Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe: Cozy Homemade Comfort

Comfort comes alive with this mouthwatering chicken tortilla soup that promises warmth in every spoonful.

Layers of rich flavors dance through each carefully crafted bite.

Mexican culinary traditions inspire this hearty creation that blends tender chicken and robust spices.

Creamy textures mingle with crisp tortilla strips, creating a symphony of taste sensations.

Southwest-inspired ingredients bring depth and character to this soul-satisfying meal.

Peppers, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs weave magic into the pot.

You will fall in love with this simple yet incredibly delicious soup that feels like a warm embrace.

Prepare to savor every incredible moment of cooking and eating this exceptional dish.

Why Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Warms Every Bite

• Savor Comfort Quickly: This creamy chicken tortilla soup delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and satisfying.
• Customize Your Bowl: Easily personalize each serving with toppings like crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime, making it interactive and fun for the whole family.
• Pack Powerful Nutrition: Loaded with protein from chicken, fiber-rich beans and corn, and vibrant vegetables, this soup provides a balanced meal that keeps everyone feeling full and nourished.
• One-Pot Wonder: Prepare everything in a single pot, reducing cleanup time and making this recipe ideal for home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal dishes to wash afterward.

What Goes Into Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Shredded Chicken: A hearty protein that adds substance and flavor to the soup.

• Onion, Garlic, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell Pepper: These vegetables create a flavorful and aromatic base for the soup.
• Black Beans, Corn: Provide additional texture and nutritional value to the soup.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: Add a tangy and slightly spicy element to the dish.

• Cumin, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: These spices bring depth, warmth, and complexity to the soup's flavor profile.

• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Create a rich and creamy foundation for the soup.

• Cilantro, Tortilla Strips, Lime Wedge: Provide fresh, crunchy, and bright finishing elements to enhance the overall taste and presentation.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and creating a smooth cooking base.

How To Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Easily

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Vegetable Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced red and green bell peppers.

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and release their wonderful fragrance, which takes about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Soup Foundation

• Diced tomatoes with green chiles
• Black beans
• Corn
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Bring the mixture to a gentle, bubbling simmer that allows all the spices to dance and mingle.

Step 3: Incorporate Tender Chicken

Add the shredded chicken to the simmering soup. Let everything cook together for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and deepen.

Step 4: Transform Soup Into Creamy Delight

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently and let the soup cook for another 5 minutes until it becomes luxuriously smooth and thoroughly heated.

Step 5: Finish With Fresh Herbs

Remove the pot from the heat and sprinkle in freshly chopped cilantro, stirring to distribute the bright, herbal notes throughout the soup.

Step 6: Serve With Crispy Garnishes

Ladle the soup into bowls.

Top with crispy tortilla strips and place a lime wedge on the side for a zesty squeeze of freshness.

Tips To Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Even Better

• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that maintains creamy richness.
• Enhance flavor by roasting bell peppers beforehand to deepen the smoky undertones of the soup.
• Prep shredded chicken in advance using rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken to save cooking time.
• Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding fresh jalapeños for extra heat.
• Extend soup's lifespan by storing separately from tortilla strips to prevent soggy texture, keeping crispy elements fresh until serving.

Tasty Spins On Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Soup: Add diced jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat and bold flavor.
• Vegetarian Green Chile Soup: Replace chicken with roasted poblano peppers and add extra black beans for protein.
• Seafood Tortilla Chowder: Swap chicken with fresh shrimp or white fish, and include diced zucchini for a coastal-inspired version.
• Lean Green Protein Soup: Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, and add quinoa for increased nutritional value and texture.

Perfect Sides For Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Boost Freshness with Citrus Margarita: Complement the soup's creamy richness with a zesty lime margarita that echoes the bright lime garnish and cuts through the heavy cream.
• Elevate with Crisp Mexican Lager: Pair the tortilla soup with a cold Mexican beer like Modelo or Corona, which refreshes the palate and balances the soup's spicy, complex flavors.
• Enhance with Jalapeño Cornbread: Serve a side of slightly spicy jalapeño cornbread to add texture and complement the soup's Mexican-inspired ingredients, providing a satisfying crunch against the creamy base.
• Match with Cilantro-Lime Rice: Add a light cilantro-lime rice alongside the soup to echo the herbs and provide a clean, bright counterpoint to the rich, creamy chicken tortilla soup.

How To Store Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freezes well for up to 3 months. Avoid adding cream before freezing.
• Reheat on Stovetop: Thaw frozen soup in refrigerator overnight. Warm in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency.
• Microwave Reheating: Transfer portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature, typically 2-3 minutes.

FAQs For Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Fans

• Can I make this soup spicier?

Add more chili powder or include diced jalapeños during the sautéing stage for extra heat. You can also top the soup with hot sauce for additional spiciness.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check that your broth and canned ingredients do not contain hidden gluten sources. Use gluten-free tortilla strips if needed.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken separately?

Absolutely! Shred a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time. This will cut down your preparation process and still provide delicious flavor.

• How can I make this soup healthier?

Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk. Use low-sodium chicken broth and add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to increase nutritional value.

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican kitchens inspire this soul-warming creamy chicken tortilla soup with rich layers of flavor and comforting texture. Spicy, tangy broth and tender chicken create a perfect balance that will satisfy hearty appetites and transport you to a culinary paradise.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup corn kernels

Base and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 410 grams) diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup heavy cream

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish and Serving:

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Tortilla strips
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high temperature, introducing diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced bell peppers. Allow vegetables to soften and become translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Pour chicken broth into the pot, incorporating diced tomatoes with green chiles, rinsed black beans, sweet corn kernels, and aromatic spices including cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Gently elevate the mixture to a rolling simmer.
3. Integrate tender shredded chicken into the bubbling liquid, allowing ingredients to harmonize and develop robust flavors for 8-10 minutes.
4. Transition heat to low, slowly swirl rich heavy cream into the soup, creating a luxurious texture. Continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes until soup reaches a velvety consistency.
5. Remove pot from heat source, delicately fold freshly chopped cilantro throughout the soup, releasing vibrant herbal notes.
6. Ladle steaming soup into individual serving bowls, garnishing with crisp tortilla strips and accompanying with a zesty lime wedge for personalized brightness.

Notes

• Easily swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save preparation time and add extra flavor depth.
• For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce during the simmering process to enhance the heat level.
• Meal prep friendly: soup can be stored in airtight containers for up to 4 days, with flavors developing more intensely overnight in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg