Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup {Easy + Low Calorie}

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by Sil Pancho

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10.18.2021


This spicy, hearty, and HEALTHY Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup is a low-fuss, easy soup recipe that’s ready to be loaded with toppings! It’s here to spice up your evenings all fall and winter long.

a bowl of healthy Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup topped with avocado slices, cheese, and tortilla chips

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One of the unpleasant truths of adulthood is that, when you come down with a cold or the flu, the person who most often stays home to feed you your favorite soup (like this comforting Chicken Tortilla Soup), rub your back, and make sure you take your medicine on time is….you.

Gone are the good ol’ days when you could curl up on the couch, watch Nickelodeon, and your mom would serve you endless bowls of Campbell’s tomato soup (or, if you were lucky, homemade Crockpot Tomato Soup).

Dear Body, don’t you know I have a work deadline/important presentation/40-million things to do besides lay around pathetically and blow my nose?”

A slow cooker with crockpot chicken enchilada soup

5 Star Review

“This soup is so yummy! I just had a bowl and had to let you know how great it is. Thank you for sharing this.”

— MIchelle —

Effortless, easy soup recipes, like today’s crockpot chicken enchilada soup, were made for “adult” sick days…or really any time you need a low-fuss weeknight dinner!

  • It’s a “dump-and-go” crockpot recipe—with minimal precooking required (this Crockpot Lasagna Soup is another great low-fuss option).
  • Healthy yet totally comforting with tender chicken, robust spices, and a little kick to clear your sinuses.
  • Slow cooker chicken enchilada soup reheats like a dream making it the BEST soup for leftovers. (Why does one grown-up sick day somehow equal 4 days of being behind at work?!)
a bowl of crockpot chicken enchilada soup with cheese and tortillas on top

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup

Slow cooker chicken enchilada soup is an easy, warming meal that’s ideal for any time you are feeling under the weather, or for when the weather itself is too chilly for your liking.

Simply toss everything into your slow cooker, walk away, and you’ll have a nourishing dinner waiting for you when you return.

(For a more traditional sick day soup, try thisHealthy Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup.)


The Ingredients

  • Chicken. Plump, lean chicken breasts become ultra-tender as they slow cook in the crockpot and pack this soup with hearty, healthy protein.

Substitution Tip!

You may also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs in this crockpot chicken enchilada soup if you prefer. Note that the cooking time may need to be increased slightly since thighs tend to take a little longer to cook than chicken breasts.

  • Onion + Garlic. For a little zip and zing.
  • Cumin + Chipotle Chili Powder. Add depth and lend a robust smoky flavor to the enchilada soup.
  • Enchilada Sauce. Either make your own Enchilada Sauce or go with your favorite store-bought variety (I love this same short cut in my Chile Verde Pork).
  • Chicken Stock. The primary cooking liquid for this crockpot chicken enchilada soup that adds flavor and richness.

Tip!

I recommend choosing a low-sodium chicken broth.

  • The sodium content of homemade and storebought enchilada sauces can greatly vary.
  • Choosing a reduced-sodium broth ensures your soup will not become too salty when combined with the enchilada sauce.
  • Before serving, taste the soup and then feel free to add additional salt, to taste.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup in a white bowl with bowls of cheese and avocado next to it
  • Cornmeal. Helps thicken the soup slightly while adding a mild masa (corn) flavor.
  • Black Beans. Provides texture and an extra dose of plant-based protein.

Substitution Tip!

You may swap the black beans for a can of pinto beans if you prefer them over black beans.

  • Corn. A can of Mexican corn is my go-to for this soup because it provides extra spice and flavor.

Market Swap

Alternatively, you may opt for fresh or frozen corn kernels.

  • Fire-Roasted Tomatoes and Green Chiles. These two convenient canned options give instant complexity.
  • Sugar. Balances out the acidity of the tomatoes and the heat of the spices.

The BEST Toppings for Chicken Enchilada Soup?

I love to smother the soup in all manners of tasty toppings, which I insist you do, as it really makes the dish. Here are a few of my favorite toppings ideas:

  • Sliced avocado
  • Shredded Mexican cheese
  • Plain Greek yogurt (my swap for sour cream)
  • Crushed tortilla chips (or try my homemade baked tortilla chips from this Crock Pot Healthy Nachos recipe)
  • Diced jalapeños

The Directions

uncooked chicken breasts in a crockpot
  1. Add the chicken to the crockpot.
onions and garlic in a skillet with cumin and chili powder
  1. In a skillet, sauté the onions, and add the garlic and spices.
sauted onions, spices, chicken stock, and cornmeal in a slow cooker with chicken breasts
  1. Transfer to the slow cooker along with the chicken stock and cornmeal.
adding corn and black beans to crockpot chicken enchilada soup
  1. Add the enchilada sauce and remaining ingredients.
a slow cooker filled with chicken enchilada soup
  1. Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours.
shredded chicken for enchilada soup
  1. Remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred.

TIP!

For a Thicker Soup: After removing the chicken, transfer 2 big ladlefuls (about 2 cups) of the soup to a blender and puree until smooth (or use an immersion blender to puree it slightly). Stir the blended soup back into the slow cooker. This added step makes the soup richer with a more complex flavor.

added shredded chicken to a crockpot enchilada soup
  1. Return the chicken to the crockpot, add the sugar, and stir to combine.
crockpot chicken enchilada soup ready to be served with toppings
  1. Serve with desired toppings. ENJOY!

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Leftover crockpot chicken enchilada soup may be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days in a covered container.
  • To Reheat. Soup may be warmed on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming.
  • To Freeze. Crockpot chicken enchilada soup may be kept frozen in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Leftover Ideas

Portion leftover soup into individual microwave-safe containers for an easy grab-and-go lunch option. This chicken enchilada soup is also delicious when served over a mound of cooked brown rice, quinoa, or farro.

What to Serve with Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

  • Skillet. A high-quality skillet, like this one with anodized aluminum, is essential for any kitchen.
  • Slow Cooker. I’ve owned this one for years and love that once the timer is up, it automatically switches to “keep warm,” so my food stays hot without overcooking and is ready for me when I get home.
  • Ladle. The best way to transfer soups and stews (like this Spanish Chicken Stew) to storage containers and bowls.

My Favorite Slow Cooker

This 6-quart KitchenAid slow cooker has 24-hour programmable cooking, and 4 temperature settings. Plus a removable ceramic insert for even heating.

a bowl of healthy Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup topped with avocado slices, cheese, and tortilla chips

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know what you thought!

Leave a rating below in the comments and let me know how you liked the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Crockpot Enchilada Soup with Beef?

I have not made this soup with beef before so it would be an experiment. If you try it, I suggest browning ground beef with the onions and garlic before adding to the crockpot. You could also try swapping the chicken for browned pieces of beef stew meat. Note that the cooking time will likely need to be adjusted.

Can I Make Chicken Enchilada Soup in the Instant Pot?

I have not made this recipe in an Instant Pot before so it would be an experiment. If you’re looking for a spicy, Instant Pot soup, try this Instant Pot Chili.

Is Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup Spicy?

The overall spice level of this soup will largely depend on the enchilada sauce you use and the brand of chipotle chili powder you select. If you prefer a more mild soup, you can reduce the amount of chipotle chili powder and use mild enchilada sauce.


  • For a Thicker Soup: After removing the chicken, transfer 2 big ladlefuls (about 2 cups) of the soup to a blender are puree until smooth (or use an immersion blender to puree it slightly). Stir the blended soup back into the slow cooker. This added step makes the soup richer with a more complex flavor.
  • TO STORE: Leftover crockpot chicken enchilada soup may be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days in a covered container.
  • TO REHEAT: Soup may be warmed on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming.
  • TO FREEZE: Crockpot chicken enchilada soup may be kept frozen in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving: 1(of 6) without toppingsCalories: 364kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 30gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 60mgPotassium: 808mgFiber: 9gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1020IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 89mgIron: 4mg

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Related Recipes

If you love spicy Mexican-style soups, try one of these other health soup recipes:



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