Name: Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: Chicken breasts or thighs: 3 large breasts or 4 thighs (about 1 ½ lbs / 680g); Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced; Garlic: 3 cloves, minced; Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g); Chicken broth: 4 cups (960ml); Cream cheese or heavy cream: 4 oz (113g) cream cheese or 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream; Tortillas: 4 small or medium tortillas (for homemade tortilla strips); Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (for sautéing veggies and frying tortilla strips); Cumin: 1 teaspoon; Chili powder: 1 tablespoon; Paprika: 1 teaspoon; Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste); Pepper: ½ teaspoon (or to taste); Optional toppings: Shredded cheese (about 1 cup); Sour cream (¼ cup per serving); Fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons, chopped); Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

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If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting soup that’s rich, flavorful, and a little bit indulgent, then you’ve got to try this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup. It’s the perfect balance of creamy and spicy, with tender chunks of chicken, hearty veggies, and crispy tortilla strips that take it to the next level. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just need a big bowl of comfort food, this soup will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is everything you want in a bowl of soup. It’s creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavors. The addition of crispy tortilla strips gives you a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, velvety broth. Plus, it’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and fully customizable to suit your taste. Whether you love it mild or spicy, you can tweak the ingredients to make it just right for you. And did I mention it’s perfect for meal prepping? You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick peek at some of the essential ingredients for this recipe. You’ll find the full list below!

Chicken breasts (or thighs)
Yellow onion
Garlic
Diced tomatoes
Chicken broth
Cream cheese or heavy cream
Tortillas (for homemade tortilla strips)
Spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika

For the full list of ingredients, keep scrolling down!

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by cooking your chicken. You can either boil or sauté the chicken breasts (or thighs) until fully cooked. If you’re boiling, about 15 minutes should do it. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and set it aside. I love using a rotisserie chicken for a shortcut, but homemade works just as well!

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In a large pot, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add your diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Add in the garlic and cook for another minute, just until it’s fragrant. This is where the flavor starts to come together!

Step 3: Make the Soup Base

Now, add the diced tomatoes (with juice) and chicken broth to the pot. Stir in the spices: cumin, chili powder, and paprika. These warm spices will give your soup that lovely depth of flavor. Let it all simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Add the Creaminess

Once the broth has had time to simmer, it’s time to make it creamy. Stir in the cream cheese or heavy cream, depending on which you’re using. If you’re using cream cheese, make sure it’s softened to ensure a smooth texture. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until it’s nice and creamy.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken

Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir to combine. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes so the chicken heats through and absorbs some of the delicious broth.

Step 6: Prepare the Tortilla Strips

While the soup is simmering, cut your tortillas into thin strips. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet and fry the strips until they’re golden and crispy. This should take about 2-3 minutes per batch. Once they’re done, drain them on a paper towel to get rid of any excess oil.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the creamy soup into bowls and top with a generous handful of the crispy tortilla strips. You can also add some shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor. Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the soup base. Adjust the spice level to your taste!
Blend the Soup: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the soup using an immersion blender or by transferring it to a regular blender in batches. It gives the soup a creamy, velvety consistency.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in other veggies like corn, bell peppers, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrients.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re in a rush, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken will save you time without sacrificing flavor.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, skip the cream cheese and use coconut milk or cashew cream to achieve that rich, creamy texture.
Vegetarian Version: You can replace the chicken with beans (black beans or pinto beans work great) or extra vegetables for a vegetarian version of this soup.
Spicy Version: If you love a fiery kick, add diced green chilies, jalapeños, or a bit of chipotle powder for a smoky spice.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is delicious all on its own, but you can serve it alongside a few tasty sides to round out the meal:

Mexican Rice: A side of fluffy Mexican rice pairs perfectly with this soup and soaks up all the wonderful flavors.
Guacamole and Chips: Serve with a side of fresh guacamole and tortilla chips for a delightful appetizer or snack.
Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread will complement the soup’s creamy, hearty texture and add a touch of sweetness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers? Yes, please! Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra chicken broth or water if needed to thin it out. For longer storage, this soup freezes wonderfully—just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

4 FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup actually gets better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for 1-2 days before serving.

2. Can I use store-bought tortilla strips instead of frying my own?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought tortilla strips will work just as well.

3. Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded?
Yes, ground chicken can be used as a substitute. Just cook it through before adding it to the soup. It will still give you that hearty, protein-packed element.

4. Can I make this recipe without the cream cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with heavy cream or even half-and-half if you prefer a lighter option. Both will give you that creamy texture without the tangy flavor of the cream cheese.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is the ultimate comfort food for any time of year. It’s packed with flavor, creamy without being too heavy, and has the perfect balance of textures, from the tender chicken to the crispy tortilla strips. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just want a cozy dinner for yourself, this soup is a guaranteed winner. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll be a hit in your household!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Ingredients

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Step 3: Make the Soup Base

Step 4: Add the Creaminess

Step 5: Combine the Chicken

Step 6: Prepare the Tortilla Strips

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Expert Tips and Tricks

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Storage and Reheating Tips

4 FAQs

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition