Silky & Zesty: Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Steaming bowls of comforting creamy chicken tortilla soup bring warmth to chilly evenings.

Hearty flavors dance through tender chicken and rich, velvety broth.

Zesty spices swirl with vibrant vegetables, creating a symphony of taste in every spoonful.

This Mexican-inspired classic delivers a bold culinary experience that satisfies deep hunger.

Crispy tortilla strips add delightful crunch to the smooth, creamy base.

Home cooks love how easily this recipe comes together with simple ingredients.

Dive into a bowl of pure comfort that promises to delight your taste buds and warm your soul.

Ways To Serve Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup With Crunch

• Zesty Lime Splash: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the soup to add a bright, tangy kick that cuts through the creamy richness and elevates the overall flavor profile.
• Mexican Fiesta Garnish: Sprinkle crispy tortilla strips, crumbled queso fresco, chopped cilantro, and diced avocado on top for a colorful and textural dining experience that brings authentic southwestern flair.
• Creamy Cool Contrast: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to create a cool, smooth counterpoint to the warm, spicy soup, balancing the heat and adding extra creaminess.
• Spice Level Adventure: Set out small bowls of sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes so everyone can customize their heat level and make the meal interactive and personalized.

Storing Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup For Later

• Quick Chill Method: Place the soup in a shallow, wide container to help it cool faster before refrigerating. This technique prevents bacterial growth and maintains optimal food safety.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the tortilla strips separate to maintain their crunchiness and prevent soggy texture when reheating.
• Freezing Technique: Freeze the soup without cream or cream cheese for best results. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, stirring in the creamy ingredients after warming.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide the soup into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go meals. Label each container with the date to track freshness and ensure you consume within the recommended timeframe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing and enhances overall flavor depth.
• Onion: Adds a sweet, foundational flavor that creates depth in the soup.
• Garlic: Brings intense, aromatic notes that elevate the entire dish.
• Jalapeno: Offers a vibrant, spicy kick that can be adjusted to personal heat preference.
• Cumin: Introduces a warm, earthy undertone characteristic of Mexican cuisine.
• Chili Powder: Delivers a robust, slightly smoky heat to the soup.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes a rich, deep red color and subtle smokiness.
• Coriander: Provides a citrusy, slightly nutty background flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base that infuses the entire soup with richness.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds tanginess, moisture, and a mild heat element.
• Black Beans: Introduces creamy texture and plant-based protein.
• Corn: Brings sweet crunch and bright color to the soup.
• Shredded Chicken: Provides lean protein and makes the soup hearty and satisfying.

• Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Creates a luxurious, silky texture.
• Cream Cheese: Adds unexpected creaminess and slight tanginess.
• Salt and Pepper: Balances and enhances all the existing flavors.
• Tortilla Strips or Chips: Offers a crispy textural contrast.

Gear For Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Magic

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for sautéing aromatics and building the soup's base, ensuring even heat distribution.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking while cooking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and jalapeno with ease.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise ingredient preparation and chopping.
• Measuring Spoons: Help accurately add spices like cumin, chili powder, and coriander.
• Ladle: Ideal for serving the creamy soup into bowls without mess.
• Cheese Grater (optional): Useful if you want to freshly shred chicken or add cheese toppings.

How To Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Comforting

• Flavor Foundation

Warm up a large pot and drizzle in some olive oil. Toss in chopped onions, minced garlic, and a hint of jalapeño. Let these dance together until they become soft and fragrant.

• Spice Symphony

Sprinkle in a blend of earthy cumin, smoky chili powder, and warm coriander. Let these spices wake up and release their vibrant aromas.

• Liquid Canvas

Pour in rich chicken broth and add diced tomatoes with green chilies. Introduce shredded chicken, black beans, and corn to create a hearty mixture. Let everything bubble gently.

• Creamy Transformation

Swirl in heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring until they melt into a luxurious base. Season with salt and pepper to highlight the soup’s deep flavors.

• Final Flourish

Ladle the soup into waiting bowls. Crown each serving with crispy tortilla strips and a squeeze of fresh lime. Invite everyone to dive into this comforting bowl of warmth.

Tips To Elevate Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Soup Perfection Secrets
• Flavor-Boosting Technique: Toast spices before adding liquid to intensify their aromatics and develop a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Protein Power Swaps
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with black beans, diced tofu, or roasted cauliflower for a plant-based version that's equally satisfying and protein-packed.
• Creamy Texture Tricks
• Low-Fat Modification: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk to reduce calories while maintaining a luxurious, velvety texture.
• Dietary Flexibility
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use corn tortilla strips instead of wheat-based chips and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spice Level Control
• Heat Management: Remove jalapeno seeds for a milder version or add extra chile peppers for adventurous spice lovers who enjoy a more intense kick.

Hearty Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired creamy chicken tortilla soup delivers comfort in a bowl of rich, spicy goodness. Hearty ingredients and bold seasonings create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 (14.5 oz/414 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional)
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn, frozen
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.25 tsp ground coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
• Cheese, shredded (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• Cilantro, fresh and chopped
• Avocado, diced
• Lime wedges
• Sour cream

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame. Sauté onions, garlic, and jalapeño until vegetables become translucent, releasing their aromatic essence.
2. Spice Infusion: Introduce ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and coriander. Toast spices briefly to amplify their complex flavor dimensions and enhance the soup’s depth.
3. Liquid Composition: Pour chicken broth into the pot, blending with diced tomatoes, green chilies, black beans, corn kernels, and shredded chicken. Merge ingredients to create a harmonious, textured base.
4. Flavor Melding: Simmer the mixture, allowing ingredients to converge and develop a rich, interconnected taste profile. Let the soup gently bubble, intensifying its intricate flavor nuances.
5. Creamy Transformation: Whisk heavy cream and cream cheese into the simmering soup, stirring continuously until the mixture achieves a luxuriously smooth, velvety consistency.
6. Final Refinement: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, calibrating the flavor balance to perfection.
7. Elegant Presentation: Ladle the soup into serving bowls. Adorn with crisp tortilla strips, optional cilantro or avocado garnishes, and a zesty lime wedge to elevate the culinary experience.

Notes

• Manage Spice Intensity: Control the heat level by adjusting jalapeño quantity or removing seeds for a milder version, perfect for sensitive palates or family-friendly meals.
• Optimize Cream Incorporation: Temper cream gradually and stir consistently to prevent curdling, ensuring a smooth, luxurious texture without separation or graininess.
• Enhance Protein Flexibility: Substitute shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like shredded jackfruit for diverse dietary preferences and convenience.
• Master Flavor Layering: Toast spices before adding liquid ingredients to unlock deeper, more complex taste profiles, transforming the soup from good to extraordinary with minimal extra effort.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg