Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is the perfect dish for cozy nights or family gatherings. With a blend of spices, tender chicken, and creamy ingredients, it’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re using fresh ingredients or leftovers, this soup showcases versatility and flavor that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This soup comes together quickly on the stovetop or in a Crock Pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and spices creates a rich and hearty flavor that elevates traditional tortilla soup.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less jalapeño or hot sauce to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe yields a large batch, making it ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
• Comforting and Filling: With chicken, beans, and cheese, this soup is not only delicious but also satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started with making this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, gather your kitchen tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Ladle
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Perfect for cooking the soup evenly while providing ample space for all ingredients.
• Chef’s knife: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and efficiently.
• Ladle: Ideal for serving the soup without spilling.

Ingredients

This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is easy to make on the stove top or the Crock Pot. Make it with fresh, leftover, or rotisserie chicken. Cheddar and Cream Cheese add a hint of creamy indulgence!

Main Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 1 jalapeno pepper (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (diced)
• 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 15 oz. can corn (drained)
• 1 10 oz. can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
• 1 15 oz. can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups shredded chicken)
• 1 pinch Cayenne Pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 1 oz. packet taco seasoning (about 3 Tbsp.)
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/3 cup cream cheese (softened)
• Corn or Flour Tortillas (See notes)

How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

Heat 2 Tbsp. butter over medium heat in your large pot. Add the diced onions and jalapeno pepper:
1. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add all remaining ingredients EXCEPT for cheddar cheese and cream cheese:
– Include corn, diced tomatoes, black beans, chicken broth, chicken breasts, cayenne pepper, cumin, hot sauce, and taco seasoning.
– Start with 2 Tbsp. of taco seasoning; you can add more later if desired.

Step 3: Cook the Soup

Let the mixture gradually come to a gentle bubble:
– Partially cover the pot to prevent spillage.
– Cook slowly so that the chicken stays tender.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

After about 20-25 minutes:
– Remove the chicken from the pot once cooked through.
– Use two forks to shred before returning it to the soup.

Step 5: Add Cheeses

Reduce heat to low:
– Gradually sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese.
– Stir until everything is smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Season to Taste

Taste your soup:
– Adjust seasonings as needed before garnishing.
– Serve hot with tortilla strips on top!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or make it a festive meal, the following serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and freshness.
• Avocado: Slices or cubes of avocado provide creaminess and richness.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens the flavors and adds acidity.

Pair with Crunchy Toppings

• Tortilla Chips: Crushed tortilla chips provide a delightful crunch and texture contrast.
• Shredded Cheese: Additional cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend enhances the cheesy goodness.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop on top gives a creamy finish and balances spice.

Serve with Warm Tortillas

• Corn Tortillas: Soft corn tortillas are perfect for dipping or wrapping around bites of soup.
• Flour Tortillas: Flour tortillas can be warmed and served alongside for extra satisfaction.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Making the perfect Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out delicious every time.

• Choose Quality Chicken: Use fresh or high-quality rotisserie chicken for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Start with less hot sauce and taco seasoning, then adjust to your taste as you cook.
• Use Low-Sodium Broth: This helps control sodium levels while allowing other flavors to shine through.
• Slow Cook for Tenderness: Allowing the chicken to cook slowly ensures tenderness; avoid boiling it too rapidly.
• Incorporate Fresh Veggies: Adding bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can increase nutrition and flavor depth.
• Blend for Extra Creaminess: For an ultra-creamy texture, blend part of the soup before adding cheese.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

To complement your Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, consider these delightful side dishes. Each option pairs well with the soup’s rich flavors.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices adds heartiness to your meal.
2. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad with black beans, corn, and lime dressing offers a cool contrast.
3. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip served with tortilla chips enhances the overall experience.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until crispy add color and nutrition to your plate.
5. Cheesy Quesadillas: Melty cheese-filled tortillas serve as a delicious dipping companion for the soup.
6. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips paired with fresh tomato salsa provide an easy appetizer.
7. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a comforting touch alongside the savory soup.
8. Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup can be straightforward, but some common mistakes may affect your final dish. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Bold seasoning choices: Skipping the spices or using too little taco seasoning can make your soup bland. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
• Overcooking chicken: Cooking chicken too quickly can make it tough. Aim for a gentle simmer to keep it juicy and tender.
• Ignoring cheese incorporation: Adding cheese too fast can lead to clumps. Gradually sprinkle in the cheese for a smooth, creamy texture.
• Not adjusting thickness: If your soup is too thick, you might forget to add extra broth. Adjust the consistency as needed by adding more chicken broth gradually.
• Skipping garnishes: Missing out on garnishes like fresh cilantro or tortilla strips can lessen presentation and flavor. Garnish liberally for the best experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a rich, flavorful dish made with tender chicken, black beans, corn, and a creamy base from cheddar and cream cheese.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken works great in this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe.

How spicy is this soup?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. Start with less jalapeno and hot sauce, then add more if desired.

What toppings go well with this soup?

Common toppings include crushed tortilla chips, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and sour cream for added creaminess.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or additional vegetables. It’s perfect for any occasion—give it a try!