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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Integrate tender shredded chicken into the bubbling liquid, allowing ingredients to harmonize and develop robust flavors for 8-10 minutes.
- 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.
- Remove pot from heat source, delicately fold freshly chopped cilantro throughout the soup, releasing vibrant herbal notes.
- 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