
A creamy, cheesy, and comforting soup that captures the essence of green chicken enchiladas in a bowl. This Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup combines tender shredded chicken with a rich blend of green enchilada sauce, salsa verde, and melty cheeses, making it a perfect low-carb, keto-friendly meal for any occasion. Whether you’re using a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or stovetop, this soup is easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-Packed Comfort: The combination of green enchilada sauce, salsa verde, and cheeses creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
- Easy Preparation: With options for slow cooker, Instant Pot, or stovetop, this recipe fits into any schedule.
- Diet-Friendly: Low in carbs and high in protein, it’s suitable for keto and low-carb diets.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Family Favorite: A comforting and hearty soup that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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Green enchilada sauce
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Chicken broth
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Half and half or heavy cream
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Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
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Cream cheese, cubed and softened
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Salsa verde
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional garnishes: avocado, green onions, sour cream, cilantro
Directions
Slow Cooker Method
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Place chicken, green enchilada sauce, and chicken broth into a 6-quart slow cooker.
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Cook on low for 6–8 hours or until the chicken is tender.
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Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the slow cooker.
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Add half and half, Monterey Jack cheese, softened cream cheese, and salsa verde.
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Stir until the cheeses are melted and the soup is creamy.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve hot with your favorite garnishes.
Instant Pot Method
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Add chicken, green enchilada sauce, and chicken broth to the Instant Pot.
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Seal and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
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Quick release the pressure, shred the chicken, and return it to the pot.
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Switch to sauté mode, add the remaining ingredients, and stir until creamy.
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Adjust seasoning and garnish before serving.
Stovetop Method
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Combine chicken, enchilada sauce, and broth in a stockpot and simmer until the chicken is done.
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Shred the chicken and return it to the pot.
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Stir in the half and half, cheeses, and salsa verde until smooth and creamy.
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Season to taste and serve with your choice of toppings.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (slow cooker)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Variations
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Spice Level: Add hot sauce, more salsa verde, or chili flakes to increase the heat.
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Vegetables: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrition.
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Beans and Corn: Mix in canned black beans or corn for texture and sweetness.
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Rice Option: Add precooked or quick-cooking rice to make it heartier.
Storage/Reheating
Storing: Let the soup cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Stir well when reheating, as dairy may separate.
Reheating: Thaw overnight if frozen. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Yes, add the shredded rotisserie chicken at the step when the shredded chicken is returned to the pot.
Is there a dairy-free version of this soup?
You can substitute the half and half and cheeses with plant-based alternatives to make it dairy-free.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare, cool, and refrigerate it up to 3 days in advance.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add hot sauce, more salsa verde, or extra chilies to taste.
What cheese alternatives can I use?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend are good substitutes for Monterey Jack.
Can I thicken the soup?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes or add a little xanthan gum for a keto-friendly thickener.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, ensure your green enchilada sauce and broth are gluten-free.
Can I make this with turkey?
Absolutely—this is a great way to use leftover turkey.
What if I don’t have salsa verde?
You can use extra enchilada sauce or a tomatillo-based green salsa instead.
Can I add noodles?
Yes, cooked low-carb noodles can be stirred in just before serving if desired.
Conclusion
Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup is a flavorful, creamy, and filling dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping. With multiple cooking methods and tons of variation options, it’s a versatile soup you’ll make again and again—especially if you’re looking for a satisfying low-carb or keto-friendly comfort food.
Print
Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting bowl of goodness that combines shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, salsa verde, and melty cheeses. It’s a low-carb, keto-friendly favorite that can be made in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or on the stovetop—perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 can green enchilada sauce
Chicken broth
1 cup half and half or heavy cream
1½ cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
1 cup salsa verde
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional garnishes: sliced avocado, green onions, sour cream, chopped cilantro
Instructions
Slow Cooker Method:
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Add chicken, green enchilada sauce, and chicken broth to a 6-quart slow cooker.
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Cook on low for 6–8 hours until chicken is tender.
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Shred the chicken and return it to the pot.
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Stir in half and half, Monterey Jack, cream cheese, and salsa verde.
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Mix until cheese is melted and soup is creamy.
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Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with toppings.
Instant Pot Method:
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Combine chicken, enchilada sauce, and broth in Instant Pot.
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Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then quick release.
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Shred the chicken and return it to the pot.
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Use sauté mode to stir in half and half, cheeses, and salsa verde until smooth.
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Season and serve with garnishes.
Stovetop Method:
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Simmer chicken, enchilada sauce, and broth in a pot until cooked through.
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Shred the chicken and return it to the pot.
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Add half and half, shredded cheese, cream cheese, and salsa verde. Stir until melted and creamy.
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Season to taste and serve.
Notes
Spice it up with chili flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
Add low-carb noodles or riced cauliflower for more texture.
For dairy-free, substitute with plant-based cream and cheese.
Use rotisserie chicken for a faster version.
Freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (slow cooker)
- Category: Dinner, Soup, Keto
- Method: Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Calories: ~275 kcal per serving (approximate)