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An overhead professional view of rich, olive-green enchilada chicken soup resting on a grey marble surface with a silver spoon slightly out of focus.

Green Enchilada Chicken Soup: A Rich, Hearty, and Comforting Bowl

This SEO-optimized Green Enchilada Chicken Soup features a rich, olive-green broth packed with visible chunks of shredded chicken, topped with creamy sour cream, Monterey Jack cheese, and vibrant cilantro.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Soup
Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired
Calories: 310

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil (15ml) For sautéing aromatics.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion (150g) Finely diced.
  • 3 cloves Garlic (15g) Minced.
  • 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (450g)
  • 28 oz Green Enchilada Sauce (794g) High-quality brand.
  • 4 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (946ml)
  • 4 oz Canned Diced Green Chiles (113g)
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin (5g)
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano (2g)
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt (5g)
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (2g)
  • 0.5 cup Sour Cream (120g) For topping.
  • 0.5 cup Shredded White Monterey Jack Cheese (56g) Freshly shredded from block.
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Cilantro Leaves (15g) Vibrant green leaves.

Equipment

  • 1 Large Dutch Oven Ensures even heat distribution for cooking the aromatic base and simmering.
  • 2 Two Forks Used for pulling the chicken apart into visible shredded chunks.

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Heat the 1 tbsp (15ml) of olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the finely diced yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, and dried oregano, cooking for exactly 1 minute until highly fragrant.
  2. Pour in the 4 oz (113g) of diced green chiles, the 28 oz (794g) of green enchilada sauce, and the 4 cups (946ml) of chicken broth. Stir the mixture thoroughly. Bring the entire pot to a gentle, rolling boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Carefully submerge the 1 lb (450g) of raw chicken breasts into the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Remove the cooked chicken breasts and transfer them to a clean cutting board. Using two forks, pull the meat apart into thick, visible chunks of shredded chicken. Return the chicken to the pot and let simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.
  5. Ladle the hot soup into modern white ceramic bowls. Top each serving generously with a dollop of creamy white sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded white Monterey Jack cheese, and fresh, vibrant green cilantro leaves.

Notes

Do not rush the onions; softening them properly ensures a smooth broth.
Always use block Monterey Jack cheese for the perfect melt.
If stirring sour cream into the pot, temper it with a spoonful of hot broth first to prevent curdling.
For a thicker stew, simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes before adding the shredded chicken back.