This rich and comforting soup combines tender chicken, a creamy broth, and the delicious flavors of traditional tortilla soup. Topped with crunchy tortilla strips and a sprinkle of cheese, it’s a warm and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of the year.
Why You’ll Love It
- Creamy and Flavorful: The creamy broth gives the soup a rich texture with a perfect balance of spices.
- Easy to Make: Ready in about 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Comforting: A cozy, filling soup that will keep you warm.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, or extra cheese.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 cups cooked and shredded (rotisserie chicken works great).
- Tortilla Chips: 1 cup, crumbled or broken into pieces (for topping).
- Corn: 1 cup (frozen or canned).
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups (low-sodium recommended).
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup for a creamy base.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz), with juice.
- Onion: 1 small, diced.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Green Chilies: 1 can (4 oz), diced (optional for added heat).
- Spices:
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp for sautéing.
- Toppings:
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges
- Avocado slices (optional)
How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
- Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, corn, and green chilies (if using).
- Stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Cream
- Stir in the shredded chicken and heavy cream.
- Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra spices if desired.
Step 5: Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Top with crumbled tortilla chips, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Serve with avocado slices if desired for extra creaminess.
Pro Tips
- For Extra Flavor: Roast the corn and add a little lime zest to the soup for an added layer of flavor.
- Add Heat: If you like more spice, stir in some jalapeño or use a hotter variety of green chilies.
- Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half or a non-dairy milk like coconut milk to make the soup lighter.
- Freezing Tip: If you’re freezing the soup, leave out the cream and add it after reheating to prevent it from separating.
This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is the perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep!
