A rich, creamy, low-carb soup inspired by the flavors of enchiladas. This keto-friendly version delivers smoky chili flavor, tender chicken (or a vegetarian keto option), melted cheese, and a velvety broth without beans, corn, or flour.
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Protein
Choose one:
Classic Keto Version
- 500 g boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Vegetarian Keto Option
- 300 g mushrooms, diced
- 200 g firm tofu, cubed
Seasonings
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
Liquids
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup canned tomato sauce (unsweetened)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
Creamy Ingredients
- 225 g cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Heat
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced
- ¼–½ tsp cayenne pepper
Garnishes
- Avocado slices
- Fresh cilantro
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Lime wedges
- Sliced jalapeños
👩🍳 Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Dice:
- onion
- bell pepper
- jalapeño (if using)
Mince garlic.
Cube chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easier blending.
🧅 Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Heat oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
Add:
- onion
- bell pepper
Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
Add:
- garlic
- jalapeño
Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
🌶 Step 3: Bloom the Spices
Add:
- chili powder
- cumin
- paprika
- oregano
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- black pepper
Cook for 30–60 seconds.
Why?
Heating spices in oil releases essential oils and deepens flavor.
🍅 Step 4: Add Tomato Components
Stir in:
- tomato paste
Cook for 1 minute.
Then add:
- tomato sauce
Cook for another 2 minutes.
This concentrates the tomato flavor and mimics enchilada sauce.
🍗 Step 5: Add Chicken and Broth
Add:
- chicken
Stir to coat with seasonings.
Pour in:
- chicken broth
Add salt.
Bring to a gentle boil.
🔥 Step 6: Simmer
Reduce heat to medium-low.
Simmer for:
20–25 minutes
until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
If using whole chicken pieces, shred them after cooking and return them to the pot.
🧀 Step 7: Add Cream Cheese
Reduce heat to low.
Add softened cream cheese in small chunks.
Whisk continuously until fully melted.
Tip
Adding cream cheese gradually prevents lumps.
🥛 Step 8: Add Heavy Cream
Pour in:
- heavy cream
Stir well.
Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
Do not boil vigorously after adding dairy.
🧀 Step 9: Add Cheddar Cheese
Add shredded cheddar one handful at a time.
Stir constantly.
Allow each addition to melt before adding more.
Texture Goal
The soup should be:
- thick
- creamy
- smooth
- rich but pourable
🧂 Step 10: Final Taste Test
Taste and adjust:
- salt
- pepper
- cayenne
- lime juice (optional)
If the soup is too thick:
- add a little extra broth
If too thin:
- simmer uncovered for 5–10 minutes
🍽️ Step 11: Serve
Ladle into warm bowls.
Top with:
- avocado
- cilantro
- sour cream
- extra cheese
- jalapeños
- lime wedges
🌟 Vegetarian Keto Version
Replace chicken with:
- 300 g mushrooms
- 200 g firm tofu
Sauté mushrooms until browned before adding broth.
The mushrooms add umami while keeping carbs low.
📊 Approximate Keto Macros (Per Serving)
(Chicken version, approximate)
- Calories: 450–550
- Protein: 28–35 g
- Fat: 32–40 g
- Net Carbs: 5–8 g
Values vary depending on ingredients used.
💡 Tips for the Best Keto Enchilada Soup
Use Chicken Thighs
They stay juicier and add more flavor than chicken breast.
Freshly Grated Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
Simmer Gently
Boiling dairy can cause separation.
Let It Rest
The soup thickens slightly after 10 minutes off the heat.
🧊 Storage
Refrigerator
- Up to 4 days
Freezer
- Up to 2 months
Note: Cream-based soups may separate slightly after freezing. Stir well when reheating.
Reheating
Warm over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth if needed.
