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    Home » soup

    Copycat Zupas Chicken Enchilada Chili Soup

    Published: Mar 19, 2014 · Modified: Nov 24, 2023 by burntapple · This post may contain affiliate links · 14 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Looking for an incredibly flavorful and satisfying soup? Zupas Chicken Enchilada Chili Soup needs to be on your list! This soup from the famous Utah cafe has gained a loyal following for its rich and complex flavor, as well as its hearty and filling texture.

    A heaping bowl of Zupa's chicken enchilada chili, brimming with tender chicken, flavorful enchilada sauce, and a medley of chili beans, vegetables, and spices. the chili is topped with cheese

    History of Zupas Chicken Enchilada Chili Soup

    Zupas is a popular fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in made-to-order salads, sandwiches, and soups. The chain was founded in 2004 in Utah and has since expanded to several locations across the United States. One of the most popular soups on the Zupas menu is the Chicken Enchilada Chili Soup.

    The origins of this soup are unclear, but it is likely that it was inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine. Enchilada chili is a popular dish in Mexico and is often made with shredded chicken, beans, tomatoes, and chili peppers. Zupas has taken this classic recipe and added its own unique twist to create a soup that is both familiar and new.

    Ingredients in Zupas Soup

    This soup is made with a variety of ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and comforting dish. Here are some of the key ingredients:

    1. Shredded Chicken: The soup is made with tender shredded chicken, which adds a protein-rich element to the dish. Zupas uses high-quality chicken that is seasoned and cooked to perfection.
    2. Black Beans: Black beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine and are a key ingredient in Zupas Chicken Enchilada Chili Soup. They add a hearty and satisfying texture to the soup, as well as a boost of fiber and protein.
    3. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a key ingredient in many Mexican dishes and add a sweet and tangy flavor to the soup. Zupas uses ripe, juicy tomatoes that are diced and added to the soup.
    4. Chili Peppers: Chili peppers are a staple in Mexican cuisine and add a spicy kick to the soup. Zupas uses a blend of chili peppers that adds just the right amount of heat to the dish.
    5. Spices: Zupas Chicken Enchilada Chili Soup is seasoned with a variety of spices, including cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. These spices add depth and complexity to the flavor of the soup.

    Instructions

    Making chili soup at home is easy and requires only a few simple steps. Here is the recipe:

    Ingredients:

    • cooked chicken
    • onion, chopped
    • mild green chile sauce
    • mild red chile sauce
    • tomato sauce
    • green chiles
    • beans
    • garlic
    • chili powder
    • cumin
    • cheddar cheese
    • flour (for gluten free, substitute cornstarch or arrowroot powder)
    • butter
    • evaporated milk
    • broth

    Directions for Cooking:

    1. In a large pan set to medium low heat, stir together the chicken, onion, green chile sauce, red chile sauce, tomato sauce, green chiles, beans, garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Cover and allow mixture to warm while you make the sauce. Stir occasionally.
    2. In a small saucepan set to medium heat, stir together the 2 tablespoons flour and butter until a smooth lump forms. Stir in the milk and continue cooking until mixture thickens.
    3. Slowly add the milk mixture into the chili, stirring to combine. Stir in the cheese if using and continue cooking until melted.
    4. Slowly add up to two cups of broth if needed to thin. You will want this recipe to have the consistency of soup which will be thinner than a traditional chili recipe.
    5. Serve garnished with additional cheese, tortilla strips, cilantro, or sour cream.
    a delicious recipe for zupas chicken enchilada chili soup with chicken, milk, beans, and cheese

    Questions About Making Zupas Soup at Home

    Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

    Yes, Zupas Chicken Enchilada Chili Soup can be made in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the soup is heated through and the flavors are blended.

    Is Zupas Chicken Enchilada Chili Soup spicy?

    Zupas Chicken Enchilada Chili Soup has a mild to medium level of spiciness, depending on the type and amount of chili peppers used. You can adjust the spiciness to your taste by using more or less chili peppers or omitting them altogether.

    Can I use leftover cooked chicken?

    Yes, you can use leftover cooked chicken in Zupas Chicken Enchilada Chili Soup. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup along with the other ingredients.

    Is this soup gluten-free?

    Zupas Chicken Enchilada Chili Soup is gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and canned tomatoes.

    Can I freeze Zupas Chicken Enchilada Chili Soup?

    Yes, you can freeze Zupas Chicken Enchilada Chili Soup. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

    Other Delicious Soup Recipes

    If you're a fan of the favorite cafe, you can make some Zupas garden chowder, Zupas Christmas chowder, or Zupas pumpkin coconut soup.

    a delicious recipe for zupas chicken enchilada chili soup with chicken, milk, beans, and cheese

    Copycat Zupa's Chicken Enchilada Chili Recipe

    Traci Wennerholm
    Chicken enchilada chili is nspired by the iconic flavors of enchiladas, and features tender chicken, a rich enchilada sauce, and a medley of chili beans and spices all simmered to perfection
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    0 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Soup
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 425 kcal

    Equipment

    • saucepan

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups cooked chicken cut into very small bite sized pieces
    • 1 small onion chopped
    • 1 10 ounce can mild green chile sauce
    • 1 10 ounce can mild red chile sauce
    • 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
    • 1 4 ounce can diced green chiles
    • 1 15 ounce can black or white beans rinsed and drained
    • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
    • 2 tablespoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
    • 2 tablespoon flour
    • 2 tablespoon butter
    • 1 15 ounce can evaporated milk
    • 2 cups broth

    Instructions
     

    • In a large pan set to medium low heat, stir together the chicken, onion, green chile sauce, red chile sauce, tomato sauce, green chiles, beans, garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Cover and allow mixture to warm while you make the sauce. Stir occasionally.
    • In a small saucepan set to medium heat, stir together the 2 tablespoons flour and butter until a smooth lump forms. Stir in the milk and continue cooking until mixture thickens.
    • Slowly add the milk mixture into the chili, stirring to combine. Stir in the cheese if using and continue cooking until melted.
    • Slowly add up to two cups of broth if needed to thin. You will want this recipe to have the consistency of soup which will be thinner than a traditional chili recipe.
    • Serve garnished with additional cheese, tortilla strips, cilantro, or sour cream.

    Notes

    Substitutions:
    Gluten free: Substitute gluten free flour, cornstarch or arrowroot powder in place of the flour. 
    Dairy free: Substitute dairy free cheese, butter and dairy free evaporated milk in place of 
    Storing:
    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 425kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 22gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 4629mgPotassium: 703mgFiber: 11gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 1349IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 290mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword chicken enchilada chili, easy chili recipe, hearty chili recipe
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Kaye Rasmussen

      April 09, 2014 at 1:09 pm

      Where do you buy the mild green and red chile sauce??

      Reply
      • burntapple

        April 10, 2014 at 5:36 am

        I have found it in the mexican food aisle of the grocery store or health food store. It's available at any grocery store but specifically I bought mine at Walmart one time and Sprouts another time I made this.

        Reply
    2. Jenna Loss

      July 11, 2014 at 3:25 pm

      Thanks so much! I had this for the first time last night and loved it. I'm stoked to make it at home 🙂

      Reply
      • burntapple

        July 11, 2014 at 6:57 pm

        So glad you liked it. It has seriously saved me so much money and time not having to go into the store. 🙂

        Reply
    3. Marissa

      September 28, 2014 at 12:26 pm

      Just wondering, are the green chile and red chile sauces supposed to be enchilada sauces?

      Reply
      • burntapple

        September 28, 2014 at 10:20 pm

        Yes, depending on the store and the brand they are enchilada sauce or chile sauce. But yes, you can use mild enchilada sauces. Thanks!

        Reply
    4. Marie

      May 20, 2015 at 9:33 am

      It looks delicious! Have you ever tried it in a crock pot?

      Reply
      • burntapple

        May 21, 2015 at 6:48 am

        I have tried it in the crockpot. It works great. I have had to use a little cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken it but it tasted fantastic and was nice to not have to worry about all day.

        Reply
    5. Paul

      August 09, 2015 at 3:12 pm

      Just made this... it is delicious! Thanks!

      Reply
      • burntapple

        August 11, 2015 at 4:39 pm

        So glad that you enjoyed it. Have a great day!

        Reply
    6. Jackie Welch

      June 22, 2020 at 12:19 pm

      Hi, what brand of red and green chile sauce do you use?

      Reply
      • burntapple

        June 22, 2020 at 1:55 pm

        I really don't use a specific brand. Sometimes I'll use storebrand and sometimes I'll use something I find at the store. I do usually use mild though. Hope that helps!

        Reply

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