Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to a fun gathering with friends. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this soup is sure to impress. Made with simple ingredients and packed with wholesome goodness, it offers a satisfying meal that warms the soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This soup can be made effortlessly on the stove top or in a Crock Pot, making it a go-to recipe for busy days.
• Flavorful Indulgence: The combination of cheddar and cream cheese creates a rich, creamy texture that elevates the overall taste.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use fresh, leftover, or rotisserie chicken to suit your needs and preferences.
• Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the heat with jalapenos and hot sauce according to your liking for a personalized touch.
• Great for Meal Prep: This soup stores well, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers.

Tools and Preparation

To make this creamy delight, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures smooth preparation and cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Crock Pot (if using slow cooker method)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Perfect for simmering soups evenly without burning while allowing for plenty of room for all ingredients.
• Crock Pot: Ideal for hands-off cooking; just set it and forget it until mealtime!
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop vegetables and chicken without cross-contamination.

Ingredients

Soup Base

• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 1 jalapeno pepper (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (diced)
• 1 Tablespoon tomato paste

Vegetables & Beans

• 1 15 oz. can corn (drained)
• 1 10 oz. can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
• 1 15 oz. can black beans (drained and rinsed)

Chicken & Broth

• 5 cups chicken broth
• 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups shredded chicken)

Seasonings & Cheese

• 1 pinch Cayenne Pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 1 oz. packet taco seasoning (about 3 Tbsp.)
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/3 cup cream cheese (softened)

Tortillas

• Corn or Flour Tortillas (See notes)

How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in your large pot. Add the diced onions and jalapeno pepper.
* Sauté for about 5–6 minutes until softened.
* Add the diced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add all remaining ingredients except the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and garnish elements to the pot.
* Start with 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning; you can add more later if desired.

Step 3: Simmer Gently

Allow the soup to come to a gentle bubble while partially covering it.
* Avoid boiling rapidly as this can make the chicken tough. Slow cooking keeps it juicy.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

After about 20–25 minutes, remove the chicken once fully cooked through.
* Use two forks to shred the chicken before returning it back into the soup.

Step 5: Add Cheeses

Reduce heat to low before gradually adding in shredded cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese.
* Stir continuously until both cheeses melt smoothly into the soup.

Step 6: Final Touches

Taste your soup one last time.
* Adjust seasonings as necessary before serving.
Garnish as desired and enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is versatile and can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your soup experience.

With Fresh Cilantro

• Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top to add a burst of flavor and color.

Avocado Slices

• Add creamy avocado slices for richness that complements the soup’s texture.

Crispy Tortilla Strips

• Top with crispy tortilla strips for a satisfying crunch that enhances each spoonful.

Lime Wedges

• Serve with lime wedges for a zesty kick that brightens the flavors.

Shredded Cheese

• A sprinkle of additional shredded cheese can enhance the creamy goodness of your soup.

Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt

• A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tanginess, balancing the flavors perfectly.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Perfecting your Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup takes just a few thoughtful adjustments. Here are some tips to make it even better:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs bring out the best flavors in your soup.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Taste as you go; add more hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier dish.
• Slow Cook for Flavor: Allow the soup to simmer gently for deeper flavors and tender chicken.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for varied taste and creaminess.
• Thicken It Up: If you like a thicker soup, blend a portion of it and then mix it back in.
• Add More Veggies: Incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Pairing side dishes with Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup enhances the meal experience. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Cornbread
   A warm slice of cornbread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
2. Mexican Rice
   Fluffy Mexican rice seasoned with spices complements the soup beautifully.
3. Garden Salad
   A fresh garden salad adds crunch and lightness to balance the creamy soup.
4. Guacamole
   Rich guacamole served with tortilla chips provides an excellent contrast in texture.
5. Chips and Salsa
   Crispy tortilla chips paired with zesty salsa offer a fun appetizer before digging into the soup.
6. Stuffed Peppers
   Colorful stuffed peppers filled with quinoa or rice make for an excellent hearty side dish.
7. Roasted Vegetables
   Sweet roasted vegetables add depth of flavor while keeping the meal healthy.
8. Quesadillas
   Cheesy quesadillas filled with veggies or chicken make a great side that everyone will love.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Bold seasoning choices: Not adjusting the seasonings can lead to bland soup. Taste and modify the spices as you go to enhance flavors.
• Bold cooking chicken too fast: Rapid boiling can make chicken tough. Cook it slowly at a gentle bubble to keep it juicy and tender.
• Bold forgetting the creaminess: Skipping or underestimating the cream cheese can result in a less creamy texture. Ensure you incorporate it fully for that rich flavor.
• Bold using low-quality broth: A weak broth leads to a bland soup. Opt for a good quality chicken broth for maximum flavor.
• Bold neglecting garnishes: Overlooking toppings like tortilla strips or cilantro can rob your soup of extra texture and flavor. Don’t skip these finishing touches!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space in containers as the soup may expand when frozen.

Reheating Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil, heating until warmed through (about 20-25 minutes).
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe container for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup.

Can I use leftover chicken for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Yes! Leftover, rotisserie, or precooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter option if you prefer.

How spicy is Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

The spice level can be adjusted by altering the amount of jalapeno and hot sauce used. Feel free to make it milder or spicier based on your taste!

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with beans or additional vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is not just delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different toppings or adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, this recipe is sure to delight everyone! Try it out today!

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Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Indulge in the comforting warmth of Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, a perfect blend of rich flavors and creamy goodness that’s ideal for any gathering or cozy night in. This soup showcases tender chicken simmered in a savory broth, combined with zesty jalapenos, vibrant tomatoes, and hearty black beans, all enhanced by the luscious creaminess of cheddar and cream cheese. It’s versatile, allowing you to customize the spice level and toppings to suit your taste. Whether served with crispy tortilla strips or fresh avocado slices, this delightful dish is sure to satisfy both family and friends alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 1 jalapeno pepper (diced)
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (or shredded chicken)
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/3 cup cream cheese (softened)
• Corn or flour tortillas

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Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter and sauté diced onions and jalapeno for about 5–6 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Stir in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, chicken breasts, taco seasoning, cayenne pepper, and hot sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer.
3. After 20–25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot and shred using two forks.
4. Return shredded chicken to the pot. Lower heat and gradually stir in cheddar cheese and cream cheese until melted and creamy.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 75mg