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Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

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  • Author: Lily Carter
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup, Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex, Mexican-Inspired

Description

This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting, flavor-packed dish featuring tender shredded chicken, a rich and creamy broth, and just the right amount of spice. Topped with crispy tortilla strips, fresh avocado, and a squeeze of lime, it’s the perfect cozy meal for any night of the week!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Soup:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)

For Serving:

  • 1 cup crispy tortilla strips (or crushed tortilla chips)
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
  • Extra shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics:

    1. In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
    2. Add diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using).
    3. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  2. Season and Simmer:

    1. Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
    2. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn.
    3. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
  3. Add Chicken and Creaminess:

    1. Stir in the shredded chicken.
    2. Reduce heat to low and add the heavy cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar.
    3. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth.
  4. Serve:

    1. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
    2. Add sour cream and extra cheese if desired.

Notes

  • For a spicier soup, add an extra jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper.
  • For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for milk or Greek yogurt.
  • Make it ahead! The flavors deepen over time, so it’s great for meal prep.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: ~380
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: ~900mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: ~75mg