Homemade Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe: Zesty & Cozy Joy!

Crafting a delightful chicken tortilla soup brings comfort right to your kitchen table.

Layers of rich flavors dance through each spoonful, creating a memorable meal.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

Tender chicken nestles among softened tortilla strips, promising a culinary adventure.

Mexican-inspired seasonings infuse the broth with depth and character.

Creamy textures invite you to savor each delicious moment.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite that sparks joy around the dinner table.

What Makes Chicken Tortilla Soup Loved

• Packed with bold spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, this soup delivers a taste adventure in every spoonful.
• Adapt the toppings to suit everyone's preferences, making it perfect for picky eaters and adventurous food lovers alike.
• Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor combine in this simple, streamlined recipe that goes from stovetop to table with minimal fuss.

Ingredients in Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Chicken Broth: Provides the liquid foundation for the soup, adding depth and flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Brings acidity and mild heat to the soup.
• Black Beans: Adds protein and creamy texture to the soup.
• Corn: Provides sweetness and texture to the soup.

• Shredded Chicken: Hearty protein that makes the soup filling and satisfying. Choose rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience.

• Onion, Garlic, Jalapeno: Classic flavor base that builds depth. Fresh ingredients are best; jalapeno can be adjusted for heat preference.
• Cumin, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Coriander: Warm spices that create a rich, complex flavor profile. Use fresh spices for maximum taste.

• Heavy Cream, Half-and-Half: Adds richness and smoothness to the soup. Choose based on dietary preference.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a velvety texture and adds tangy flavor. Full-fat version works best for smoothest incorporation.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing aromatics and building initial flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.

• Tortilla Strips or Chips, Lime Wedge: Adds crunch and brightness to the soup.

How to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup Easily

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor Base

• Onion
• Garlic
• Jalapeno (optional)

Sizzle and dance these ingredients until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Unleash the Spice Magic

• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Coriander

Stir and toast these spices for a quick minute to wake up their incredible aromas.

Step 3: Build Your Soup Foundation

• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies

• Black beans
• Corn
• Shredded chicken

Bring the whole party to a gentle bubble.

Step 4: Let the Flavors Dance

Lower the heat and let everything simmer and mingle for 15-20 minutes. This is where the magic happens, allowing all the ingredients to become best friends.

Step 5: Create Creamy Perfection

• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese

Keep stirring until the cream cheese melts completely and becomes one with the soup.

Season with salt and pepper to make your taste buds sing.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

• Crispy tortilla strips
• Your favorite toppings

Squeeze a fresh lime wedge for that zingy final touch.

Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Tips That Add Extra Creaminess

• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of jalapeno and chili powder to match your heat preference, creating a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste buds.
• Boost Protein Power: Swap shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken or add extra beans for a protein-packed meal that keeps you satisfied longer.
• Create Creamy Consistency: Whisk cream cheese separately before adding to prevent lumps, ensuring a smooth and velvety texture throughout the soup.
• Meal Prep Magic: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, knowing the flavors will continue to develop and become even more delicious over time.
• Dietary Flexibility: Easily make this soup gluten-free by using corn tortilla strips and checking that your broth is certified gluten-free for sensitive diners.

Best Storage for Leftover Tortilla Soup

• Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing soup with cream, as it may separate when thawed.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore consistency if needed. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warmed.
• Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between each interval to ensure even heating and prevent hot spots.

Serve Soup with These Sides

• Complement the soup's creamy richness with a zesty margarita featuring fresh lime juice and a hint of orange, cutting through the soup's heavy texture while echoing the lime garnish.
• Create a light, crisp salad with mixed greens, queso fresco, diced avocado, and a tangy cilantro-lime vinaigrette that provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
• Prepare a simple side of fluffy white rice mixed with chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, offering a light, aromatic accompaniment that matches the soup's Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Select a crisp Mexican lager or a hoppy amber ale that can stand up to the soup's robust spices while providing a clean, refreshing counterpoint to the creamy texture.

Flavor Twists for Tortilla Soup

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a creamy, lactose-free version that maintains rich flavor.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute shredded chicken with black beans, quinoa, or roasted cauliflower to create a protein-packed meatless alternative that keeps the soup hearty and satisfying.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip tortilla strips and use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice as a base, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the soup's vibrant Mexican-inspired profile.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Add fresh cilantro, increase jalapeño quantity, and incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper for heat-seekers wanting an extra kick of flavor and spiciness.

Chicken Tortilla Soup FAQs

• Is this soup spicy?

The heat level depends on the jalapeño. For mild, remove seeds; for extra spice, keep seeds in. You can also adjust chili powder amount.

• Can I use different protein?

Absolutely! Swap shredded chicken with ground turkey, beef, or even make it vegetarian using black beans or plant-based protein.

• What if I don't have fresh cream cheese?

Substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt. Both will provide creamy texture and tangy flavor to the soup.

• How do I make tortilla strips at home?

Cut corn tortillas into thin strips, toss with oil and salt, then bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until crispy and golden brown.

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Delicious creamy chicken tortilla soup delivers Mexican-inspired comfort with rich, spicy flavors guaranteed to warm hungry hearts. Perfectly balanced ingredients and simple preparation make this hearty dish a quick weeknight meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

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

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn

Base and Liquid Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings:

• Crispy tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
• Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Diced avocado
• Lime wedges
• Sour cream

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a substantial cooking vessel, introducing finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced jalapeño. Gently sauté the aromatics until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Introduce an aromatic blend of cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and ground coriander. Toast the spices briefly to enhance their deep, complex flavors.
3. Pour chicken broth into the pot, incorporating diced tomatoes with green chilies. Integrate black beans, sweet corn kernels, and tender shredded chicken into the liquid foundation.
4. Allow the soup to reach a gentle bubbling state, then reduce temperature to create a slow, harmonious simmer. Let the ingredients meld and develop rich flavors for 15-20 minutes.
5. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and softened cream cheese, stirring consistently until the dairy components completely dissolve and create a luxuriously smooth texture.
6. Calibrate the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
7. Transfer the creamy soup into serving bowls, garnishing with crisp tortilla strips, optional toppings like fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or shredded cheese, and serve with a vibrant lime wedge for a zesty finishing touch.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeño quantity or using milder peppers like poblano for sensitive palates.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that adds rich, creamy texture without compromising flavor.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and controlling added salt during seasoning process.
• Bulk up protein content by adding extra shredded chicken or stirring in rinsed canned black beans for more nutritional density.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg