Indulge in Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup – Comfort Food Bliss

Recipe By:
Alison Shear
Updated:

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is the warm hug your taste buds have been craving. Imagine a steaming bowl of this rich, velvety soup, brimming with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and just the right amount of spice dancing on your palate. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will beckon everyone to the table, eager for their first spoonful of comfort.

As you take that first bite, memories of cozy family gatherings and chilly evenings will flood back. This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience that brings people together, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. Get ready to dive into a world of flavor that promises to leave you wanting more!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This creamy chicken tortilla soup is simple to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Its rich flavors and spices provide an unforgettable taste explosion.
  • Visually appealing with colorful toppings, it’s sure to impress anyone at your table.
  • Plus, it’s versatile enough for any season—enjoy it hot in winter or chilled in summer!

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts; they cook quickly and shred easily for a hearty soup.

  • Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm cloves; they pack a punch and add depth to the flavor.

  • Onion: A medium onion gives a sweet base when sautéed—don’t skip this step!

  • Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant colors like red and green for added sweetness and color.

  • Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add acidity; consider using fire-roasted ones for extra smokiness.

  • Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to keep control over the saltiness while enhancing flavor.

  • Cream: Heavy cream gives the soup its signature creamy texture—don’t skimp on this!

  • Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips on top bring delightful texture contrast and fun presentation.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot over medium heat, melt some butter or heat olive oil. Add chopped onions and bell peppers, cooking until they soften—this usually takes about five minutes. Toss in minced garlic just before removing them from heat; let that aroma take over your kitchen!

Step 2: Add the Chicken

Next, introduce those boneless chicken breasts into the pot. Coat them with the sautéed vegetables before pouring in chicken broth until everything is submerged. Bring it all to a gentle boil then reduce heat and let it simmer for about twenty minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks (you can pretend you’re starring in your own cooking show). Return the shredded chicken back into the pot along with diced tomatoes and heavy cream.

Step 4: Spice It Up

Now comes the fun part! Season with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder according to taste. Simmer for another ten minutes so all those flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Ladle that delicious creamy chicken tortilla soup into bowls. Top with crunchy tortilla chips, fresh cilantro if desired, and perhaps some avocado slices for good measure (because who doesn’t love avocado?).

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every last spoonful!

You Must Know

  • This creamy chicken tortilla soup is a delightful blend of flavors that creates comfort in a bowl.
  • Rich, hearty, and satisfying, it can be easily adjusted to fit your taste preferences, making it a family favorite for any occasion.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

First, sear the chicken to enhance its flavor and juiciness. While it cooks, prepare your vegetables and spices. Once the chicken is done, add everything into the pot with broth to simmer until flavors meld beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this creamy chicken tortilla soup by swapping out chicken for beans for a vegetarian option or adding corn for extra sweetness. Spice lovers can also kick up the heat with jalapeños or chipotle peppers.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through for optimal taste.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For the best flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs; they add richness and depth to your soup.
  • Always taste before serving; adjust seasoning as needed for perfection.
  • Serve with crispy tortilla strips for added texture and crunch!

I remember the first time I made this creamy chicken tortilla soup for a family gathering. My cousin, who usually avoids anything labeled “healthy,” couldn’t stop raving about it and went back for thirds!

FAQs :

What ingredients do I need for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

To make a delicious Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, you will need cooked chicken, chicken broth, cream, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, onion, garlic, and spices like cumin and chili powder. Don’t forget the tortilla strips for topping! Fresh cilantro and lime juice can also enhance the flavors of your soup. These ingredients come together to create a rich and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

How long does it take to prepare Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Preparing Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is quick and easy. It usually takes about 10 minutes to prep the ingredients and another 20 minutes to cook. This means you can have a warm bowl of soup ready in just 30 minutes! This makes it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but want something comforting and hearty.

Can I make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup ahead of time! Prepare the soup as directed and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve it, just reheat on the stove until warmed through. The flavors may even deepen overnight, making it taste even better!

What can I serve with Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup pairs beautifully with various sides. You can serve it with crusty bread or cheesy quesadillas for a satisfying meal. A fresh salad or guacamole adds a nice contrast as well. Don’t forget to top your soup with avocado slices, cheese, or extra tortilla strips for added texture and flavor!

Conclusion for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup :

In summary, Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with rich flavors and creamy goodness. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. You can customize it with your favorite toppings and sides to enhance its taste further. Enjoy making this comforting soup that warms both the heart and soul!

Print

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is the ultimate comfort dish, blending tender shredded chicken with fresh vegetables and spices in a rich, velvety broth. Ready in just 30 minutes, this delicious soup can be served on busy weeknights or at festive gatherings. Top it with crunchy tortilla chips and fresh cilantro for a delightful finishing touch that will have everyone asking for seconds.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts (shredded)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 1 cup bell peppers (diced)
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Tortilla chips for topping
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large pot over medium heat, warm olive oil. Sauté chopped onion and bell peppers until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  2. Stir in shredded chicken and pour in chicken broth until the mixture is submerged. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
  3. Shred any remaining larger pieces of chicken if necessary, then add diced tomatoes and heavy cream to the pot.
  4. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to blend flavors.
  5. Ladle soup into bowls and top with tortilla chips and fresh cilantro before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 21g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 19g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: For added richness, consider using bone-in chicken thighs instead of breasts. Feel free to customize by adding black beans or corn for extra texture or spice it up with jalapeños or chipotle peppers.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

You might also like these recipes

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating