Hey y’all! If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup. With its rich, velvety broth, tender chicken, and hints of Tex-Mex flavor, this Soup is perfect for game days, cozy weeknights, or feeding a hungry crowd. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s simple to whip up and loaded with bold, zesty goodness. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- It’s irresistibly creamy, thanks to a blend of cream cheese and cheddar.
- Ready in under an hour—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Packed with flavor from rotisserie chicken, spices, and fresh toppings.
- Customizable for spice preferences and dietary needs.
- Fun to serve with creative toppings for family or guests.
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14.5-oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes & green chilies)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 cups cooked shredded or cubed chicken (such as rotisserie)
- 1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened, cubed
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 small corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
- Olive oil spray
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges, avocado, and extra cheddar, for serving
How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Step 1: Make the Crispy Tortilla Strips
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread tortilla strips on a baking sheet and mist with olive oil spray. Bake 8-10 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics & Veggies
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, bell peppers, and jalapeño. Sauté 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Build Flavor
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook 1 minute until spices are toasted.
Step 4: Add Liquids & Chicken
- Add diced tomatoes, Rotel, chicken broth, shredded chicken, beans, and corn. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until fully melted. Add heavy cream and shredded cheddar. Stir until smooth and creamy, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 6: Finish & Serve
- Ladle soup into bowls. Top with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, avocado, and extra cheese. Serve piping hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Notes
- For more robust flavor, use fire-roasted tomatoes and fresh lime juice. Learn about fire-roasted tomatoes here.
- Add extra heat with more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For an even creamier soup, blend a cup of the soup before adding cream cheese. Check out tips for creamy soups.
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Variations
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken for more beans (pinto + black) and use veggie broth.
- Spicy Tex-Mex: Add hot sauce, diced chipotle peppers, and pepper jack cheese.
- Low-Carb: Skip the tortilla strips and use riced cauliflower instead of corn.
Required Equipment for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot
- Baking sheet
- Chef’s knife & cutting board
- Ladle & stirring spoon
Storage Instructions for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Let leftover soup cool fully, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To freeze, store without dairy and add it after reheating—good for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to maintain creaminess.
Serving Pairings for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Serve with crusty bread, warm flour tortillas, or a simple green salad.
- Pair with margaritas or iced tea for a festive touch.
- Scatter extra lime wedges and avocado on the side for a fresh, zesty bite.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- For even shredding, use two forks or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment—learn how at Food Network.
- Keep heat on low when adding cream cheese and cheddar to prevent curdling.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more or less jalapeño and Rotel.
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup FAQ
- Can I use raw chicken breasts instead of cooked?
- Yes! Simmer boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the soup base for 18-20 minutes, then shred and return to pot.
- Can I make this soup dairy-free?
- Swap cream cheese and heavy cream for coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese, though the texture will be slightly different.
- How can I make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup in a slow cooker?
- Add all ingredients except dairy to the crockpot; cook on low for 6 hours. Stir in cheeses and cream during the last 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Tortilla strips for garnish
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
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1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
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2Add diced chicken breasts and cook until lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
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3Pour in diced tomatoes with green chilies and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
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4Stir in corn and black beans, and simmer for another 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low, add heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and soup is creamy.
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5Serve hot, garnished with tortilla strips and fresh cilantro.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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