Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is the perfect comfort food for any occasion! Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty dish for game day, this soup checks all the boxes. With its rich flavors and creamy texture from cheddar and cream cheese, it promises to warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate fresh, leftover, or rotisserie chicken, making it an easy go-to for busy cooks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Prep takes just 10 minutes, with a total cook time of only 35 minutes.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of spices, cheese, and fresh ingredients creates a deliciously rich flavor that everyone will love.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever chicken you have on hand—fresh, leftover, or store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
• Family-Friendly: This soup is sure to please picky eaters and is suitable for both adults and kids.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch for easy lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe, gather your essential tools to make the process smooth. A few key kitchen gadgets will help ensure everything turns out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Provides ample space to cook all the ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
• Sharp knife: Ensures effortless chopping of vegetables, which is crucial for even cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps maintain accurate ingredient ratios for optimal flavor balance.

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!

Soup Base

• 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

Chicken

• 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups shredded chicken)

Spices & Seasoning

• 1 pinch Cayenne Pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 1 oz. packet taco seasoning (about 3 Tbsp.)

Creaminess Factor

• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/3 cup cream cheese (softened)

Garnishing

• Corn or Flour Tortillas (See notes)

How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Follow these simple steps to prepare your delicious 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 peppers:
1. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add all remaining ingredients EXCEPT for the cheddar cheese and cream cheese:
– Start with 2 Tbsp. of taco seasoning; you can adjust later if needed.
– Stir well to combine everything into a flavorful mix.

Step 3: Cook Slowly

Allow the soup to come to a gentle bubble while partially covered:
– Cooking slowly helps keep the chicken juicy.
– Avoid boiling rapidly as it toughens the meat.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

After about 20-25 minutes:
1. Check that the chicken is cooked through.
2. Remove it from the soup and shred using two forks before returning it to the pot.

Step 5: Add Dairy Products

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

Step 6: Final Touches

Taste your soup:
– Adjust seasonings as needed based on personal preference.
– Garnish as desired before serving hot!

Enjoy your delightful bowl of Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, perfect for sharing with family or savoring alone!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Serving it with complementary ingredients elevates the experience, making each bowl a little more special.

Garnish Ideas

• Fresh Avocado – Slices of ripe avocado add creaminess and richness.
• Chopped Cilantro – A sprinkle of fresh cilantro provides a burst of flavor and color.
• Lime Wedges – A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the soup and adds acidity.

Accompaniments

• Corn or Flour Tortillas – Serve warm tortillas on the side for dipping or tearing into the soup.
• Tortilla Chips – Crunchy chips create a great texture contrast when added to the soup.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – A dollop of sour cream offers a cool and creamy contrast to the spicy soup.

Additional Toppings

• Shredded Cheese – Extra cheddar cheese on top enhances the creamy texture and flavor.
• Chopped Green Onions – Freshly chopped green onions provide a mild onion flavor and nice crunch.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

To achieve the best version of Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Rotisserie Chicken – This saves time and adds great flavor. Shred it before adding to the soup for easy incorporation.
• Control Spiciness – Adjust the amount of jalapeno and hot sauce based on your heat preference. Start small and add more if needed.
• Let It Simmer – Allowing the soup to simmer gently helps meld flavors together while keeping chicken tender.
• Add Vegetables – Enhance nutrition by including diced bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
• Experiment with Broth – Using homemade chicken broth can elevate the taste significantly compared to store-bought options.
• Thicken If Desired – If you prefer a thicker soup, add some cornmeal or pureed beans towards the end of cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some delicious suggestions:

1. Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice seasoned with spices complements the soup well. Serve it on the side or mix it in for extra heartiness.
2. Black Bean Salad – A refreshing salad made with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and lime dressing offers a bright contrast.
3. Guacamole – Creamy guacamole pairs perfectly as a dip for tortilla chips or simply enjoyed alongside the soup.
4. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – Crispy grilled cheese sandwiches make a comforting addition that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
5. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies provide healthy options that add depth to your meal.
6. Quesadillas – Simple cheese quesadillas can be cut into triangles for easy dipping into the soup while adding cheesy goodness.
7. Cilantro Lime Cornbread – Sweet cornbread infused with cilantro and lime is an excellent choice to soak up all that creamy goodness in every bite.
8. Mixed Greens Salad – A light salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, and vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it tough. Keep an eye on the cooking time and remove it once it’s cooked through, then shred it back into the soup.
• Skipping the Sauté Step: Not sautéing the onions and peppers can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always start with sautéing these ingredients for better taste.
• Using Cold Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese doesn’t melt well and can create lumps in your soup. Ensure it’s softened before adding it to achieve a smooth consistency.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting your soup before serving means missing out on flavor nuances. Adjust seasonings as needed before serving.
• Rushing the Cooking Process: Cooking too quickly can make the chicken tough and prevent flavors from developing. Allow the soup to simmer gently for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months; just leave out added cheese until reheating.

Reheating Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered for about 20 minutes or until hot throughout.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between, until heated through.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup:

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works great and saves prep time! Just shred it and add it during cooking.

What can I use instead of dairy for a vegan version?

You can substitute cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use non-dairy cheese options.

How spicy is this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

The spice level depends on how much jalapeño and hot sauce you add. Feel free to adjust according to your taste preference.

Can I make this soup in a Crock Pot?

Absolutely! Just combine all ingredients (except cheeses) in your Crock Pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add cheeses at the end before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is not only comforting but also versatile enough to adapt based on your preferences. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, or extra cheese. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!