Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe for Cozy Meals

Category: Soups & Stews

This creamy chicken tortilla soup is the perfect comfort food! With tender chicken, zesty tomatoes, and a touch of cream, it’s warming and delicious.

You can’t forget the crunchy tortilla strips on top! They add a fun twist—who doesn’t love a little crunch? I love pairing it with some fresh avocado for that extra yum factor!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Olive Oil: This is great for sautéing but feel free to use vegetable or canola oil instead if that’s what you have. They work just as well!

Onion: A medium yellow onion adds sweetness, but white onions will do in a pinch. If you’re allergic, leeks are a nice alternative.

Chicken Broth: Homemade is best, but store-bought is handy. Vegetable broth can be a good substitute if you want a lighter flavor.

Cooked Shredded Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for its convenience. If you want a lighter version, shredded turkey works great too! You could also use canned chicken if that’s what you have on hand.

Heavy Cream: It makes the soup rich and creamy, but you can replace it with half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free option. A little Greek yogurt can add creaminess as well.

Why is Toasting Spices Important?

Toasting spices brings out their flavors and aromas, giving your soup a richer taste. Here’s how to do it:

  • After adding the onions and garlic, sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika.
  • Cook them for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly. This will intensify their flavors.

This step is quick but makes a big difference in taste. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing!

How Can I Get the Perfect Soup Consistency?

If you want a thicker soup, try adding a mashed potato or some puréed beans before adding the cream. Just blend some black beans with a bit of broth and stir it back in—you won’t even notice it’s there!

Always remember to gentle heat the cream after adding it. Don’t let it boil! This keeps your soup creamy and prevents it from curdling.

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe for Cozy Meals

How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Soup:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional, for mild heat)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping:

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack), optional
  • Sour cream, optional

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious creamy chicken tortilla soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time, and around 30 minutes to cook. In just 45 minutes, you’ll have a wholesome and cozy meal ready to enjoy!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring until it becomes softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and chopped jalapeño, cooking for another minute until everything is fragrant.

2. Toast the Spices:

Next, stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 30 seconds to toast the spices, allowing their flavors to blossom in the warm oil. This step adds depth to your soup!

3. Add the Broth and Veggies:

Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), black beans, and frozen corn. Give everything a good stir and bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Simmer to Combine Flavors:

Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

5. Add the Chicken:

Add the shredded chicken to the pot and heat through for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated evenly.

6. Make it Creamy:

Slowly stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half, warming it gently without boiling to keep your soup creamy and smooth.

7. Finish with Lime and Seasoning:

Remove the soup from heat and stir in the lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Now it’s time to serve! Scoop the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with crunchy tortilla strips, fresh avocado, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and if you like, some shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy your cozy, creamy chicken tortilla soup!

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe for Cozy Meals

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Soup?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken from a previous meal is perfect for this soup. Just shred it and add it in, making for a quick and easy meal.

How Do I Store Leftover Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave some space in the container as it may expand when frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I Make This Soup Spicier?

Definitely! To increase the heat, you can keep the seeds in the jalapeño, add more jalapeños, or even toss in some diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. A dash of hot sauce before serving works too!

What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Greek yogurt can also work in place of cream for added tang and creaminess!

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