Ingredients
Method
Prep
- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne. Set aside. Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature to soften. Shred the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses from a block and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and jalapeno and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Build the Soup
- Pat the chicken breast dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pot along with the seasoning mix, enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, hot sauce, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
Simmer and Shred Chicken
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a low simmer. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid a rapid boil, which can toughen the chicken. Remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Finish with Cheese
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until fully incorporated and smooth. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring constantly until melted and the soup is creamy.
Season and Serve
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or hot sauce if desired. Ladle into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, or tortilla chips.
Nutrition
Notes
For a quicker cream cheese soften: place cubed cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl, microwave on high for 15-20 seconds until soft. Always shred cheese from a block; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. To avoid graininess, make sure the soup is not boiling when you add the cheese. This soup freezes well for up to 3 months; store in an airtight container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For a spicier kick, substitute the Monterey Jack with a habanero cheddar or add extra cayenne. Leftover rotisserie chicken works great; use 2 cups shredded and add it with the broth, simmering just 15 minutes to blend flavors.
