Save Savor the comforting and bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with this Keto Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup. This recipe transforms a classic favorite into a rich, low-carb masterpiece, featuring tender chicken and a spicy kick, all swirled into a velvety cheese base that is perfect for a cozy night in.
Save With a preparation time of only 15 minutes and simple pantry staples, this dish is as efficient as it is delicious. It provides a hearty 36g of protein and 27g of fat, fitting perfectly into a keto-friendly or low-carb lifestyle without sacrificing the soul-warming satisfaction of a traditional soup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups (950 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional, for heat)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- Garnishes: Fresh cilantro, chopped; sliced avocado; lime wedges; extra shredded cheese
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, green bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Step 2
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3
- Add chicken breasts/thighs and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Step 4
- Remove chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Step 5
- Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese cubes, stirring until completely melted and incorporated.
- Step 6
- Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup is creamy and smooth.
- Step 7
- Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve hot with your choice of garnishes.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For an even quicker preparation, you can use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the meat and add it to the pot during Step 4, skipping the initial simmering stage for the raw poultry.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Control the spice level to suit your palate. For extra heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder soup, omit the jalapeño and reduce the chili powder slightly.
Serviervorschläge
Elevate your bowl with fresh garnishes like sliced radishes or a dollop of sour cream for extra tang. This soup pairs excellently with a crisp keto-friendly side salad or crunchy low-carb tortilla chips for added texture.
Save This Keto Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is a satisfying meal that brings the warmth of Mexican-inspired cuisine to your table without the high carb count. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal, it is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Kitchen Guide
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. This actually tastes better the next day as flavors deepen. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened too much.
- → Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes, though the cream cheese may separate slightly when thawed. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat slowly while whisking to restore the creamy texture.
- → How can I make it spicier?
Keep the jalapeño seeds in, add a pinch of cayenne with the spices, or stir in some diced green chiles. Hot sauce or red pepper flakes also work well if you want adjustable heat at the table.
- → What can I serve with this?
A crisp keto salad with lime dressing balances the richness. Low-carb cauliflower mash or cheddar cheese crisps make great sides. For non-keto eaters, warm tortillas or crusty bread are perfect for soaking up every drop.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Definitely. Use about 3 cups of shredded meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Add it during step 4 when you'd normally return the shredded chicken, then proceed with the cream cheese and cheeses. This cuts prep time to under 10 minutes.
- → Is the heavy cream necessary?
It contributes to the luxurious texture, but you can substitute with coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option. The final result will be slightly thinner but still deliciously satisfying.