Chicken Enchilada Soup

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a delicious bowl of spicy chicken soup!

What’s better on a blustery winter day than a bowl of steaming hot soup? Correct answer? Nothing’s better. These unseasonably cold days in Beaufort, SC have left me chilled to the bone. I guess I’m used to working in a warm kitchen over a hot stove. Lately, creating new soups has become my favorite pastime. Vince and I sample each new recipe and then I freeze the leftovers in single-serving containers in anticipation of the even colder days we’ll be experiencing in January and February. Chicken Enchilada Soup, with its spicy tomato-infused broth and fire-roasted green chiles, will warm your tummy and your heart. Merry Christmas!

Chicken Enchilada Soup
2 (14.5-ounce) cans chicken broth
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 clove garlic, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 (15.25-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (10-ounce) can Rotel tomatoes with green chiles
1 (15.25-ounce) can corn, undrained
1 (.1-ounce) package taco seasoning
1 (4.5-ounce) can chopped green chiles
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon oregano
¼ cup ketchup
Fresh lime wedges
Sour cream, to garnish
Chopped green onion, to garnish
Diced tomatoes, to garnish
Shredded cheddar cheese, to garnish (optional)
In a large stockpot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Season raw chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken, garlic and onion to hot chicken broth. Reduce heat to medium and poach until chicken is cooked through. Stir in black beans, tomatoes, corn, taco seasoning mix, green chiles, cumin, oregano and ketchup. Heat through, stirring often. Ladle hot soup into individual bowls. Squeeze a wedge of lemon over the soup just before serving. Garnish with sour cream, green onions, tomatoes and cheddar cheese, if desired. Freezes beautifully.

If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back tomorrow — and every day through December 25th. I’ll be posting NEW Christmas recipes each day. Merry Christmas!