Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this soup will satisfy your cravings. With its creamy texture and bold flavors from cheddar and cream cheese, every spoonful offers a taste of indulgence. You can easily prepare it on the stove top or in a Crock Pot, making it versatile for your cooking style.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This soup can be ready in just 45 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy nights.
- Customizable Ingredients: Use fresh, leftover, or rotisserie chicken to suit your preference.
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The addition of cheddar and cream cheese creates a luscious texture that everyone will love.
- Family-Friendly: With its mild spices, this recipe is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
- One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup required since everything cooks in one pot!
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smoother, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can enhance your preparation and cooking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Allows for even cooking and provides enough space for all ingredients.
- Cutting board: Protects your countertop while giving you a stable surface to chop vegetables safely.
Ingredients
This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe features simple ingredients that come together for a delicious meal.
Vegetables
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 1 jalapeno pepper (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (diced)
Canned Goods
- 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
- 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)
Broth & Chicken
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups shredded chicken)
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 pinch Cayenne Pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1 oz. packet taco seasoning (about 3 Tbsp.)
Dairy
- 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 Tbsp. butter over medium heat and add the diced onions and peppers. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened, then add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 2: Combine All Ingredients
Add all remaining ingredients EXCEPT for the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and garnish ingredients. Start with 2 Tbsp. of Taco Seasoning; you can adjust to taste later.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Let the soup come to a gentle bubble while partially covered. Cooking slowly helps keep the chicken tender.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
After about 20-25 minutes, remove the chicken once fully cooked. Use two forks to shred it before returning it to the soup.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Reduce heat to low and gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese along with softened cream cheese. Stir well until smooth.
Step 6: Final Adjustments
Taste your soup and add any additional seasonings as needed before garnishing and serving!
Enjoy this comforting bowl of Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, perfect for cozy evenings!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful and versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.
With Toppings
- Avocado Slices – Add creamy avocado slices for a fresh, smooth texture.
- Crispy Tortilla Strips – Top with crunchy tortilla strips for that perfect contrast.
- Fresh Cilantro – Sprinkle chopped cilantro for a burst of herbal flavor.
- Lime Wedges – Serve with lime wedges to squeeze over the soup for added zest.
As a Main Course
- Serve with Rice – Pair the soup with a side of cilantro-lime rice to make it more filling.
- In a Bread Bowl – Use sourdough bread bowls for a fun and edible serving option.
- With Side Salads – A light salad can complement the richness of the soup wonderfully.
For Meal Prep
- Store in Containers – Divide the soup into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
- Freeze Portions – Freeze leftovers in portions for quick meals on busy days.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
To achieve the ultimate Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, consider these helpful tips. They will elevate your soup-making skills and ensure delicious results every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and high-quality broth enhance flavor significantly.
- Adjust Spice Levels – Customize the heat by adjusting jalapeno or hot sauce amounts according to your taste preferences.
- Slow Cook for Flavor – Allowing the soup to simmer longer develops deeper flavors, especially if using raw chicken.
- Blend for Creaminess – For an ultra-creamy texture, blend part of the soup before adding cheese and chicken back in.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Pairing sides with your Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup can turn a simple meal into something special. Here are some excellent options that complement this dish perfectly.
- Cornbread – Sweet or savory cornbread pairs well and adds a comforting element.
- Guacamole – A fresh guacamole dip offers creamy richness and balances flavors beautifully.
- Mexican Rice – Flavorful Mexican rice enhances the meal’s authenticity and fills you up.
- Chips and Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips with zesty salsa make for a fun appetizer before diving into the soup.
- Quesadillas – Cheese quesadillas serve as a delightful side, perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Grilled Veggies – Lightly seasoned grilled vegetables add color and nutrition while complementing the soup’s richness.
- Caesar Salad – A crisp Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
- Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers filled with beans or rice offer a hearty side option that works well with tortilla soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup can be simple, but there are a few common errors that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the sauté step – Not cooking the onions and peppers first can lead to an underdeveloped flavor in your soup. Always sauté them to build a rich base.
- Using frozen chicken – Cooking frozen chicken directly in the soup can result in uneven cooking. Use thawed or leftover chicken for better texture.
- Overcooking the soup – Allowing the soup to boil too rapidly can make the chicken tough. Maintain a gentle simmer for juicy chicken.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments – Relying solely on pre-measured spices may not suit your taste. Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving for optimal flavor.
- Forgetting cheese integration – Adding cheese too quickly can cause it to clump. Gradually sprinkle in the cheese while stirring for a smooth, creamy texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Place in freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months, leaving space at the top for expansion.
Reheating Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Oven – Reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat in increments of 1 minute, stirring between each until hot.
- Stovetop – Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with creamy broth, spices, and toppings like cheese and tortillas.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Just store it properly and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
How do I customize my Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also switch out proteins or adjust seasoning levels based on your taste.
Is this soup spicy?
The spice level depends on how much jalapeño and hot sauce you use. You can adjust these ingredients according to your preference.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that cuts down on prep time while adding flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is not only delicious but also highly versatile. You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or meal prep option, this recipe is sure to impress! Don’t hesitate to try it out and customize it with extra toppings or spices.
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy evenings or busy weeknights. This rich, creamy soup is bursting with flavors from tender chicken, zesty spices, and a blend of cheddar and cream cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 1 jalapeño pepper (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups shredded chicken)
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- ⅓ cup cream cheese (softened)
- Corn or flour tortillas for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onion and jalapeño for about 5-6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in tomato paste and then add chicken broth, chicken breasts, and seasonings. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for about 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Shred the chicken using two forks before returning it to the pot.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in cheddar and cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Adjust seasonings as needed before serving hot with tortilla strips or your favorite toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
