet flavor and tender crumb of this Southern staple make it a perfect partner to the spicy, savory soup.

I love serving it warm with just a touch of butter to bring out its rich flavors.

Tortilla Chips

For something crunchy, consider tortilla chips. They’re fantastic for dipping into the soup and add a delightful texture contrast that you and your guests will enjoy.

I often add a little sprinkle of lime and chili powder to give the chips an exciting twist!

Guacamole

A side of guacamole not only adds a creamy element but also introduces a fresh, zesty flavor. This mashed avocado delight pairs wonderfully with the soup’s heat.

Make sure to use ripe avocados to get the best consistency.

Fresh Cucumber Salad

For a refreshing side, try a fresh cucumber salad. Mix sliced cucumbers with a dash of lime juice and a pinch of salt for a cool, crisp counterpoint to the rich soup.

The simplicity of this salad allows the soup’s flavors to stand out.

Grilled Pineapple

A surprising yet delightful addition could be grilled pineapple. The caramelized sugars and juicy sweetness offer a unique complement to your enchilada soup.

Remember to grill the pineapple just long enough to get those beautiful charred lines without losing its juiciness.

Variations and Substitutions

Making Chili’s Enchilada Soup at home opens up endless possibilities for experimentation.

You can tailor this dish to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs!

Protein Choices

Instead of using traditional chicken, you might opt for turkey or even shredded beef.

For a plant-based twist, try adding tofu or black beans.

These alternatives work beautifully, and you’ll be delighted with the results!

Spice Levels

To adjust the spice level, consider using less chili powder or adding a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Your taste buds will thank you!

Both options will let your soup reflect whatever mood you’re in for that day.

Cheese Selection

Though cheddar is common, using Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese can add a unique flavor to the soup.

Feel free to mix and match cheeses to find your preferred combination.

Cheese lovers will rejoice at these tasty swaps!

Masa Harina Substitute

If you’re out of masa harina, using cornmeal can be a handy substitute.

Simply adjust the quantities to achieve the desired thickness.

You’ll still get that satisfying texture you love from this hearty soup.

Additional Toppings

Consider topping your soup with avocado slices, chopped cilantro, or diced tomatoes.

These add-ons offer fresh textures and flavors, enhancing the dish immensely!

Experimenting with different toppings can truly elevate your soup experience to new heights.

How to Store Leftover Chili’s Enchilada Soup

Having leftover Chili’s Enchilada Soup is like discovering a hidden treasure in your kitchen!

When you’ve finished enjoying this delicious dish, store the remaining soup in an airtight container.

Keep it in the refrigerator, and it should stay fresh for up to three or four days.

Avoid Freezing

While you may be tempted to freeze this hearty soup, it’s best to resist.

Freezing can alter the texture, especially if the soup contains dairy products like cheese.

Instead, aim to consume it within the recommended timeframe for the best experience.

Using Multiple Containers

Consider dividing the soup into individual portions using separate containers.

This approach allows you to enjoy convenient servings throughout the week.

It’s a smart way to avoid wasting any of this delicious meal.

Stir Before Serving

Before serving your stored soup, give it a good stir.

It’s a small step that makes a big difference in flavor and texture, ensuring every spoonful is as tasty as the first one!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Misjudging the Masa Harina Consistency

It’s important to get the masa harina mixture just right!

If the mixture is too thick, it might not dissolve well in the soup, causing lumps.

Stir the masa harina with water until smooth, before adding it to the pot.

Overcooking the Chicken

Be mindful not to overcook the chicken!

If it’s cooked too long, the chicken can become tough and dry.

Cook it until it’s just done, and then shred it for the perfect texture.

Skipping the Spices

Don’t forget to add spices like cumin and chili powder!

These spices are key to achieving that authentic flavor you want.

Adjust the levels to suit your taste, but make sure not to skip them entirely.