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
-
Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
- Add diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using).
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
-
Season and Simmer:
- Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
-
Add Chicken and Creaminess:
- Stir in the shredded chicken.
- Reduce heat to low and add the heavy cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar.
- Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth.
-
Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
- 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