Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delicious twist on the classic version, with the added richness of a creamy broth. It’s hearty enough to be a full meal, thanks to the protein-packed chicken and beans, yet it still has a fresh, zesty flavor from the spices, lime juice, and toppings. It’s also super customizable—adjust the heat, add your favorite toppings, or even make it dairy-free if needed!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 cup frozen or canned corn

• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

• Juice of 1 lime

For Topping (optional):

• Crispy tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips

• Avocado slices

• Fresh cilantro

• Sour cream

• Additional shredded cheese

• Jalapeño slices

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Soup Base:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until soft. Stir in the garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

2. Add the Liquids and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans. Stir to combine, then add the cooked shredded chicken. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Make It Creamy:

3. Stir in the Cream and Cheese: Add the heavy cream and shredded cheese to the soup. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

4. Finish with Lime Juice: Stir in the lime juice to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve:

5. Add Toppings: Ladle the creamy chicken tortilla soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings—crispy tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or jalapeños.

Enjoy!

Serve immediately while hot for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add a chopped jalapeño with the onion, or a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

• Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and skip the cheese, or use dairy-free cheese.

• Thicker Soup: Add a few crushed tortilla chips directly to the soup to naturally thicken it.

• Add Rice: Stir in cooked white or brown rice to make it even heartier.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: For best results, freeze the soup before adding the cream and cheese. Reheat and stir those in just before serving.

• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken in this recipe?

Yes. If using raw chicken breasts, add them when you add the broth and simmer for 20 minutes or until fully cooked. Then shred and return to the pot.

What cheese is best for this soup?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend cheese all work great. Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Add all ingredients except the cream and cheese to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in cream and cheese 30 minutes before serving.

What are the best tortillas for crispy topping?

Use corn tortillas, cut into strips and lightly fried or baked until crispy. You can also use store-bought tortilla strips or chips for convenience.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful, satisfying soup that’s perfect for cozy nights and easy dinners. Packed with bold flavors, creamy texture, and topped with all your favorites, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s quick to make and easy to customize, making it a staple recipe you’ll turn to again and again!