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.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-05T04:58:51.766Z

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.

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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.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Soup

  1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  2. 1 small onion, diced
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 bell pepper, diced
  5. 1 teaspoon cumin
  6. 1 teaspoon chili powder
  7. 4 cups chicken broth
  8. 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  9. 1 cup heavy cream
  10. Salt and pepper to taste
  11. 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
  12. 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  13. 1 cup diced tomatoes
  14. 1 cup tortilla strips

How-To Steps

Step 01

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.

Step 02

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.

Step 03

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.

Step 04

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