Name: Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (4 oz) green chilies; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping); Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish); 1-2 cups tortilla chips or homemade tortilla strips (for topping); 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for serving); 1 avocado, diced (optional, for serving)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is the perfect combination of comfort and flavor. This hearty soup features tender chicken, a rich and creamy broth, and a touch of spice from the traditional Mexican seasonings. Topped with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, it’s a dish that will satisfy your cravings for something warm and comforting. Plus, it’s easy to make, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup tortilla chips, crushed (for garnish)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Make it Creamy: Once the soup is simmering, stir in the heavy cream and shredded chicken. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Finish the Soup: Add the corn and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, crushed tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Spicy Version: For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup while it’s simmering.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use black beans or extra corn for protein, and consider using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Low-Carb Version: For a low-carb twist, replace the tortilla chips with crushed beef rinds or skip the chips altogether and serve with a side of roasted vegetables.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This soup freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a little extra chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the meat and add it in after simmering the broth and seasonings.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. You can make it up to 2-3 days ahead and store it in the fridge.

Can I make this soup spicier?

Yes, for more heat, add some diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or a bit of cayenne pepper. You can also stir in some hot sauce or use a spicier salsa in place of the diced tomatoes.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the tortilla chips you use are gluten-free, this soup can be made gluten-free. Check the label on the chips to make sure.

How can I make the soup richer?

To make the soup richer, you can add more heavy cream or even a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! To make this in a slow cooker, combine all the ingredients (except for the cream and corn) and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the cream and corn during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Can I make this soup without chicken?

Yes, you can make this a vegetarian tortilla soup by substituting the chicken with beans or additional vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well! Let it cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. Be sure to leave some room for expansion as it freezes.

What toppings can I add to this soup?

Toppings like shredded cheese, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime are great additions. You can also add extra tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips for crunch.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use milk in place of the heavy cream, but the soup will be a bit less rich and creamy. For a richer flavor with milk, try adding a bit of cream cheese.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is the ultimate cozy, comforting meal. It’s rich, flavorful, and easy to make, with layers of texture from the creamy broth, tender chicken, and crunchy tortilla strips. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or enjoying it as a meal prep option for the week, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Customize it to your taste with extra toppings or variations, and enjoy the perfect bowl of warmth any time of year!