Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting blend of flavors, perfect for chilly evenings. With tender chicken, rich cream, and crunchy tortilla strips, it's a dish the whole family will love.
This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is not just a meal; it's a warm hug in a bowl. Rich and creamy, it combines the heartiness of chicken with vibrant spices and the crunch of tortillas, making it a perfect dish for gatherings or quiet nights in.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy texture that warms your soul
- Hearty chicken and vibrant flavors in every spoonful
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
A Hearty Meal in a Bowl
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is more than just a comforting dish; it's a hearty meal that can satisfy even the most voracious appetites. The combination of shredded chicken, black beans, and corn makes this soup both filling and nutritious. Each spoonful is packed with protein and essential vitamins, ensuring that you and your family are nourished while enjoying a delicious dinner.
The addition of heavy cream elevates this soup to a new level of richness, creating a velvety texture that coats your palate beautifully. This delightful creaminess pairs perfectly with the crunchy tortilla strips, providing a satisfying contrast that will make you want to dive back in for seconds.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it's a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering, this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a versatile dish that fits any occasion. It's quick to prepare, making it ideal for those hectic evenings when you want to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Just a few simple ingredients come together to create a meal that feels indulgent yet effortless.
Additionally, this soup is perfect for entertaining. Serve it at a dinner party or family gathering, and watch as your guests rave about the flavorful broth and tender chicken. Pair it with a fresh salad or some warm bread to create a complete and satisfying meal.
Customizable and Family-Friendly
One of the best aspects of Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your family's taste preferences. Want to add some heat? Toss in a diced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce. Prefer a vegetarian version? Substitute the chicken with beans or tofu for a delicious plant-based alternative.
This soup is also kid-approved! The combination of creamy texture and crunchy toppings makes it appealing to younger palates. Encourage your children to help with the preparation by letting them add the toppings, making mealtime a fun and interactive experience.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tortilla strips
Top with fresh cilantro and avocado if desired.
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, cumin, and chili powder, and cook for another minute.
Combine the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the shredded chicken, corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes. Allow to cook for 15 minutes.
Make it Creamy
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let it warm through for another 5 minutes.
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips. Enjoy your delicious creamy chicken tortilla soup!
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges if desired.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers after enjoying this delicious soup, you’re in luck! Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure to keep the tortilla strips separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain their crunch.
When reheating, you can do so on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup thickens too much, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, consider garnishing it with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of sour cream. These additions will enhance the flavors and add a refreshing twist to each bowl.
For an extra crunch, serve with a side of homemade or store-bought tortilla chips. They make for a fantastic dipping option and pair perfectly with the rich soup.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken will save you time and add great flavor.
→ How can I make this soup spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or increase the chili powder for an extra kick.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup, but it's best to add the cream after thawing and reheating.
→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version.
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting blend of flavors, perfect for chilly evenings. With tender chicken, rich cream, and crunchy tortilla strips, it's a dish the whole family will love.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tortilla strips
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, cumin, and chili powder, and cook for another minute.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the shredded chicken, corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes. Allow to cook for 15 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let it warm through for another 5 minutes.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips. Enjoy your delicious creamy chicken tortilla soup!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 950mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 25g