Irresistibly Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Memories of my abuela’s kitchen dance through this creamy chicken tortilla soup, bringing warmth and comfort to every spoonful.

Mexican culinary traditions weave magic into each carefully crafted ingredient.

Smooth textures and vibrant flavors tell a story of home-cooked love.

Hearty chunks of tender chicken swim alongside crispy tortilla strips, creating a symphony of contrasts.

Spices whisper tales of distant pueblos and family gatherings.

Comfort arrives in a bowl, inviting you to savor every rich, soul-warming bite.

Grab a spoon and let this soup transport you to a world of delicious memories.

Tips That Help With Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Spice Customization: Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing jalapeno and chili powder to match your personal spice tolerance.
• Protein Swap: Replace chicken with shredded turkey, rotisserie chicken, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for dietary flexibility.
• Cream Alternative: Use coconut milk or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter, healthier version without compromising creamy texture.
• Batch Prep Magic: Double the recipe and freeze portions for quick future meals, ensuring a delicious dinner is always within reach.
• Vegetable Boost: Toss in extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini to increase nutritional value and add more texture to the soup.

How To Store Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup The Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the soup will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing portions with tortilla strips or fresh toppings.
• Reheat on Stovetop: Warm the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency if needed. Heat until the soup reaches 165°F.
• Microwave Option: Transfer individual portions to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving.

Toppings And Sides For Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Complement with Crisp Margaritas: The creamy, spicy soup pairs perfectly with a classic margarita. Tequila's bright citrus notes cut through the soup's richness, while salt and lime enhance the dish's vibrant flavors.
• Match with Mexican Lager: A cold Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial provides a refreshing contrast to the soup's creamy texture. Its light, crisp profile helps balance the warmth of the spices.
• Serve with Avocado Salad: A simple avocado and cilantro salad adds freshness and texture. The cool, creamy avocado complements the soup's spicy undertones and provides a light, zesty side dish.
• Pair with Zesty Sangria: A white wine sangria with fresh citrus fruits brings a fruity, light touch to the hearty soup. The wine's acidity and fruit flavors create a delightful flavor harmony.

New Takes On Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Spicy Green Chile Version: Amp up the heat by adding roasted green chiles and increasing the jalapeno quantity. Replace regular cream cheese with pepper jack cream cheese for an extra kick of spiciness.
• Vegetarian Southwest Adaptation: Swap shredded chicken with firm cubed tofu or black bean crumbles. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain rich flavor profiles.
• Seafood Mediterranean Remix: Substitute chicken with tender white fish or shrimp. Add oregano and replace green chilies with sun-dried tomatoes. Incorporate a splash of white wine for deeper complexity.
• Coconut Curry Transformation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and add curry powder. Include diced sweet potatoes and replace regular spices with garam masala for an Indian-inspired soup experience.

FAQs For Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Lovers

• What makes this chicken tortilla soup creamy?

The combination of heavy cream, half-and-half, and cream cheese creates a rich, velvety texture that sets this soup apart from traditional tortilla soups. The cream cheese adds extra smoothness and depth of flavor.

• Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild to moderate heat level, depending on the jalapeño and green chilies you use. You can easily adjust the spice by removing the jalapeño seeds or using a milder pepper. The spices like cumin and chili powder add warmth without overwhelming heat.

• Can I make this soup healthier?

Yes! You can use low-fat cream cheese, substitute some cream with Greek yogurt, or use milk instead of heavy cream. Adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini can boost the nutritional value without compromising flavor.

• What protein can I use if I don't have chicken?

This soup works great with rotisserie chicken, leftover turkey, or even shredded beef. For a vegetarian version, swap chicken with black beans, tofu, or plant-based protein alternatives.

Why Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Is A Bowl Of Comfort

• Savor Spicy Comfort: This soup delivers a perfect balance of heat and creaminess, warming you from the inside out with its rich, bold flavors that dance on your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Hero: Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder saves precious time while providing a restaurant-quality meal that feels like a culinary hug for busy families.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Packed with flexible toppings and ingredients, the soup lets everyone personalize their bowl with crispy tortilla strips, fresh lime, cilantro, or extra cheese, making mealtime fun and interactive.
• Protein-Packed Nutrition Powerhouse: Loaded with shredded chicken, black beans, and creamy dairy, this soup offers a satisfying blend of protein and vegetables that keeps you full and energized without feeling heavy.

What You’ll Need For Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté aromatics and provides a light, healthy base flavor for the soup.

• Onion, Garlic, Jalapeno: Classic flavor base that adds depth and a mild spicy kick. Choose fresh, firm vegetables for the best taste.

• Shredded Chicken: Main protein source that adds heartiness. Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for convenience.

• Cumin, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Coriander: Warm, complex spice blend that creates a robust Mexican-inspired flavor profile. Use fresh, recently purchased spices for maximum taste.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the soup's foundation and adds savory depth. Low-sodium options work well for better control of salt content.

• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies, Black Beans, Corn: Provide texture, additional flavor, and nutritional value. Look for no-salt-added varieties if watching sodium intake.

• Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half, Cream Cheese: Adds richness and smooth texture to the soup. Soften cream cheese before adding for easier incorporation.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor.

• Tortilla Strips or Chips, Lime Wedge: Provide crunch and fresh citrus brightness. Optional toppings can include cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese.

How To Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Quickly

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor Explosion

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Diced jalapeños

Sizzle these aromatic heroes until they turn soft and fragrant, dancing around the pot for about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Spice Up Your Culinary Adventure

• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Dried coriander

Let the spices toast and release their incredible aroma for a quick minute, transforming your kitchen into a flavor paradise.

Step 3: Create the Liquid Gold Base

• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Black beans
• Sweet corn kernels
• Shredded chicken

Bring the entire mixture to a gentle bubble, letting the ingredients mingle and get acquainted.

Step 4: Let the Magic Simmer

Lower the heat and let the soup dance slowly, developing deep, rich flavors for 15-20 minutes. This is where the real transformation happens.

Step 5: Bring on the Creamy Decadence

• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese

Stir until the cream cheese melts completely, creating a luxuriously smooth texture. Season with salt and pepper to make your taste buds sing.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

• Crispy tortilla strips
• Fresh cilantro
• Squeeze of lime
• Optional toppings like sour cream or avocado

Prepare for a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance!

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

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

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Description

Savor the rich, comforting flavors of creamy chicken tortilla soup, a Mexican-inspired classic that dances with spices and warmth. Perfectly balanced ingredients blend into a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 4 oz cream cheese

Liquid and Broth Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 (14.5 ounces/414 grams) can diced tomatoes with green chilies

Vegetables and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Base:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnishes:

• 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. Prepare the aromatic base by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium flame. Gently sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and finely chopped jalapeño until the vegetables become translucent and fragrant, releasing their essential oils.
2. Elevate the flavor profile by introducing a medley of ground spices: cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and coriander. Toast the spices briefly to awaken their complex nuances and deepen the soup’s character.
3. Create the foundational liquid by pouring chicken broth into the pot, then incorporating diced tomatoes with green chilies. Blend the mixture thoroughly, introducing black beans, sweet corn kernels, and tender shredded chicken to build layers of texture and taste.
4. Allow the soup to gently simmer, letting the ingredients meld and harmonize. This slow cooking process enables the flavors to intertwine, creating a rich and cohesive culinary experience.
5. Transform the soup’s texture by introducing luxurious dairy elements. Carefully whisk in heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese dissolves completely, resulting in a velvety, smooth consistency.
6. Fine-tune the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal preference and enhancing the overall flavor balance.
7. Present the soup in individual serving bowls, garnishing with crisp tortilla strips, optional toppings like fresh cilantro or sliced avocado, and a vibrant lime wedge for a bright, citrusy finish.

Notes

• Spice Adjustment: Dial down the heat by removing jalapeno seeds or use mild green chilies for a gentler flavor profile that’s kid-friendly.
• Protein Swap: Easily substitute shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for dietary flexibility.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Replace heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut milk and nutritional yeast to create a creamy texture without dairy.
• Quick Meal Prep: Make a large batch and freeze portions for up to 3 months, ensuring a convenient and delicious meal is always ready.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg