Easy Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup for Any Day
There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup, and this Easy Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup hits all the right notes. With tender chicken, a creamy base, and a touch of zesty spices, it’s a perfect meal for lunch, dinner, or whenever you need something comforting and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for the family or just craving a hearty meal, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and packed with flavor. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of this rich, satisfying soup that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!
In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through every step to make the most mouth-watering easy creamy chicken tortilla soup. Plus, I’ll include some tips and tricks to ensure your soup is packed with flavor, easy to make, and ready to be devoured by all.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
There’s so much to love about this recipe. Not only is it creamy and rich, but it’s also versatile enough to adjust to your taste. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Creamy and Comforting: The perfect bowl of comfort, thanks to its smooth texture, but still light enough to keep you coming back for more.
- Easy to Make: No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients, making it a stress-free meal option.
- Perfect for Leftovers: If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, they taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.
- Customizable: You can switch out ingredients based on your preferences and still end up with a delicious dish. Love it spicy? Add more jalapeños. Want more veggies? Feel free to toss in corn, beans, or even diced zucchini.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this creamy chicken tortilla soup, gather the following ingredients:
For the Easy Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1-1.5 pounds). Thighs tend to add more flavor, but breasts are leaner.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced.
- Chicken Broth: 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth for a base that’s full of flavor but not too salty.
- Canned Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz) of fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a slight smoky depth.
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz block, softened for easy melting and to add that irresistible creaminess.
- Spices: 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and a dash of cayenne for optional heat.
- Tortilla Chips: About 4-6 corn tortillas cut into strips or store-bought tortilla chips.
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup to enhance the richness of the soup.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup shredded for that delicious cheesy bite.
For Garnishing:
- Avocado: Freshly diced for a creamy, fresh contrast.
- Sour Cream: A dollop on top adds richness and balances the spices.
- Cilantro: Freshly chopped for a burst of herbaceous flavor.
- Lime Wedges: For squeezing over the top and adding a hint of citrusy brightness.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat with a tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add your chicken breasts or thighs and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside to cool slightly before shredding it with two forks.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add your chopped onions. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Base
Pour in your chicken broth, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot for added flavor. Add your can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using). Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.
Step 4: Add Creaminess
Now, it’s time to turn this soup into something special. Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the softened cream cheese. Keep stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the broth. This will give the soup that velvety texture you’re craving. Next, add your heavy cream and stir until smooth.
Step 5: Shred and Add the Chicken
Take your shredded chicken and return it to the pot. Allow it to simmer for 10-15 minutes to let all the flavors meld together. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed (add more salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference).
Step 6: Crisp the Tortilla Strips
While the soup simmers, you can prepare the tortilla strips. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your tortilla strips and fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden and crispy. Drain them on paper towels and sprinkle with a little salt.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the creamy chicken tortilla soup into bowls and top each with a handful of crispy tortilla strips. Garnish with fresh avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cilantro, and a wedge of lime. Add shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
Customization Tips: Make it Your Own!
What’s great about this recipe is that it’s incredibly adaptable. Whether you’re a fan of bold spices or want to sneak in extra veggies, here are a few easy ways to customize this creamy chicken tortilla soup.
- Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or extra cayenne if you like things spicy.
- Add More Veggies: Corn, black beans, or even bell peppers would be great additions for extra color and texture.
- Make It Low Carb: Skip the tortillas entirely and use shredded cabbage or extra vegetables to give the soup body without the carbs.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker version, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just shred and add it to the soup during Step 5.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken tortilla soup is hearty enough to serve on its own, but you can also pair it with side dishes to make an even more complete meal. Here are a few ideas:
- Fresh Salad: A light salad with avocado, cucumber, and tomatoes would complement the richness of the soup.
- Mexican Rice: Serve a side of fluffy Mexican rice for an added layer of flavor.
- Crusty Bread: If you prefer something to dip into the soup, a crusty baguette or sourdough would work perfectly.
- Guacamole and Chips: Another fun option is to serve with guacamole and chips, adding more delicious Mexican-inspired flavors to the meal.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
The best part about this creamy chicken tortilla soup? It reheats beautifully! If you make a large batch, you can easily store leftovers for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
- In the Refrigerator: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- In the Freezer: This soup freezes well for up to 2 months. To freeze, let the soup cool completely and store it in freezer-safe containers or bags. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a pot over medium heat.
Reheating Tips
When reheating your soup, you may notice that it thickens as it cools. If you prefer a thinner consistency, just add a splash of broth or water while reheating.
Nutrition Information
If you’re curious about the nutritional breakdown of this delicious creamy chicken tortilla soup, here’s a rough estimate per serving:
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 22 grams
- Fat: 28 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Sodium: 780 mg
Final Thoughts: The Perfect Easy Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Easy Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a must-try recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the perfect blend of rich, comforting flavors and simplicity, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even when you want to impress your family and friends. With every spoonful, you’ll enjoy a satisfying combination of creamy textures, tender chicken, and just the right amount of spice.
Whether you’re enjoying a cozy meal at home or preparing for a special occasion, this soup has you covered. Grab your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and treat yourself to a delicious and effortless meal!