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Copycat Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup

A thick, cheesy chicken enchilada soup just like Chili’s! Made with chicken, enchilada sauce, masa harina, and melted cheese for Tex-Mex comfort.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tsp kosher salt divided
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 3 32 oz boxes unsalted chicken stock, divided
  • 1¼ cups masa harina corn flour
  • 1 10 oz can red enchilada sauce
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese divided
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
Optional Toppings
  • Tortilla strips
  • Fresh chopped cilantro
  • Sour cream

Method
 

Season the Chicken
  1. Sprinkle chicken breasts with ½ tsp salt and black pepper.
Sear the Chicken
  1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown.
  3. Remove to a plate and set aside.
Build the Flavor Base
  1. In the same pot, add garlic, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, and remaining salt.
  2. Cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add Stock & Simmer
  1. Reserve 2 cups of chicken stock.
  2. Pour the rest into the pot, scraping up browned bits.
  3. Return chicken to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Shred the Chicken
  1. Remove chicken, shred or slice thinly, then return to the soup.
Thicken with Masa Harina
  1. Whisk reserved 2 cups of stock with masa harina until smooth.
  2. Slowly whisk mixture into the soup to thicken.
  3. Add Enchilada Sauce & Simmer Again
Stir in enchilada sauce.
  1. Simmer 30 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
Finish with Cheese
  1. Turn off heat. Stir in half the Monterey Jack and cheddar until melted.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve & Garnish
  1. Ladle into bowls.
  2. Top with extra cheese, tortilla strips, cilantro, and sour cream.