Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

by

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup: A Warm, Hearty, and Flavor-Packed Classic

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes rival the rich, creamy, and slightly spicy goodness of Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup. It’s the perfect combination of bold Mexican flavors, tender shredded chicken, and a luscious creamy broth, all topped with crispy tortilla strips for that extra crunch.

This one-pot meal is easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for weeknights or gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or a crowd-pleasing soup for game night, this dish delivers BIG flavor in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

✔ Rich & Creamy – Made with cream cheese or heavy cream, giving it a silky texture.
✔ Bold Mexican Flavors – Loaded with spices, black beans, corn, and tomatoes.
✔ Easy One-Pot Recipe – Simple ingredients, minimal cleanup!
✔ Customizable & Versatile – Adjust spice levels, toppings, and protein options.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Stores and reheats beautifully!

What Is Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a classic Mexican-inspired dish featuring a flavorful, spiced broth with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and tomatoes. It’s typically topped with crispy tortilla strips, fresh avocado, sour cream, and shredded cheese.

This creamy version takes it up a notch with cream cheese or heavy cream, making it extra rich, velvety, and satisfying.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

This soup is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that pack tons of flavor.

For the Soup Base:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken)
  • 4 oz cream cheese (or ½ cup heavy cream)
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

For the Crispy Tortilla Strips:

  • 4 small corn tortillas, cut into strips
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Optional Toppings:

  • Sliced avocado 🥑
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Extra shredded cheese
  • Diced jalapeños 🌶
  • Fresh lime wedges 🍋

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

  1. Add diced tomatoes (with juices), black beans, corn, and chicken broth.
  2. Place the chicken breasts directly into the pot.
  3. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

  1. Remove the cooked chicken breasts and shred them using two forks.
  2. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir well.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

  1. Stir in cream cheese or heavy cream until fully melted and smooth.
  2. Add shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness (optional).
  3. Simmer for 5 more minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

  1. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and fresh cilantro.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Make Crispy Tortilla Strips

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Toss tortilla strips with olive oil, salt, and garlic powder.
  3. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Ladle hot soup into bowls.
  2. Garnish with crispy tortilla strips, avocado slices, sour cream, and extra cheese.
  3. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, creamy goodness!

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

✔ Use Rotisserie Chicken – Saves time and adds extra flavor!
✔ Melt the Cream Cheese Slowly – Ensures a smooth, lump-free texture.
✔ Make It Spicier – Add chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or extra chili powder.
✔ Blend for Extra Creaminess – Blend a portion of the soup before adding the chicken.
✔ Use Fresh Toppings – Avocado, lime, and fresh cilantro enhance the flavors beautifully.

Delicious Variations

Want to change things up? Try these flavorful twists:

1. Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

  • Add all ingredients (except cream cheese) to a slow cooker.
  • Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
  • Stir in cream cheese at the end until melted.

2. Spicy Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup

  • Add 1 teaspoon chipotle powder or 1 chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
  • This adds smoky heat and depth.

3. Vegetarian Creamy Tortilla Soup

  • Swap chicken for extra beans or lentils.
  • Use vegetable broth and coconut milk instead of cream cheese.

4. Extra Protein-Packed Soup

  • Stir in quinoa or rice for a heartier version.

5. Keto & Low-Carb Version

  • Replace black beans and corn with chopped zucchini or mushrooms.
  • Use heavy cream instead of cream cheese.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigeration:

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

  • Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating:

  • Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

What to Serve with Chicken Tortilla Soup

Pair this hearty, creamy soup with:

  • Warm cornbread or biscuits 🥖
  • Mexican rice or quinoa 🍚
  • A fresh chopped salad 🥗
  • Grilled cheese or quesadillas 🧀

For a full Mexican-inspired meal, serve with margaritas, guacamole, and fresh salsa!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut milk instead of cream cheese and dairy-free cheese.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! The flavors develop beautifully overnight.

3. What’s the best way to thicken the soup?

Add more cream cheese, a cornstarch slurry, or blend part of the soup.

4. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes! Just increase the cooking time to 30 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is rich, satisfying, and bursting with bold flavors, making it the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or meal prep, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

So grab your spices, tortillas, and toppings, and enjoy a bowl of creamy, cozy goodness today!

Leave a Comment