Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Introduction

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is the ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out. Imagine a rich, velvety broth filled with tender chunks of chicken, aromatic spices, and a medley of fresh vegetables. The creamy base takes this classic chicken tortilla soup to the next level, offering a silky texture that pairs perfectly with the crunchy tortilla strips sprinkled on top. Every spoonful is a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and freshness, making it a comforting dish ideal for cozy nights in or any time you crave something filling yet satisfying.

The first time I made Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, I was struck by how easily it came together. In just one pot, I had a meal that was both hearty and flavorful, with every ingredient enhancing the others. As it simmered, the kitchen filled with the warm scents of cumin, garlic, and chili, making it impossible not to sneak a taste before it was fully ready. When I finally ladled the soup into bowls, topped with crispy tortilla strips, and took my first bite, I knew I had discovered a new family favorite.

What I love most about this soup is its versatility. You can adjust the level of creaminess or spice to suit your preferences, whether you like it extra spicy or want to keep it mild. Plus, it’s a great base for adding other toppings like avocado, cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. Whether served for dinner or as a hearty appetizer, Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is sure to become a go-to dish that everyone will love.

Perfect for:

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• Weeknight dinners
• Family meals
• Cold weather comfort food
• Lunches
• Meal prep

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Here’s why Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Rich and Creamy: The addition of cream cheese and a splash of heavy cream creates a luxurious texture that elevates the soup to new heights.
• Balanced Flavor: A combination of savory chicken, bold spices, and fresh vegetables ensures every spoonful is packed with flavor.
• Perfectly Hearty: This soup is hearty enough to serve as a meal on its own, with tender chicken, corn, and beans providing a satisfying bite.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder or jalapeños, making it as mild or spicy as you like.
• Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a flavorful, filling meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (4 oz) can green chilies, undrained
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for garnish)
• 1 cup tortilla strips (or crushed tortilla chips)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
• Sliced avocado, for garnish (optional)
• Lime wedges, for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken: Tender, shredded chicken provides a hearty base for the soup, making it filling and comforting.
• Cream Cheese: The cream cheese adds richness and a velvety texture, transforming the broth into a creamy, indulgent base.
• Chili Powder and Cumin: These spices bring warmth and depth to the soup, giving it that signature Tex-Mex flavor.
• Tortilla Strips: The crispy strips or crushed chips add the perfect crunch, balancing out the creamy soup.
• Fresh Garnishes: Garnishes like avocado, lime, and cilantro add freshness and a bright contrast to the richness of the soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup:

Cook the Chicken:

1. Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes per side). Remove from the pot and set aside to cool slightly before shredding the chicken using two forks. Alternatively, use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time.

Prepare the Soup Base:

2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Add the Vegetables and Spices: Add the canned diced tomatoes, green chilies, black beans, corn, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Add the Cream and Cheese:

4. Stir in the Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream: Add the softened cream cheese to the pot and stir until it melts and combines with the broth. Pour in the heavy cream and stir again, allowing the soup to become creamy and smooth.
5. Add the Shredded Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken and simmer for another 5-10 minutes to heat through and ensure the chicken is fully incorporated into the soup.

Serve and Garnish:

6. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese (optional), tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice for added brightness.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delicious meal that can be served in various ways:

• As a Main Dish: Serve the soup in large bowls as a main course, especially with the addition of tortilla chips, cheese, and creamy garnishes.
• With Cornbread or Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with warm cornbread or a loaf of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• With a Side Salad: Serve with a side of mixed greens or a simple Mexican-style salad for a light and fresh contrast to the rich soup.
• As a Party Dish: Make this soup in a large batch for a gathering or potluck, offering guests the option to add their favorite toppings.
• In Individual Servings: For a more elegant presentation, serve the soup in small, individual bowls topped with the garnishes of your choice.

Additional Tips for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Here are some tips to ensure your Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is perfect every time:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this recipe. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a spicier soup, add more chili powder or a few slices of jalapeño. For a milder version, skip the green chilies or reduce the chili powder.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to make the soup dairy-free.
• Add Extra Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase the vegetable content and add more flavor to the soup.
• Prep Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving for a quick and easy meal.

Recipe Variations for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Here are 10 variations you can try for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup:

• Spicy Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky and spicy kick.
• Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tortilla Soup: Stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro for a zesty, bright flavor.
• Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Soup: Add extra cheese (like Monterey Jack or queso fresco) to the soup for an extra creamy, cheesy flavor.
• Chicken and White Bean Tortilla Soup: Replace black beans with white beans (like great northern or cannellini beans) for a different texture.
• Vegetarian Tortilla Soup: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and sweet potatoes for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup: Add diced jalapeños or chili flakes for an extra level of heat.
• Slow Cooker Version: Prepare the soup in a slow cooker by combining all ingredients and cooking on low for 4-6 hours, then stirring in the cream cheese and heavy cream at the end.
• Creamy Southwest Chicken Tortilla Soup: Add a tablespoon of taco seasoning and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a Southwestern twist.
• Lemon Chicken Tortilla Soup: Add lemon zest and juice for a fresh citrus flavor that pairs well with the creamy soup base.
• Chicken Tortilla Soup with Avocado Cream: Top the soup with a creamy avocado blend by pureeing avocado with sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove.
• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Special Equipment for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup easier:

• Large Soup Pot: A large pot is essential for cooking all the ingredients and making the soup.
• Shredded Chicken: A pair of forks works great for shredding the cooked chicken, or use a stand mixer for quicker results.
• Soup Ladle: Use a ladle to serve the soup in bowls without making a mess.
• Blender (Optional): If you want a smoother texture, blend part of the soup before adding the cream cheese and heavy cream.

FAQ Section for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this soup. They add extra flavor and moisture to the soup.
2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
   Absolutely! This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated before serving.
3. Can I make this recipe in the slow cooker?
   Yes, you can combine all the ingredients (except the cream cheese and heavy cream) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the dairy at the end for the creamy texture.
4. How can I make the soup spicier?
   Add more chili powder, jalapeños, or hot sauce to increase the spice level. Taste as you go to avoid making it too hot.
5. Can I freeze this soup?
   Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing, and reheat thoroughly when ready to serve.

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Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a heartwarming and flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding your family on a busy night or impressing guests at a gathering. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and crispy tortilla strips create a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavor. Whether you’re making it for lunch, dinner, or a cozy meal with friends, this soup is sure to be a hit.

So grab your ingredients, make a big batch, and enjoy this comforting bowl of Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup—it’s the perfect way to bring a little warmth and joy to your table.

I can’t wait to see how you make this dish your own! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your version. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your thoughts. Happy cooking!