Homestyle Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup: Weekend Comfort (Print Version)
Whip up this easy Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup for a comforting meal. My recipe brings warmth and flavor, perfect for family dinners. You'll love it!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Dietary: Contains Dairy
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
2 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
03 -
1 jalapeño, minced (seeds removed for less heat)
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
4 cups chicken broth
06 -
1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
07 -
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
08 -
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
09 -
1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
→ Flavor Boosters
10 -
2 tsp chili powder
11 -
1 tsp ground cumin
12 -
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
13 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Creaminess & Finishing
14 -
4 oz cream cheese, cut into cubes
15 -
1/2 cup heavy cream
16 -
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
→ Garnish & Toppings
17 -
Crispy tortilla strips
18 -
1 avocado, diced
19 -
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
20 -
Lime wedges (for serving)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get your big pot or Dutch oven on medium heat. Drizzle in a bit of olive oil. Toss in your diced onion and minced jalapeño. Sauté them until they're soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. I love this part, the kitchen starts to smell so inviting, you can almost taste the Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup already. This is where I sometimes get distracted and let the onions get a little *too* brown, so keep an eye on them!
02 -
Now, add your minced garlic to the pot and cook for just a minute until it's fragrant – don't let it burn, that's a sad, bitter flavor nobody wants! Stir in your chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Let those spices toast for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly. This really wakes up their flavors, making your Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup extra delicious. I once added the spices too early and they got clumpy, so make sure your pan isn't too hot!
03 -
Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Give it a good stir, scraping up any delicious bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 15 minutes. This allows all those beautiful flavors to meld together. The aroma filling my kitchen at this point? Pure comfort!
04 -
Uncover the pot and add your shredded cooked chicken, black beans, and corn. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes, just long enough for the chicken to heat through and for the flavors to deepen. This is where the Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup starts to look really hearty and inviting. I once forgot the corn and had to quickly stir it in at the end, it still tasted great, just less colorful!
05 -
Reduce the heat to its lowest setting. Add the cream cheese, cut into cubes, and the heavy cream. Stir gently until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating that luscious, creamy texture we're aiming for. Don't boil the soup after adding the cream, or it might separate – trust me, I've learned that the hard way! Taste and adjust seasonings; a little extra salt or a squeeze of lime can brighten everything up.
06 -
Ladle your warm Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup into bowls. Now for the fun part: toppings! Pile on those crispy tortilla strips, fresh diced avocado, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and a generous scattering of fresh cilantro. The contrast of textures and temperatures is what makes this soup truly special. It looks so vibrant and tastes even better. Enjoy your delicious creation!
# Notes:
01 -
Always add the cream cheese and heavy cream off the direct heat or on the lowest setting; boiling can make it separate, which is a total bummer.
02 -
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days; reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain creaminess.
03 -
For a dairy-free version, coconut milk can replace heavy cream, but expect a slightly different flavor profile.
04 -
A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving lifts all the flavors and adds a bright finish.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot or Dutch oven
02 -
cutting board
03 -
knife
04 -
ladle
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 25g