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Velvety keto chicken enchilada soup topped with shredded cheddar and fresh cilantro in a ceramic bowl.

Keto Chicken Enchilada Soup

Daniel Foster
Tender chicken simmers in a rich enchilada broth finished with smooth cheddar and cool sour cream. A comforting low-carb dinner bursting with warm, savory Mexican flavor.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Mexican-Inspired
Servings 6 Bowls
Calories 347 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons Avocado or vegetable oil (divided)
  • 2 Cups Red Onion (chopped)
  • 1 Bell Pepper (seeded + chopped)
  • 2 Teaspoons Cumin
  • 1 Teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 12 Ounces Enchilada Sauce
  • 8 Ounce Salsa
  • 2 Cups Chicken Broth
  • 1 Pound Chicken Breast (boneless + skinless)
  • 1 Cup Sour Cream
  • 1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
  • 1/4 Cup Green Onions (chopped)
  • 1/4 Cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped)

Instructions

  • Cook the onion and bell pepper in the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring as they soften. The onion should turn translucent and the pepper should lose its raw firmness.
  • Distribute the cumin, chili powder, and kosher salt over the vegetables, then stir and cook for about 2 minutes. The warm oil should bring out a noticeably earthy, toasted spice aroma without scorching the seasoning.
  • Combine the enchilada sauce, chicken broth, salsa, and chicken breast in the pot, bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes. Check the thickest part of the chicken for an internal temperature of 165 °F, since thicker pieces may need more time within that range.
  • Lift the cooked chicken out with tongs and place it on a cutting board, then shred or cut it into bite-sized pieces once it's comfortable to handle. For shredded chicken, the meat should pull apart readily into strands.
  • Reduce the heat to gentle warmth and gradually stir the sour cream and shredded cheddar into the broth. Continue stirring until the dairy blends in and the broth looks creamy rather than streaked with cheese.
  • Fold the chicken, cilantro, and green onions into the finished broth. The chicken should distribute evenly, with fresh green flecks throughout the soup.

Notes

Texture tip: Grate cheddar directly from a block and stir it in gradually over low heat to help the cheese melt smoothly without clumping or turning grainy.
Dairy blending: To prevent cold sour cream from flecking in hot broth, whisk a small ladle of warm broth into the sour cream in a separate bowl before stirring it into the pot.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat with steady stirring. Avoid high microwave heat to keep the dairy emulsion from separating into an oily layer.
Nutrition information is an estimate based on common ingredients and serving sizes. Values may vary depending on brands, portions, and substitutions.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Chicken Enchilada Soup
Amount per Serving
Calories
347
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
21
g
32
%
Saturated Fat
 
13
g
81
%
Cholesterol
 
88
mg
29
%
Sodium
 
1759
mg
76
%
Potassium
 
520
mg
15
%
Carbohydrates
 
14
g
5
%
Fiber
 
3
g
13
%
Sugar
 
10
g
11
%
Protein
 
24
g
48
%
Vitamin A
 
850
IU
17
%
Vitamin C
 
18
mg
22
%
Calcium
 
280
mg
28
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword creamy chicken enchilada soup, keto chicken enchilada soup, low carb chicken soup
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