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Creamy and tangy with a hint of heat this Crock Pot green enchilada chicken soup is pure comfort that comes together with barely any effort. My family begs for this recipe when the weather turns chilly or when they just need a big bowl of something cozy and satisfying.
I actually made this soup on a wild rainy Saturday when we had a house full of hungry cousins. Not only did everyone go silent slurping but the kitchen smelled amazing all day long.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: with either yielding tender flavorful meat
- Green enchilada sauce: provides a zesty tangy base choose a quality brand you love
- Chicken broth: for balanced savory depth low sodium is best to control seasoning
- Half and half or Greek yogurt: both make the soup silky and rich try using Greek yogurt for lightness
- Monterey Jack cheese: for meltiness and subtle creamy flavor always shred your own for best results
- Cream cheese: cubed adds body and lush texture
- Green salsa (salsa verde): brings gentle heat and freshness taste a few varieties to find your favorite
- Salt and pepper: essential for finishing and balancing
- Optional garnishes: like avocado, cilantro, green onion and sour cream offer color and a cool finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Soup Base:
- Nestle chicken pieces into your Crock Pot and pour in green enchilada sauce and chicken broth making sure the chicken is submerged for even cooking
- Slow Cook the Chicken:
- Set your Crock Pot to low and let everything bubble away for six to eight hours so the chicken gets fall apart tender and soaks up all the flavors
- Shred and Return Chicken:
- Carefully remove the hot chicken use two forks to shred it into bite sized pieces and slide it back into the beautifully seasoned broth
- Stir in Creamy Ingredients:
- Drop in shredded Monterey Jack cheese cubes of cream cheese half and half or Greek yogurt plus green salsa stir everything together so the cheese melts into the soup
- Final Slow Simmer:
- Pop the lid back on and let the soup continue to cook on low for about thirty minutes so it becomes perfectly creamy
- Season and Serve:
- Taste the soup then adjust with salt and pepper as needed spoon into bowls and finish with your favorite garnishes like cool avocado or a tangle of fresh herbs
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My favorite part is the way the cream cheese makes every spoonful extra velvety. A batch of this soup once fed my book club and we still talk about that night whenever anyone craves something warming.
Storage Tips
This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to four days just let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave stirring occasionally to keep it smooth. Avoid boiling once the dairy is added for best texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap chicken thighs for the breasts if you prefer richer flavor. If you want a lighter soup try using reduced fat cream cheese or swap in plain Greek yogurt for the half and half. Pepper Jack cheese is a tasty option for extra zip.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this soup with warm tortillas on the side or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. Top each bowl with a generous scoop of sour cream and a tumble of chopped cilantro for freshness. A squeeze of lime over each bowl is a bright finishing touch.
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Cultural and Historical Context
Green enchilada sauce brings the bold flavors of Southwestern and Mexican cooking to your kitchen. Using it as a soup base is a delicious twist that blends traditional flavors with easy American slow cooker comfort food.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you keep the chicken tender in this dish?
Cooking the chicken slowly on low heat over several hours allows it to stay moist and tender, making it easy to shred.
- → Can you substitute green salsa with another ingredient?
You can use mild salsa verde for a traditional flavor, or substitute with blended roasted tomatillos for a homemade touch.
- → Which cheese works best for this dish?
Monterey Jack cheese melts smoothly and delivers a mild, creamy finish, perfect for this type of soup. Mozzarella can also be used.
- → What are the best garnishes to add?
Offer sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, green onions, and a spoonful of sour cream for extra flavor and color.
- → Can you use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Both chicken breasts and thighs work well, but thighs tend to yield richer, juicier results in the finished dish.