Easy Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe That Wows Every Time

Comfort meets culinary magic in this creamy chicken tortilla soup that whispers warmth with every spoonful.

Mexican-inspired flavors dance through a rich broth packed with tender shredded meat and velvety textures.

Chunks of roasted vegetables add unexpected depth to each carefully crafted bite.

Layers of spices create a symphony that feels like a cozy afternoon in a southwestern kitchen.

Crispy tortilla strips provide a delightful crunch against the smooth soup base.

Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime brighten the entire experience with zesty notes.

Slurp into this soul-satisfying bowl and let every mouthful tell a delicious story.

Chicken Tortilla Soup Gets a Creamy Upgrade

Whip Up Effortless Comfort: Reasons to Love This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Quick Weeknight Rescue: Prepare this hearty soup in just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy families needing a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adjust spice levels and toppings to suit everyone's taste, ensuring kids and adults alike will enjoy this versatile soup with its rich, creamy texture.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single pot recipe that combines protein, vegetables, and bold flavors, saving time on cooking and washing dishes after dinner.
• Nutritious and Satisfying: Pack in protein from chicken, fiber from beans and vegetables, and comforting creaminess that keeps you full and nourished with minimal effort.

Chicken Tortilla Soup Ingredients

• Chicken: Shredded protein that adds heartiness and substance to the soup, best when pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for convenience.

• Onion, Garlic: Base flavor builders with depth and rich savory notes, choose fresh for best taste.
• Bell Pepper, Jalapeño: Adds fresh heat and vegetable complexity, optional for adjusting spice level.

• Chicken Broth: Primary soup liquid providing foundational flavor and moisture.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and tangy base, canned varieties work perfectly.
• Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Introduces additional mild heat and complexity.

• Cumin: Warm, earthy spice typical in Mexican cuisine.
• Chili Powder: Provides mild heat and traditional southwestern flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth and rich color.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential basic seasonings for balanced taste.

• Heavy Cream: Creates rich, smooth texture.
• Cream Cheese: Adds luxurious thickness and tang.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Brings melty, sharp cheese flavor.

• Black Beans: Protein-rich legume with soft texture.
• Corn: Sweet kernel that provides slight crunch.

• Tortilla Strips: Crispy topping for textural contrast.
• Avocado: Creamy, fresh element.
• Cilantro: Bright herb with distinctive flavor.
• Lime: Adds fresh citrus brightness.
• Sour Cream: Optional cool, tangy topping.

Chicken Tortilla Soup Creamy Cooking Steps

Step 1: Awaken The Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a spacious pot over medium flame.

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Chopped bell pepper
• Diced jalapeño (optional)

Sizzle and dance these ingredients for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release their magical fragrances.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundations

• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Sea salt
• Cracked black pepper

• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomatoes with green chilies
• Black beans
• Corn kernels

Let everything bubble gently and meld together for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Transform Into Creamy Bliss

Gently fold in tender shredded chicken.

• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese
• Shredded cheddar

Stir consistently until the cheese melts, creating a velvety smooth texture.

Step 4: Elevate With Gorgeous Garnishes

Ladle the soup into warm bowls.

• Crispy tortilla strips
• Sliced avocado
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedge

Optional luxurious extras: dollop of sour cream, extra cheese sprinkle.

Creamy Tortilla Soup Tips to Serve it Just Right

• Softening vegetables first releases their natural sugars, creating a deeper, richer flavor profile for the soup.
• Adjust jalapeño quantity or remove seeds to control spiciness, making the soup friendly for different heat tolerances.
• Substitute shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for dietary preferences.
• Replace heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut milk or cashew cream to create a lighter, vegan-friendly version.
• Toast tortilla strips in a skillet with a touch of olive oil for extra crunch and a more intense corn flavor before garnishing.

Chicken Tortilla Soup Leftover Tips

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack soup in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Avoid adding cream before freezing to maintain texture.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore consistency if the soup thickens during storage. Heat until steaming and reaching 165°F.
• Transfer portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup is thoroughly hot and bubbling.

What Complements Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Pair Zesty Mexican Lager: Crack open a crisp Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to complement the soup's spicy and creamy profile. The light, refreshing beer cuts through the richness and balances the heat.
• Enhance with Lime Margarita: Mix a classic margarita with fresh lime juice to echo the citrusy notes in the soup. The tequila's sharpness and salt rim create a perfect flavor dance with the creamy chicken tortilla soup.
• Match with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc with bright acidity to contrast the soup's creaminess. Its herbal undertones and citrus hints harmonize beautifully with the cilantro and lime garnish.
• Boost with Sparkling Paloma Cocktail: Shake up a sparkling Paloma with grapefruit soda and tequila to bring a zesty, effervescent companion to the soup. The cocktail's citrusy kick and light bubbles cleanse the palate between creamy bites.

Chicken Tortilla Soup Made with Flavor Flexibility

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream, cream cheese, and cheddar with coconut milk, nutritional yeast, and dairy-free cheese alternatives for a lactose-free version.
• Vegetarian Victory: Swap chicken with black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, or plant-based chicken substitutes to create a hearty meatless soup.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Increase jalapeño, add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and include a dash of cayenne for an extra-hot flavor profile that packs a punch.
• Low-Carb Friendly: Skip tortilla strips, use cauliflower instead of corn, and reduce bean quantity to lower carbohydrate content while maintaining rich, satisfying taste.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this soup?

Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken are perfect as they’re already cooked and easy to shred, saving time and adding great flavor.

• Can I make this soup spicy?

Absolutely! Increase the jalapeño quantity or add hot sauce to boost the heat level according to your preference. You can also include red pepper flakes for extra kick.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

The recipe can be easily made gluten-free by using gluten-free chicken broth and ensuring your spices are certified gluten-free. Just double-check ingredient labels.

• How can I make this soup healthier?

Use low-fat cream cheese, reduced-fat cheddar, and replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk to lower the calorie and fat content while maintaining a creamy texture.

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets Mexican cuisine in this creamy chicken tortilla soup, blending rich, velvety textures with bold spices and tender chicken. Hearty ingredients and a silky broth invite you to savor each spoonful of this soul-warming dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
• Extra shredded cheese (optional)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Liquids, Spices, and Canned Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 (10 ounces) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• 1 (15 ounces) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 cup crispy tortilla strips (or crushed tortilla chips)
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

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Instructions

1. Prepare the flavor base by heating olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high temperature, introducing diced onion, minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, and diced jalapeño to develop a robust aromatic foundation.
2. Enhance the mixture with a blend of warming spices including cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, complemented by salt and freshly ground black pepper, allowing the spices to bloom and release their intense flavors.
3. Create the soup’s liquid component by incorporating chicken broth, diced tomatoes, green chili tomatoes, black beans, and sweet corn kernels, allowing these ingredients to meld and simmer gently for approximately 10 minutes.
4. Introduce tender shredded chicken into the simmering liquid, reducing the heat to maintain a gentle warmth that promotes ingredient integration.
5. Transform the soup’s texture and richness by slowly incorporating heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and sharp cheddar cheese, stirring consistently to achieve a velvety, smooth consistency.
6. Elevate the final presentation by carefully ladling the creamy soup into serving bowls, garnishing with crisp tortilla strips, freshly diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and a vibrant lime juice squeeze.
7. Optional: Complete the dish with a dollop of cool sour cream and an additional sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra indulgence.

Notes

• Customize the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeño or using milder peppers for sensitive palates.
• Opt for rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
• Transform this into a vegetarian version by replacing chicken with black beans, tofu, or additional vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.
• Reduce the dairy content by using coconut milk or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter, healthier alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg