This creamy chicken tortilla soup is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and comforting textures in just 30 minutes. Perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights, this soup is a family favorite. The creamy broth, combined with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables, makes it not only satisfying but also versatile—ideal for cozy dinners or casual gatherings. Load it up with your favorite toppings for an extra flavor boost!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this creamy chicken tortilla soup is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Flavor-Packed: A blend of spices and fresh ingredients creates a deliciously rich broth that will warm you from the inside out.
- Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, or tortilla strips to make each bowl unique.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans and corn, this soup is both nutritious and filling.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and mild flavors of this comforting soup.
Tools and Preparation
To whip up this creamy chicken tortilla soup, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking quicker and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Can opener
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Essential for cooking the entire batch of soup at once without splattering.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients gently without scratching your pot.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient amounts for the best flavor.
- Can opener: Makes opening canned ingredients quick and easy.
Ingredients
This 30-minute creamy chicken tortilla soup recipe is easy to make and has a cozy, perfectly seasoned broth. Load it up with your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal!
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (with juices)
- 1 cup chicken broth
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
Protein & Veggies
- 1 (12 ounce) can corn (drained)
- 1 (14 ounce) can black beans (drained & rinsed)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (I used a rotisserie chicken)
Creamy Element & Seasoning
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Optional Toppings
Toppings (optional, to taste): tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, Tex-Mex cheese, etc.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Step 1: Sauté Onions
Add the oil and onion to a soup pot. Sauté over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes or until it’s lightly browned.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Rotel, and chicken broth. Follow with garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, corn, and black beans. Stir well.
Step 3: Boil Then Simmer
Increase the heat to high until the mixture comes to a boil. Then reduce heat to low and cover the pot slightly ajar. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare Toppings
While the soup simmers, prep any toppings you want to use. This could include chopping avocado or preparing tortilla strips.
Step 5: Add Cream and Chicken
Stir in the cream and cooked chicken into the pot. Allow it all to warm through for about 3-5 minutes. Taste your soup before serving; season with salt & pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve
Serve immediately in bowls topped with your choice of tortilla strips, avocado slices, sour cream, or Tex-Mex cheese.
Enjoy your homemade creamy chicken tortilla soup!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Serving creamy chicken tortilla soup is a delightful experience that allows you to customize each bowl to suit your taste. The toppings can elevate the flavors and add texture, making each serving unique.
Topping Suggestions
- Tortilla Strips: Crispy strips add a satisfying crunch and a traditional touch.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado enhances the richness of the soup while providing healthy fats.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess, balancing the spices in the soup.
- Tex-Mex Cheese: A sprinkle of cheese provides a savory flavor and melty goodness when added hot.
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro gives a fresh burst of flavor that brightens up the dish.
- Lime Wedges: Squeezing lime juice over the soup adds acidity that complements the richness.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
To make your creamy chicken tortilla soup even better, consider these helpful tips that enhance flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs bring out vibrant flavors compared to canned options.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the amount of chili powder or add jalapeños for extra heat if desired.
- Opt for Homemade Broth: Using homemade chicken broth can significantly boost the soup’s overall taste.
- Simmer Longer for Depth: Letting the soup simmer longer develops deeper flavors; just keep it covered to prevent evaporation.
- Experiment with Proteins: Try using shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
- Mix in Vegetables: Adding bell peppers or zucchini can increase nutrient content and enhance texture.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Pairing side dishes with creamy chicken tortilla soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some tasty suggestions to accompany your soup.
- Cornbread: Sweet and moist cornbread complements the spicy notes of the soup beautifully.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices provides a hearty side that absorbs the soup’s broth well.
- Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips for a delicious crunch alongside your soup.
- Chips and Salsa: A classic combo; crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa add a refreshing contrast.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine tossed in Caesar dressing offers a crunchy texture that balances the creamy soup.
- Stuffed Jalapeños: Baked jalapeños stuffed with cheese create a spicy side that complements the flavors perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making creamy chicken tortilla soup can be easy, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Using low-quality chicken: Using poor-quality or canned chicken can affect the flavor and texture of your soup. Opt for fresh or rotisserie chicken for the best results.
- Skipping seasoning: Neglecting to season properly can leave your soup bland. Always taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and spices as you go.
- Overcooking the cream: Adding cream too early or cooking it for too long can cause it to curdle. Stir it in at the end and heat gently.
- Not preparing toppings: Forgetting toppings means missing out on flavor and texture. Prepare your favorite toppings ahead of time for a complete meal.
- Ignoring simmering time: Rushing the simmering step can lead to underdeveloped flavors. Allow the soup to simmer covered for a few minutes to enhance taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover creamy chicken tortilla soup in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be stored for up to 3 months. Leave space at the top of containers as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring often until hot; use a microwave-safe container.
- Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is creamy chicken tortilla soup?
Creamy chicken tortilla soup is a rich and flavorful dish made with shredded chicken, tomatoes, corn, beans, and cream, topped with crunchy tortillas.
How long does it take to make creamy chicken tortilla soup?
This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Can I customize my creamy chicken tortilla soup?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, adjust spices according to your taste, or use different types of beans.
Is creamy chicken tortilla soup healthy?
This soup has a balance of protein from chicken and fiber from beans and corn. Adjust the cream quantity for a lighter version if desired.
Final Thoughts
Creamy chicken tortilla soup is not just delicious; it’s also versatile. You can load it with various toppings or modify ingredients based on what you have at home. This cozy dish is perfect for any occasion—give it a try!
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings. This soup features a velvety broth enriched with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and an array of spices that create a rich, satisfying flavor profile. Topped with your choice of crispy tortilla strips, creamy avocado, or tangy sour cream, each bowl is fully customizable to suit your family’s tastes. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this creamy chicken tortilla soup will warm your heart and delight your taste buds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (with juices)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 (12 ounce) can corn (drained)
- 1 (14 ounce) can black beans (drained & rinsed)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (I used a rotisserie chicken)
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped onion for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, Rotel, chicken broth, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, corn, and black beans. Mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes.
- While simmering, prepare any desired toppings such as diced avocado or tortilla strips.
- Add heavy cream and cooked chicken to the pot. Warm through for another 3-5 minutes and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot in bowls topped with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
