Luscious Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

The aroma of authentic Mexican comfort swoops through kitchens with this creamy chicken tortilla soup that promises pure culinary magic.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly to create a bowl of pure deliciousness.

Tender chicken, rich spices, and smooth cream form the heart of this soul-warming recipe.

Vibrant vegetables dance alongside robust flavors, making each spoonful an adventure.

Home cooks adore how simple yet spectacular this soup turns out.

Layers of texture and taste elevate this classic dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Prepare to savor every comforting, delectable bite of this irresistible soup.

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup What Makes It Special

• Whip up this delicious soup with minimal cooking skills, perfect for beginners or busy home cooks who want a satisfying meal without complicated techniques.
• Enjoy a harmony of tastes from the rich tomatoes, spicy Rotel, hearty black beans, and tender chicken, creating a mouthwatering combination that will delight your taste buds.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-pot recipe that brings together all ingredients smoothly, making dinner preparation stress-free and convenient for families.
• Customize your soup with a variety of fresh toppings like shredded cheese, crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, or sour cream to match your personal preference and make each serving unique.

Chicken Tortilla Soup Ingredient Roundup

• Chicken: Tender protein that adds substance and flavor to the soup.

• Onion, Rotel Tomatoes: Provide a robust and slightly spicy foundation for the soup.
• Corn, Black Beans: Add texture and hearty nutrients to the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid base and enhances overall soup flavor.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Contributes rich tomato depth and smooth consistency.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle, smooth flavor.
• Cream: Gives the soup a luxurious, creamy texture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing the soup's taste.

Kitchen Gear for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing onions and combining all ingredients with even heat distribution.
• Wooden spoon: Essential for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking while cooking.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately portion chicken broth, corn, and other ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping onions and preparing any additional toppings.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Lid: Covers skillet during simmering to retain moisture and heat.

Making Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Steps

Step 1: Sizzle Golden Onions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Toss chopped onions into the pan and cook until they turn soft and develop a golden, caramelized edge, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

• Crushed tomatoes
• Rotel tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Corn kernels
• Black beans
• Your favorite spice blend

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, allowing the ingredients to mingle and release their robust flavors.

Step 3: Gentle Simmer

Reduce heat to low.

Cover the pot with a lid slightly open to allow steam to escape.

Let the soup simmer quietly for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and harmonize.

Step 4: Enrich and Complete

Stir in heavy cream and shredded chicken.

Warm the soup gently for 3-5 minutes until the chicken is heated through.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference.

Step 5: Dress and Delight

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

• Crispy tortilla strips
• Fresh cilantro
• Shredded cheese
• Sliced avocado
• Sour cream

Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting, creamy goodness.

Soup-Making Tips for Perfect Texture

• Soften Aromatics Thoroughly sauté onions to develop deep, rich flavor and prevent raw taste in the final soup.
• Control Liquid Consistency Adjust chicken broth amount for thicker or thinner soup texture based on personal preference.
• Enhance Protein Options Swap chicken with rotisserie, shredded beef, or plant-based alternatives for varied protein choices.
• Boost Flavor Depth Toast spices briefly before adding liquid to intensify their aromatic qualities and create more complex taste profile.
• Garnish Creatively Top with fresh cilantro, crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, or lime wedges for added texture and brightness.

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Flavor Options

• Vegetarian Bean Swap: Replace chicken with extra firm tofu or mixed beans for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains the soup's creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk instead of cream and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to create a lactose-free, allergen-friendly option that still delivers rich taste.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or increase chili powder to elevate heat levels for those craving more intense, bold flavors in the soup.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute beans and corn with cauliflower rice or zucchini chunks to reduce carbohydrate content while preserving the soup's hearty and satisfying qualities.

Serving Chicken Tortilla Soup Hot

• Cozy Dinner Companions: Pair with warm, crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the delicious soup broth.
• Topping Extravaganza: Sprinkle shredded cheese, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and crispy tortilla strips for added texture and flavor.
• Complete Meal Strategy: Serve alongside a light green salad with lime vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy soup and create a satisfying dinner experience.
• Fresh Finish: Top with a dollop of sour cream and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the entire dish with tangy freshness.

Chicken Tortilla Soup Storage Suggestions

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Transfer frozen or refrigerated soup to a pot. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and reaches 165°F internal temperature.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply add it during the final warming stage of the recipe.

• Is this soup spicy?

The Rotel tomatoes add a mild kick, but you can control heat by choosing mild Rotel or substituting with regular diced tomatoes if you prefer less spice.

• Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Substitute the cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy alternative cream to create a dairy-free version that maintains the creamy texture.

• How can I make this soup healthier?

Use low-sodium chicken broth, add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini, and choose lean chicken breast for a more nutritious version.

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty chicken tortilla soup brings Mexican comfort to your table with rich, layered flavors. Warm spices and tender chicken create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
• 1 can (28 oz / 794 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) black beans, drained & rinsed

Vegetables and Tomato Components:

• 1 can (10 oz / 283 g) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (12 oz / 340 g) corn, drained
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Tortilla strips
• Avocado
• Sour cream
• Tex-Mex cheese

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high temperature, sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and develop a light golden hue, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Incorporate crushed tomatoes, Rotel, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, corn kernels, and black beans into the pot, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
3. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer, covering the pot with a slightly ajar lid for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
4. Carefully pour in heavy cream and shredded chicken, allowing the soup to warm through and integrate the new ingredients, stirring occasionally for 3-5 minutes.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
6. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with optional toppings like crisp tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the most tender and flavorful soup.
• Swap regular cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Customize heat levels by selecting mild or spicy Rotel tomatoes, allowing flexible spice preferences for different palates.
• Quickly shred rotisserie chicken as a time-saving hack for busy home cooks wanting faster meal preparation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg