This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is the perfect dish for any occasion! Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or hosting a casual gathering, this soup offers a warm, comforting experience. The rich and savory broth combines tender chicken, vibrant tomatoes, and flavorful spices, resulting in a delightful blend of textures and tastes. Plus, it’s quick to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes—making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner parties.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to serve.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of spices and creamy ingredients creates a rich taste that satisfies every palate.
- Customizable Toppings: Load your soup with your favorite toppings like avocado and tortilla strips for added texture and flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it great for meal planning.
- Family-Friendly: With its mild flavors and fun toppings, it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking process seamless, gather these essential tools before starting your creamy chicken tortilla soup.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Large soup pot
- Stirring spoon
- Measuring cups
- Knife
- Cutting board
Why These Tools Matter
- Large soup pot: Provides ample space for all ingredients while allowing even heat distribution.
- Stirring spoon: Ensures thorough mixing of ingredients, helping to combine flavors effectively.
- Measuring cups: Guarantees accurate ingredient quantities for consistent results every time.
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!
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)
– 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
– 2 cups cooked chicken ((I used a rotisserie chicken))
– Salt & pepper (to taste)
– Toppings (optional, to taste): tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, Tex-Mex cheese, etc.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
Add the oil and onion to a soup pot. Sauté over medium-high heat for about 5–7 minutes or until the onion is lightly browned.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Spices
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Rotel, and chicken broth. Then add the garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, corn, and black beans. Stir well to combine everything.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Increase the heat to high until the soup comes to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and cover the pot slightly ajar. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare Toppings
While the soup simmers, take this time to prep your desired toppings such as slicing avocados or preparing tortilla strips.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Chicken
Stir in the cream and cooked chicken into the pot. Allow it to warm through for an additional 3–5 minutes. Taste and season with salt & pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve
Serve immediately in bowls topped as desired with tortilla strips, avocado slices, sour cream, or Tex-Mex cheese. Enjoy your warm bowl of creamy goodness!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Serving creamy chicken tortilla soup is all about enhancing its rich flavors with delightful toppings and sides. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this comforting dish.
Top with Crunchy Ingredients
- Tortilla Strips: Add crispy tortilla strips for a delightful crunch that complements the creamy broth.
- Avocado: Sliced avocado adds a creamy texture and fresh flavor that balances the spices.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream provides a tangy contrast to the soup’s richness.
- Tex-Mex Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese for an extra layer of flavor that melts beautifully into the hot soup.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings brightness and enhances the overall taste of the soup.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide a mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
- Lime Wedges: Squeeze lime juice for a zesty kick that elevates every spoonful.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Creating the perfect creamy chicken tortilla soup involves a few key techniques. Follow these tips to enhance your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh onions, tomatoes, and herbs to boost flavor and nutrition.
- Make Your Broth Flavorful: Simmer your broth with additional spices or by using homemade stock for depth.
- Control the Spice Level: Adjust chili powder and smoked paprika according to your heat preference for a customized experience.
- Incorporate Additional Veggies: Consider adding bell peppers or zucchini for extra texture and nutrients.
- Allow Flavors to Meld: Letting the soup sit for a few minutes before serving allows flavors to develop even further.
- Adjust Consistency Wisely: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or add more cream gradually.
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 excellent options to consider.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth while adding a hint of sweetness.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy Mexican rice complements the spices in the soup and adds heartiness.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole served on the side brings freshness and richness that pairs beautifully with each bite.
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, and lime vinaigrette offers balance to the meal.
- Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas filled with beans or vegetables make an ideal dipper for your soup.
- Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with salsa provide an easy snack that enhances the Tex-Mex theme.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making creamy chicken tortilla soup, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the Sautéing: Failing to sauté the onion can result in a lack of depth in flavor. Always sauté until lightly browned to enhance the taste.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Overlooking the importance of seasoning can leave your soup bland. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper generously.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Using canned or low-quality ingredients can affect the overall taste. Opt for high-quality tomatoes and fresh spices for better results.
- Rushing the Simmering Time: Not allowing the soup to simmer can prevent flavors from developing fully. Even a few extra minutes can make a big difference.
- Ignoring Toppings: Skipping toppings can diminish the texture and flavor experience. Get creative with garnishes like avocado, cheese, and chips.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover creamy chicken tortilla soup in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Cool the soup completely before refrigerating for best results.
Freezing Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- You can freeze creamy chicken tortilla soup for up to 2-3 months.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
- Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the soup to an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until warmed through, usually about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Creamy chicken tortilla soup is a rich and flavorful dish made with chicken, tomatoes, spices, and cream. It’s topped with various garnishes like avocado and tortilla strips.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred it before adding it to the soup.
How can I customize my Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini or adjusting spices according to your taste preferences.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This creamy chicken tortilla soup is great for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer as mentioned above.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken tortilla soup is not only quick and easy but also versatile enough to suit any palate. With endless customization options, you can make it your own! Give it a try today!
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting warmth of this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, a delightful dish that transforms any meal into a cozy experience. Perfect for chilly evenings or casual get-togethers, this soup features a rich and savory broth infused with tender chicken, vibrant tomatoes, and an array of spices. Within just 30 minutes, you can serve up a bowl brimming with flavor and texture, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner parties. Customize your bowl with delicious toppings like creamy avocado, crispy tortilla strips, and zesty cheese to elevate each spoonful. This family-friendly recipe is not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (10 ounce) can 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)
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 2 cups cooked chicken (I used a rotisserie chicken)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Toppings (optional, to taste): tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, Tex-Mex cheese, etc.
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté chopped onion until lightly browned (5–7 minutes).
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, corn, and black beans. Mix well.
- Bring the soup to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer covered for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare your desired toppings while the soup simmers.
- Add heavy cream and cooked chicken to the pot; warm through for another 3–5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot in bowls topped with tortilla strips, avocado slices, sour cream, or cheese as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
