Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
55 min
|
easy
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 20 min | 35 min | 55 min |
Introduction
This creamy chicken tortilla soup is cozy, comforting, and loaded with tender chicken, black beans, corn, and smoky spices.
The rich, velvety broth gets a big flavor boost from Rotel tomatoes, cream cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
It’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in one pot on your stovetop.
Finish it with crisp homemade tortilla strips and cilantro for a fun, family-friendly bowl everyone can customize.
Ingredients (6 servings)
Ingredients for the Soup
Ingredients for the Tortilla Strips
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How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
-
Sauté the aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, and cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
-
Bloom the spices and add the base ingredients
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper, and stir for 1 minute.
Add the Rotel tomatoes, black beans, frozen corn, chicken broth, and chicken bouillon, and stir to combine.
-
Cook and shred the chicken
Nestle the chicken thighs into the pot, making sure they are mostly submerged in the liquid.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
Simmer for 18 to 22 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and very tender.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl or cutting board, and shred it with two forks.
-
Add the creamy elements
Reduce the heat to low, then stir the shredded chicken back into the pot.
Add the half-and-half and the cubed softened cream cheese, stirring often to help the cheese melt smoothly.
Keep the soup on low heat, stirring, until the cream cheese is fully melted and the broth looks creamy.
-
Finish with lime and season to taste
Stir in the fresh lime juice, then taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
If you want a slightly thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes on low.
-
Bake the tortilla strips
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a bowl, toss the tortilla strips with olive oil and a pinch of salt until lightly coated.
Spread the strips in a single layer on the baking sheet, keeping them from overlapping too much.
Bake for 10 to 14 minutes, tossing once, until golden and crisp, watching carefully so they do not burn.
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Serve the soup
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with a handful of crispy tortilla strips.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and add extra lime wedges or shredded cheese if you like.
Substitutions
- Chicken thighs -> boneless skinless chicken breasts
- You can swap the thighs for an equal amount of boneless skinless chicken breasts. Breasts cook slightly faster and stay leaner, while the soup still tastes rich and comforting.
- Half-and-half -> heavy cream or whole milk
- For a richer soup, replace the half-and-half with heavy cream, using the same amount. For a lighter option, use whole milk, though the broth will be a bit thinner.
- Black beans -> pinto beans or white beans
- Use pinto beans or canned white beans if you prefer a milder, creamier bean in your soup. They keep the hearty texture and soak up the smoky spices beautifully.
Tips
- Use room-temperature cream cheese
- Softened cream cheese melts faster and prevents little white lumps from floating in the soup. Cut it into small cubes so it incorporates smoothly into the hot broth.
- Brown the vegetables well
- Let the onion and bell pepper get a little color before adding garlic and spices. That caramelized flavor gives the soup a deep, almost slow-cooked taste.
- Adjust spice level easily
- Use mild Rotel for a gentle kick, or hot Rotel for more heat. You can also add cayenne or extra chili powder near the end if it tastes too mild.
- Shred chicken while it is hot
- Shred the chicken as soon as it is cool enough to handle but still hot inside. Warm chicken pulls apart in moist strands, which blend into the soup better.
- Make it ahead for deeper flavor
- This soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors mingle in the fridge. Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if it thickens.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 501 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 34 | g |
| Total Fat | 21 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 41 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 10 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- How can I thicken the soup if it turns out too thin?
- Let the soup simmer uncovered for several minutes so some liquid evaporates. You can also mash a few beans in the pot or stir in extra cream cheese, a cube at a time.
- What if my soup looks grainy or the cream cheese is not melting?
- Keep the heat low and keep stirring; high heat can cause dairy to separate and look grainy. If needed, use a whisk to break up any small bits of cream cheese until the soup looks smooth.
- Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
- Yes, sauté the onion, pepper, garlic, and spices first, then transfer everything except dairy to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, shred the chicken, then stir in the half-and-half and cream cheese.
- How do I keep the tortilla strips crispy in leftovers?
- Store the baked tortilla strips in an airtight container at room temperature, separate from the soup. Add them to each bowl right before eating so they stay crunchy.
Serving Suggestions
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Reviews
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Deborah, Phoenix, AZ: I made this tonight using chicken breast instead of thighs, a little extra Rotel and I just used crushed tortilla chips on top. This is a really good, restaurant quality soup! Thank you for sharing!
: So glad you enjoyed it, Deborah!
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Donna, Nashville: I love creamy chicken tortilla soup and this recipe is so delicious. It is cozy and really filling. It does take a little while to make, but totally worth it!
: So glad it was worth the time, Donna!
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William Gardner, Manchester, NH: Awesome soup! 😋 Family loved it.
: Glad it was a hit, William!
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