Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Name: Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 medium onion (chopped); 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (with juices); 1 cup chicken broth; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 tablespoon chili powder; 1 (12 ounce) can corn (drained); 1 (14 ounce) can black beans (drained & rinsed); 1 cup heavy/whipping cream; 2 cups cooked chicken (such as rotisserie); Salt & pepper (to taste); Toppings (optional, to taste): tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, Tex-Mex cheese, etc.

Posted on December 14, 2025

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This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a cozy weekend meal, this soup features a rich and creamy broth that is flavorful and satisfying. With its versatility, you can customize it with your favorite toppings, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Flavorful Broth: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a deliciously seasoned broth that warms the soul.
Customizable Toppings: Load up your soup with tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, and cheese to suit everyone’s taste.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans and corn, this soup is both nutritious and satisfying.
Family-Friendly: Its mild yet flavorful profile makes it appealing to kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make this creamy chicken tortilla soup, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools to streamline your cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Soup pot
Chopping board
Knife
Measuring spoons
Can opener

Why These Tools Matter

Soup pot: A good-quality pot ensures even heating for perfectly cooked soup.
Chopping board & Knife: Essential for safely preparing vegetables quickly.
Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements help maintain flavor balance in the soup.

Ingredients

This 30-minute creamy chicken tortilla soup recipe is easy to make and has a cozy, perfectly seasoned broth. Load it up with your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal!

Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
– 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (with juices)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 (12 ounce) can corn (drained)
– 1 (14 ounce) can black beans (drained & rinsed)
– 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
– 2 cups cooked chicken (I used a rotisserie chicken)
– Salt & pepper (to taste)
– Toppings (optional, to taste): tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, Tex-Mex cheese, etc.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Onion

Add the olive oil and chopped onion to a soup pot. Sauté over medium-high heat for about 5–7 minutes or until the onion is lightly browned.

Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Spices

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Rotel diced tomatoes (with juices), and chicken broth. Follow this with garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, corn, and black beans. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Increase the heat to high until the soup comes to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and cover the pot slightly ajar. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Your Toppings

While the soup simmers, prepare any desired toppings such as slicing avocado or crumbling cheese.

Step 5: Finish Off the Soup

Stir in the heavy cream and cooked chicken. Allow it to warm through for another 3–5 minutes. Taste your soup and season generously with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Serve immediately in bowls topped with your choice of tortilla strips, avocado slices, sour cream, or Tex-Mex cheese. Enjoy your delicious creamy chicken tortilla soup!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Creamy chicken tortilla soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or looking for a comforting meal, the right toppings and sides can elevate this soup into an unforgettable experience.

Toppings

Tortilla Strips: Crunchy strips add texture and flavor to your soup.
Avocado: Sliced or diced avocado provides creaminess and a fresh taste.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream balances the spices with its tangy richness.
Tex-Mex Cheese: Shredded cheese blends perfectly and adds a cheesy finish to every bowl.
Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro introduces a burst of freshness and vibrant color.

Accompaniments

Cornbread: A slice of cornbread complements the flavors while adding sweetness.
Rice: Serving the soup over rice creates a hearty meal that’s filling.
Salad: A light green salad with citrus dressing offers a refreshing contrast.
Crackers: Crunchy crackers are perfect for dipping and add an extra crunch.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

To achieve the best creamy chicken tortilla soup, consider these helpful tips. Each suggestion will enhance your cooking process and improve the overall flavor.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs increase flavor intensity and nutrition.
Adjust the Spice Level: Customize the amount of chili powder based on your heat preference for a personalized kick.
Add More Proteins: For extra protein, consider adding beans or shredded turkey to enhance heartiness.
Simmer Longer for Depth: Allowing the soup to simmer longer develops richer flavors; just ensure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Experiment with Broths: Using homemade chicken broth boosts flavor compared to store-bought options for a more authentic taste.
Top with Lime Juice: A squeeze of lime juice before serving brightens all flavors and adds a zesty note.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

While creamy chicken tortilla soup stands well on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes can make it even more enjoyable. Here are some excellent options to consider:

Guacamole: Creamy guacamole pairs beautifully with tortilla soup and enhances its Tex-Mex flair.
Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa create a delightful starter or side dish.
Mexican Rice: Flavored rice complements the soup’s spices while adding substance to your meal.
Grilled Vegetables: Lightly grilled veggies provide a smoky flavor that balances well with the creamy broth.
Stuffed Peppers: Savory stuffed peppers offer an exciting twist that fills out your meal nicely.
Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas make for an easy-to-make side dish that everyone loves.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making creamy chicken tortilla soup can be simple, but it’s easy to make mistakes that affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

Skipping the sautéing step: Sautéing the onion enhances the flavor of your soup. Don’t rush this step; take your time to achieve a light brown color.
Overcooking the cream: Adding cream too early or boiling it can cause curdling. Stir in the cream just before serving and heat gently.
Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoning can lead to bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper based on your preference.
Using low-quality ingredients: Fresh, quality ingredients make a significant difference. Opt for good chicken broth and fresh vegetables for the best results.
Forgetting about toppings: Toppings add texture and flavor. Don’t skip them! Customize with avocado, cheese, or tortilla strips for an extra layer of enjoyment.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Let the soup cool down completely before sealing.

Freezing Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion.

Reheating Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium heat, stirring frequently until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup made of?

Creamy chicken tortilla soup is made with chicken, tomatoes, spices, corn, black beans, and cream for a rich texture.

Can I make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Just add toppings before serving.

How do I customize my Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

You can customize by adding different proteins like turkey or lamb, using various beans, or incorporating more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well and is perfect for meal prep. Portion into containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

Conclusion

This creamy chicken tortilla soup is not only comforting but also versatile. Its rich flavors can be customized with various toppings and ingredients. Try this recipe today and enjoy a cozy meal that’s perfect any day of the week!