This creamy chicken tortilla soup is the perfect blend of comfort and flavor, making it an ideal choice for cozy dinners or casual gatherings. In just 30 minutes, you can create a warm and satisfying meal that is rich in taste and easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re enjoying a chilly evening at home or hosting friends, this soup will surely impress everyone at the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Broth: The combination of spices and creamy elements creates a deliciously seasoned broth that warms you up.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize each bowl with toppings like avocado and tortilla strips to suit everyone’s tastes.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the rich flavors and comforting texture of this soup.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious ingredients like beans and corn, this dish is as wholesome as it is tasty.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, gather these essential tools before you begin. Having everything on hand will streamline your process as you whip up this creamy chicken tortilla soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: A spacious pot allows ample room for all ingredients to cook evenly without spilling.
- Chopping board: Keeps your workspace organized while ensuring safety when cutting vegetables.
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!
For the Soup
- 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 Onion
Add the oil and onion to a soup pot. Sauté over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes or until it’s lightly browned.
Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Rotel, and chicken broth. Follow with garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, corn, and black beans. Stir well and increase the heat to high.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Once the soup has come to a boil, reduce the heat. Cover the pot slightly ajar and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Prep Your Toppings
While the soup simmers, prepare your desired toppings so they are ready when serving.
Step 5: Add Cream and Chicken
Stir in the cream and cooked chicken. Let it warm through for about 3-5 minutes. Taste and season generously with salt & pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Serve immediately in bowls topped with your choice of toppings for a delicious finish. Enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Serving your creamy chicken tortilla soup can elevate the meal experience. Personalizing each bowl with delicious toppings not only enhances the flavor but also adds a visual appeal. Here are some great serving suggestions.
Toppings
- Tortilla strips: Crispy and crunchy, these add texture to your soup.
- Avocado: Sliced or diced, avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats.
- Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream balances the spices with its tangy flavor.
- Tex-Mex cheese: Shredded cheese melts beautifully over the hot soup, adding richness.
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped cilantro provides a fresh, herby taste that complements the dish.
- Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the flavors in every spoonful.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Creating the ultimate creamy chicken tortilla soup involves a few key steps. Here are some tips to ensure your soup is perfect every time.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh veggies and herbs enhance the flavors significantly.
- Adjust seasoning carefully: Taste as you go to find the right balance of spices and salt.
- Opt for quality broth: A good chicken broth forms the base of your soup, so choose one that’s full of flavor.
- Don’t rush the simmering process: Allowing the soup to simmer helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
- Experiment with toppings: Try different combinations of toppings to find your favorite mix.
- Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Pairing your creamy chicken tortilla soup with side dishes can make for a complete meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this comforting dish.
- Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole paired with tortilla chips makes for a tasty appetizer.
- Mexican Rice: Flavored rice can soak up wonderful broth while adding substance to your meal.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa provide extra zest and crunch.
- Stuffed Jalapeños: Spicy stuffed jalapeños can add a kick to your meal if you enjoy heat.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing offers a refreshing counterbalance to the rich soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making creamy chicken tortilla soup is simple, but avoiding a few common mistakes can enhance your results.
- Not seasoning properly: Seasoning is key. Always taste your soup as you cook and adjust salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
- Using low-quality ingredients: The freshness of your ingredients matters. Opt for high-quality tomatoes and broth for a richer soup.
- Skipping the toppings: Toppings add texture and flavor. Don’t skip them—add tortilla strips, avocado, or cheese for a delightful finish.
- Overcooking the chicken: If you use pre-cooked chicken, add it towards the end to avoid drying it out. This keeps the chicken tender and juicy.
- Ignoring simmer time: Allowing the soup to simmer is crucial. It helps meld the flavors together; don’t rush this step!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store creamy chicken tortilla soup in an airtight container.
- It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Oven: Preheat at 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that often arise about creamy chicken tortilla soup.
What makes creamy chicken tortilla soup unique?
Creamy chicken tortilla soup stands out because of its rich, velvety broth combined with vibrant Tex-Mex flavors that create a comforting dish.
Can I make creamy chicken tortilla soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it ahead and store it. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even tastier when reheated.
What toppings are best for creamy chicken tortilla soup?
Some great toppings include crispy tortilla strips, fresh avocado slices, sour cream, and shredded cheese. Customize according to your taste!
Is creamy chicken tortilla soup healthy?
This recipe offers good nutrition with protein from chicken and fiber from beans. Adjust the cream quantity for a lighter version if desired.
How can I customize my creamy chicken tortilla soup?
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini and adjust spices to suit your preference. Make it spicier with more chili powder or jalapeños!
Final Thoughts
Creamy chicken tortilla soup is an incredible dish that’s both comforting and versatile. With endless customization options, you can easily make this recipe your own. Give it a try today for a cozy meal that everyone will love!
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich flavors and a velvety texture, perfect for chilly evenings or casual get-togethers. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this satisfying dish that boasts a hearty broth filled with tender chicken, beans, and corn. Customize each bowl with your favorite toppings like crispy tortilla strips, creamy avocado, or tangy sour cream to create a meal that delights everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving it to your family on a busy weeknight or impressing friends during a cozy gathering, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
- 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
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped onion until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, Rotel, and chicken broth along with garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, corn, and black beans. Increase heat to high.
- Once boiling, reduce heat and let simmer for 5 minutes with the lid slightly ajar.
- While simmering, prepare your desired toppings.
- Stir in heavy cream and cooked chicken; warm through for 3-5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot in bowls topped with your choice of toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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