Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is the perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering with friends. It’s packed with flavor and creaminess thanks to the addition of cheddar and cream cheese. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: You can whip this soup up in just 45 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use fresh chicken, leftover rotisserie chicken, or even shredded chicken from your freezer. It’s adaptable to what you have on hand!
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this soup is sure to satisfy everyone at your table.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with nutritious ingredients like beans and vegetables, this soup offers a hearty yet healthy option for dinner.
• Perfect for Any Season: Whether it’s chilly outside or you’re looking for a light meal in summer, this soup hits the spot year-round.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Provides ample space for simmering the soup without splattering while allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking while cooking over medium heat.

Ingredients

This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is easy to make on the stove top or the Crock Pot. Make it with fresh, leftover, or rotisserie chicken. Cheddar and Cream Cheese add a hint of creamy indulgence!

Main Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 1 jalapeno pepper (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (diced)
• 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 15 oz. can corn (drained)
• 1 10 oz. can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
• 1 15 oz. can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 5 cups chicken broth

Chicken Ingredients

• 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups shredded chicken)

Seasoning Ingredients

• 1 pinch Cayenne Pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 1 oz. packet taco seasoning (about 3 Tbsp.)

Dairy Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/3 cup cream cheese (softened)

Serving Ingredients

• Corn or Flour Tortillas (See notes)

How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

Heat 2 Tbsp. butter over medium heat in your large pot. Add the diced onions and jalapeno peppers. Sauté for about 5–6 minutes until they soften, then add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients

Add all remaining ingredients EXCEPT for the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and any garnishes. Start with about 2 Tbsp. of taco seasoning; you can adjust this later based on your taste preferences.

Step 3: Simmer Slowly

Allow the soup to come to a gentle bubble while partially covering it. Avoid boiling rapidly; this keeps the chicken tender during cooking.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

After about 20–25 minutes of simmering (depending on thickness), remove the chicken from the pot once cooked through. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces before returning it to the soup.

Step 5: Make it Creamy

Reduce heat to low, then gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese along with softened cream cheese. Stir until everything is melted together into a smooth and creamy consistency.

Step 6: Taste & Garnish

Taste your soup and adjust any additional seasonings if necessary. Serve hot with garnishes of your choice!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your soup experience.

Garnish Ideas

• Avocado Slices: Fresh avocado adds a creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Cilantro: Chopped cilantro brings a burst of freshness that complements the soup.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice enhances the flavors with a zesty kick.

Accompaniments

• Corn Tortillas: Crispy or soft tortillas can be served on the side for dipping or topping.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips add texture and are perfect for scooping up the soup.
• Shredded Cheese: Extra shredded cheddar or a cheese blend can be sprinkled on top for added richness.

Additional Toppings

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can provide creaminess and balance the spices.
• Hot Sauce: For those who love heat, a drizzle of hot sauce can intensify the flavor profile.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

To make your Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup truly shine, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: This saves time and adds great flavor without extra cooking.
• Adjust Spices to Taste: Start with less seasoning, then gradually add more as needed to match your preference.
• Slow Cook for Tenderness: If using the Crock Pot, allow plenty of time for the chicken to become tender and flavorful.
• Experiment with Broths: Try different chicken broths or stocks for unique tastes in your soup base.
• Add Vegetables: Consider adding bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
• Blend for Smoothness: For an ultra-creamy texture, blend part of the soup before adding back the chicken.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Pair your Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup with these delicious side dishes to create a complete meal.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with cumin and lime complements the flavors of the soup perfectly.
2. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing mix of black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado provides a nutritious contrast.
3. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip adds richness and pairs well with tortilla chips or as a topping.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with quinoa and veggies make for a hearty side that balances the meal.
5. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread offers a comforting sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the spiciness of the soup.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled vegetables add a smoky flavor that enhances your dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup can be a delight, but avoiding common pitfalls will enhance your cooking experience.

• Skipping the Sauté Step: Not sautéing the onions, jalapenos, and garlic can lead to a lack of flavor. Make sure to sauté these ingredients first to build a rich base.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken too quickly can make it tough. Maintain a gentle simmer to keep the chicken juicy and tender.
• Neglecting Cheese Incorporation: Adding cheese too quickly can cause clumping. Gradually stir in shredded cheese and cream cheese for a smooth texture.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasonings means missing out on depth of flavor. Always sample your soup before serving and tweak as needed.
• Using Low-Quality Broth: Poor broth can result in bland soup. Opt for high-quality chicken broth for maximum flavor.
• Not Allowing It to Rest: Serving immediately may not allow flavors to meld. Letting the soup sit for a few minutes before serving enhances its taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, reheating for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in one-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup.

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Using leftover or rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds more flavor.

How do I customize my Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also adjust spice levels by using different peppers or hot sauce.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well, making it perfect for meal prep or quick dinners throughout the week.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute chicken with beans or additional veggies, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What are some good toppings for my tortilla soup?

Top your Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup with avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, or crispy tortilla strips for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to cater to your taste preferences. Its creamy texture combined with bold flavors makes it a comforting choice any time of year. Experiment with different toppings and add-ins based on what you enjoy!