This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that warms the soul. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes. With its creamy texture and zesty kick, it’s a dish that satisfies every palate. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or enjoying it on a chilly day, this soup is sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this soup is perfect for those busy evenings.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of spices and creamy broth creates a comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor.
- Customizable Toppings: Load it up with your favorite toppings like avocado, tortilla strips, or cheese for added texture and taste.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber from beans and chicken, this dish is both nutritious and filling.
- Suitable for All Occasions: Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual lunch with friends, this soup fits any occasion.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly while allowing ample space for stirring ingredients.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for mixing ingredients without scratching your pot’s surface.
- Knife and cutting board: Necessary for chopping vegetables quickly and safely.
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!
Main 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)
Optional Toppings
- Tortilla strips
- Avocado
- Sour cream
- Tex-Mex cheese
How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Add the oil and onion to a soup pot. Sauté over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until it’s lightly browned.
Step 2: Add Base Ingredients
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Rotel, and chicken broth. Then add the garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, corn, and black beans. Stir well to combine.
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 Toppings
While the soup simmers, prep your favorite toppings so they are ready when you serve.
Step 5: Incorporate Cream and Chicken
Stir in the cream and cooked chicken into the soup mixture. Allow it to warm through for about 3-5 minutes. Taste the soup and season generously with salt & pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Serve immediately in bowls topped with your choice of tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, or cheese as desired. Enjoy your deliciously creamy chicken tortilla soup!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Serving Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup allows you to customize each bowl to your taste. This soup is not only delicious but also versatile, making it easy to tailor it with various toppings.
Classic Toppings
- Tortilla Strips: Crunchy and perfect for adding texture. You can buy them pre-made or fry your own.
- Avocado: Creamy avocado slices add richness and a fresh flavor that balances the spices in the soup.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream brings a tangy creaminess that complements the soup’s warmth.
- Tex-Mex Cheese: Shredded Tex-Mex cheese adds a cheesy goodness that melts beautifully into the hot soup.
Fresh Garnishes
- Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro adds brightness and a hint of herbal flavor, enhancing the overall dish.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice just before serving brightens up the flavors and adds a zesty kick.
Additional Protein Options
- Grilled Shrimp: For seafood lovers, grilled shrimp can be a delightful addition, complementing the chicken.
- Chorizo Crumbles: Spicy chorizo crumbles bring an extra layer of flavor and richness to the soup.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
To make your Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup even better, consider these helpful tips for achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor significantly compared to canned or frozen alternatives.
- Adjust Spices: Don’t hesitate to tweak the spices based on your personal taste; add more chili powder for heat or smoked paprika for depth.
- Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for high-quality rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked chicken for better flavor in your soup.
- Simmer Gently: Allowing the soup to simmer gently helps meld all the flavors together without overcooking any ingredients.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs wonderfully with the spicy soup, adding a comforting touch.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy Mexican rice complements the soup perfectly and absorbs its rich broth.
- Guacamole: A side of fresh guacamole enhances flavors while providing a creamy texture contrast.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh pico de gallo adds brightness and crunch, making it an ideal sidekick for this dish.
- Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with salsa create a fun appetizer that goes well with soup.
- Grilled Vegetables: Lightly seasoned grilled veggies provide a healthy balance alongside the hearty soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making creamy chicken tortilla soup can be a breeze, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the Sauté: Not sautéing the onion can lead to a bland flavor base. Always sauté until lightly browned to enhance the soup’s taste.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Forgetting to season your soup properly can leave it flat. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Using Low-Quality Cream: Using a lower-fat cream can result in an unappealing texture. Opt for heavy or whipping cream for a rich and creamy finish.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Adding chicken too early can make it tough. Stir in the cooked chicken just before serving to keep it tender.
- Neglecting Toppings: Serving without toppings misses out on added flavor and texture. Customize with tortilla strips, avocado, or cheese for an extra kick.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Make sure the soup is cooled before sealing the container.
Freezing Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion during freezing.
Reheating Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Oven: Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot; usually takes about 2-4 minutes depending on your microwave.
- Stovetop: Heat gently over medium heat in a pot; stir frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about creamy chicken tortilla soup that might help you enjoy this dish even more!
How do I make my Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup thicker?
You can thicken your soup by adding a cornstarch slurry or simmering it longer without a lid to reduce excess liquid.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?
Yes, you can cook fresh chicken in the broth for added flavor. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before adding cream.
What are some good toppings for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Consider using tortilla strips, avocado slices, sour cream, or shredded cheese to enhance the flavor and texture of your soup.
Is Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted based on personal preference by altering the amount of chili powder or using mild Rotel.
Final Thoughts
This creamy chicken tortilla soup recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly satisfying. With its cozy flavors and customizable toppings, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly night or serving it at a gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone. Don’t hesitate to try different toppings or add-ins to make it your own!
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines a rich, savory broth with tender chicken and vibrant spices. Ready in just 30 minutes, this nourishing soup is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. The creamy texture, paired with your choice of fresh toppings like avocado and tortilla strips, makes each bowl a delightful experience. Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans, this soup is both satisfying and healthy. Whether you enjoy it on a chilly evening or serve it at a gathering, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
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)
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped onion until lightly browned (5-7 minutes).
- Add crushed tomatoes, Rotel, chicken broth, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, corn, and black beans. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes with the lid slightly ajar.
- Stir in heavy cream and cooked chicken; warm for another 3-5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings like tortilla strips and avocado.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
