Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe

We came back from a long weekend away with family and friends to celebrate a marriage!! Not great sleep (I am like The Princess and the Pea) little sleep of what I did get, staying up late playing Cornhole and Giant Jenga, dancing, and drinking 1 more champagne (if that’s even a thing) than I probably should have! All of that to tell you, I did NOT want to cook dinner. LOL. I wanted a home cooked meal, but I was not in the time or space to cook a full on meal. So my one pot wonder to the rescue! Easy. And quick!

Since I was feeling I/we needed a little heartier of a meal, than soup. I added Orzo pasta to add a little more substance, this came out a little more stewish, I guess. Delicious, but little less liquid this way. You can add or omit the orzo. Or even substitute it for rice. You can add corn. I like corn, the kids, not so much. So many variations, have fun. It’s one of those good but quick meals.

Get your soup pot. Again, I love this pot by Lodge. I use to use a stainless steel pot, but the scrubbing you have to do to get it clean! Because ya, I’ve forgot to stir my onions or whatever I am making, once or twice. Really, I cook a lot and have for a long time. I LOVE this pot! Okay, enough about the pot. The printable recipe is below, but visually, these are the ingredients I used. Except not photoed is the Orzo. That was a last minute decision.

Start with the chicken broth, and enchilada sauce, then add everything else. Beans (drained) diced chilies, Ro Tel. When it come to the chicken, you can use leftover and cut up small chunks or shred it. I usually have the can chicken from Costco in the pantry. Drain it and shred it up. I use that when I don’t feel like or have the time to put a lot of effort into our meals. The can chicken is also great for super easy and quick Chicken Enchiladas. While I am opening cans and shredding Chicken, I boil a separate pot of water for the Orzo pasta. And cook that per box directions, then drain and set aside til ready.  OR you can just add the orzo to your simmering soup ingredients. (Your choice) It will use some of your liquid to cook so be mindful of that.

Once all ingredients are in in soup pot, I let it simmer for at least 30 min to let all the favors marinate. At this point is when I decided to add the orzo pasta. The soup need to be hot a bubbly if you are going to cook it in the soup.Orzo is optional: you can either add it or leave it out. Orzo only takes about 8-10 min. So the soup is ready as soon as the little pasta cooks. Top with tortilla chip pieces and cheese. Viola!

This is a great quick family dinner. But also makes a great party meal. Super easy, cheap and you can easily make a lot! Or freeze for later.