Zesty Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Soup
This Zesty Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Soup is the ultimate comfort dish for those watching their carbs. Tailored specifically for flavor without the excess carbs often found in traditional recipes, this soup combines a medley of vibrant peppers, zesty spices, and hearty chicken to deliver a satisfying meal for any season. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, you'll find it easy to whip up this dish while still enjoying the rich flavors reminiscent of classic enchiladas. Your taste buds and waistline will thank you!
6-8 servings
Servings
150
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
red bell pepper
1/2 cup (diced)
low-sodium low-fat chicken broth
1 quart
water
2 cups
ground ancho chili pepper
1 tablespoon
mesquite liquid smoke
1 teaspoon
ground cumin
2 tablespoons
garlic powder
1 teaspoon
fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon (chopped)
Rotel tomatoes & chilies
10 ounces (with juice)
canned diced green chiles
2 tablespoons
cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 cups (shredded)
Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese blend
to taste (for topping)
sour cream
optional (for topping)
pork rinds
optional (for crunch)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating a large covered pot over medium heat.
2
Spray the pot with nonstick cooking spray and add the diced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
3
Pour in the chicken broth and 2 cups of water. Stir to combine.
4
Add seasoning: ground ancho chili, ground cumin, garlic powder, mesquite liquid smoke, and chopped cilantro to the broth. Mix well.
5
Introduce the shredded chicken into the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6
In a separate bowl, pour a can of Rotel tomatoes with chilies (including the juice) and blend with an immersion blender until smooth. Add this puree to the soup pot and stir to combine.
7
Allow the soup to simmer on low for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
8
When ready to serve, ladle the soup into warm bowls and top each serving with a generous sprinkle of the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend.
9
For an extra indulgence, add a dollop of sour cream on top, and for a low carb crunch, sprinkle with a few pork rinds if desired.
Nutrition Information
3.8
Fat
5.6
Carbs
18.8
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Soup?
It is a comfort dish tailored specifically for flavor without the excess carbs found in traditional enchilada soup recipes, featuring peppers, spices, and hearty chicken.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
This recipe is low-carb, containing only 5.6 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this soup provide?
Each serving provides 18.8 grams of protein.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields between 6 and 8 servings.
What type of chicken should be used?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of cooked, shredded boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What spices are used to season the broth?
The seasonings include ground ancho chili pepper, ground cumin, garlic powder, and fresh chopped cilantro.
How much red bell pepper is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of diced red bell pepper.
How long should I sauté the red bell peppers?
Sauté the diced peppers for about 3-4 minutes until they are softened.
What type of broth is recommended for this recipe?
It is recommended to use one quart of low-sodium, low-fat chicken broth.
How much water is added to the soup base?
In addition to the broth, you should add 2 cups of water.
What gives the soup its smoky flavor?
One teaspoon of mesquite liquid smoke is added to provide a rich, smoky taste.
How do I prepare the Rotel tomatoes and chilies?
Pour the 10-ounce can of Rotel (with juice) into a bowl and blend with an immersion blender until smooth before adding it to the pot.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
Allow the soup to simmer on low for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
What type of cheese is used for topping?
A blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese is recommended to be sprinkled on top when serving.
Are there any optional toppings for extra flavor?
Yes, you can add a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle with pork rinds for a low-carb crunch.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prep and is easy to whip up for future meals.
How much fat is in a serving of this soup?
Each serving contains 3.8 grams of fat.
What heat setting should I use to start the soup?
Begin by preheating a large covered pot over medium heat.
Does the recipe include green chiles?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of canned diced green chiles are included in the ingredients.
How much cumin is added to the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of ground cumin.
How much garlic powder is used?
One teaspoon of garlic powder is used for seasoning.
Is the cilantro fresh or dried?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of fresh, chopped cilantro.
What size can of Rotel tomatoes and chilies is needed?
You will need a 10-ounce can of Rotel tomatoes and chilies.
Should I drain the Rotel tomatoes before blending?
No, you should include the juice when blending the Rotel tomatoes.
What kind of pot is best for this recipe?
A large covered pot is recommended for cooking this soup.
Is this soup considered spicy?
Yes, it is tagged as spicy due to the ancho chili pepper, Rotel, and green chiles.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is an excellent and convenient substitute for cooked chicken breasts.
What is the first instruction in the recipe?
Preheat a large covered pot over medium heat and spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
Is this recipe categorized as a specific type of dish?
Yes, it is categorized under Chicken Breast and tagged as comfort food.