If you are craving a bowl of comfort that bursts with vibrant flavors and a luscious smooth texture, this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender shredded chicken, rich cream, and a lively blend of tomatoes, corn, and black beans to create a soup that’s both hearty and satisfyingly creamy. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly evening or looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner, this delightful recipe promises to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play an important role in building a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the smoky kick of paprika to the sweetness of corn, every item adds something special.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the onions and develop a flavorful base.
- Onion (1/2 medium, chopped): Adds natural sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 ounces): Provides a rich, hearty tomato foundation.
- Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 ounces): Adds a zesty, slightly spicy touch for excitement.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Enhances the savory notes and keeps the soup light yet flavorful.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers that aromatic punch without overpowering.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a delicious smoky undertone that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Chili powder (1/2 tablespoon): Adds warmth and just the right amount of spice.
- Corn (12 ounces, drained): Offers a touch of sweetness and satisfying texture.
- Black beans (14 ounces, drained and rinsed): Introduces earthiness and heartiness that rounds out the soup.
- Heavy or whipping cream (1 cup): Gives the soup that luscious, creamy consistency everyone loves.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded): Your protein star, making the soup filling and wholesome.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Toppings (optional): Tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, Tex-Mex cheese, and more to add texture and customization.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until it turns lightly browned and fragrant. This step creates that wonderful aromatic base that infuses the whole soup.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Spices
Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes, Rotel with its juices, and chicken broth. Sprinkle in garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder, then mix in the corn and black beans. Give everything a good stir and raise the heat to bring the soup up to a boil.
Step 3: Simmer for Flavor Fusion
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar, and let the soup simmer gently for 5 minutes. This simmer allows the flavors to meld together perfectly without losing that fresh tomato brightness.
Step 4: Prep Your Toppings
While the soup simmers, this is the perfect time to prepare your favorite garnishes. Whether you love crispy tortilla strips or creamy avocado slices, having your toppings ready means you can serve hot and fresh right away.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Chicken
Lower the heat to medium and gently fold in the heavy cream and cooked shredded chicken. Let everything warm through for another 3 to 5 minutes so that the chicken absorbs the soup’s flavors and the cream thickens it into a silky delight. Taste and season generously with salt and pepper to make sure the flavors sing.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Immediately
This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is best enjoyed hot. Ladle it into bowls and dress with your chosen toppings to add that extra flair and fun.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The toppings are where this soup truly shines. Crispy tortilla strips bring crunch, creamy avocado adds cool richness, a dollop of sour cream lends tang, and shredded Tex-Mex cheese melts beautifully on top. Customize your garnish lineup to suit your mood and make each bowl your own.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with warm, crusty bread or simple cornbread for dipping. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the rich soup and brightens the meal. These sides keep the focus on the soup while rounding out a satisfying dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the soup in mini tortilla bowls or garnish with chopped cilantro and fresh lime wedges. Another fun idea is layering the soup with cheese and crushed tortilla chips in a clear glass mug for a visually appealing treat that makes every spoonful feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen after a day, making leftovers just as enjoyable as fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and when ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat on low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. Adding a splash of broth or water while reheating can help restore the soup’s perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes can be used, but make sure to cook them down well to achieve the rich, saucy consistency that canned crushed tomatoes provide so effortlessly.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could add extra beans or a plant-based protein to keep it hearty and filling.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
You can try half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version, but keep in mind the texture and flavor will be slightly different from the original creamy richness.
How spicy is this soup?
This recipe offers a gentle warmth from the chili powder and Rotel tomatoes, but it’s not overly spicy. You can always add more chili powder or chopped jalapeños if you like more kick.
What kind of chicken works best?
Rotisserie chicken is an easy and flavorful choice, but any cooked chicken—grilled, baked, or boiled—works perfectly shredded into this soup.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe has become one of my all-time favorite cozy dishes because it’s so easy to make and so incredibly comforting. Every spoonful brings warmth, creamy texture, and fresh, vibrant flavors that feel like a hug in a bowl. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how quickly it becomes a family favorite in your home!
