This is a comprehensive blog post with a recipe for delectable Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup:
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup: A Warm, Tasty Soup with Mexican Flavors
If you’re in the mood for something comforting, tasty, and a bit decadent, this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is just what you need! This soup, which is inspired by the lively aromas of Mexican food, combines tender chicken, creamy broth, and a variety of spices. It is garnished with fresh garnishes and crunchy tortilla strips. It’s the ideal dish to keep you warm on a cold day or whenever you’re craving something substantial and filling.
The Reasons This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Will Win Your Heart
This soup has a rich, velvety texture thanks to the addition of cream or cream cheese.
Every bite is bursting with robust, mouthwatering flavor thanks to a combination of spices, peppers, and tomatoes.
- Versatile: This soup is a hit with everyone and can be easily customized with your own toppings and level of heat.
Here’s a recipe card for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup in a table format:
| Recipe: Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup |
|---|
| Ingredients |
| Soup Base |
| – 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced or shredded |
| – 1 tbsp olive oil |
| – 1 medium onion, diced |
| – 2 cloves garlic, minced |
| – 1 bell pepper, diced |
| – 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) |
| – 1 can corn kernels (15 oz), drained |
| – 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed |
| – 4 cups chicken broth |
| – 1 cup heavy cream or 4 oz cream cheese, softened |
| – 1 tsp chili powder |
| – 1 tsp ground cumin |
| – 1/2 tsp smoked paprika |
| – Salt and pepper to taste |
| – 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, for extra creaminess) |
| Instructions |
| Step 1: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Remove and set aside. |
| Step 2: In the same pot, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent. |
| Step 3: Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Return chicken to the pot. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. |
| Step 4: Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream or cream cheese, and add shredded cheese if using. Stir until creamy and smooth. |
| Step 5: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. |
| Step 6: Serve hot, topped with tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, sour cream, extra cheese, and a lime wedge. |
| Tips |
| – For extra creaminess, use a combination of cream cheese and heavy cream. |
| – Adjust spices to taste, adding more chili powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor. |
| Serving Suggestions |
| – Pair with a green salad, cheese quesadilla, or fresh salsa. |
| Variations |
| – Try adding chipotle sauce for a smoky twist or make it vegetarian by skipping the chicken. |
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Nothing compares to the comforting flavor of chicken noodle soup. Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup has been a pantry staple for decades, providing warmth with each spoonful.
Components
The following ingredients will help you make a batch of soothing, creamy chicken tortilla soup:
Regarding the Soup Base
One pound of diced or shredded boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
One tablespoon of olive oil
One medium onion, chopped
Two minced garlic cloves
1 bell pepper, chopped (either green, yellow, or red)
One 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes with juices
1 can of 15 oz. drained corn kernels
One can (15 oz) of rinsed and drained black beans
Four cups of chicken broth
4 oz cream cheese or 1 cup heavy cream, softened
One teaspoon of chili powder
One teaspoon of ground cumin
1/2 tsp paprika smoked
To taste, add salt and pepper.
An optional addition for added creaminess is half a cup of shredded cheese.
Regarding toppings
Crushed tortilla chips or Tortilla strips
Avocate slices
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Sour cream
- Shredded cheese (Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or cheddar)
Wedges of lime
Directions
First, prepare the chicken.
- Heat the olive oil in a big pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken shreds or dice, season with a dash of salt and pepper, and heat until cooked through and gently browned. Take out of the pot and place aside.
Sauté the Vegetables in Step Two
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the same pot, along with a little additional oil if necessary. Sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes, or until it becomes tender and transparent.
Step 3: Include the ingredients and broth
- Include the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Mix thoroughly to incorporate.
- Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and add the cooked chicken back to the pot. To let the flavors combine, let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 4: Creaminess
- Turn down the heat to low and mix in the cream cheese or heavy cream, and if using, the shredded cheese. Continue to stir until the soup is smooth and creamy and the cream (or cream cheese) is completely integrated.
Step 5: Add the seasoning and serve
- Use salt and pepper to taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Add a sprinkle of cayenne or hot sauce for a hotter touch.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and, if you’d like, top with more cheese, avocado slices, tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream.
How to Make the Best Creamy Chicken Tortillas
For further Creaminess Heavy cream adds a more subtle creaminess, while cream cheese adds further richness to the soup. For a really creamy texture, you may alternatively mix the two.
Use Fresh Tortilla Strips: You can bake or fry your own tortilla strips for the crunchiest texture. Toss the tortillas with a little oil, cut them into thin strips, and bake them at 400°F until they are crispy.
To make the soup spicier, you can add extra chili powder, smoked paprika, or even a diced jalapeño. Use less chili powder for a softer flavor.
- Shred the Chicken: Just cook the chicken as whole breasts, then remove, shred, and add back to the soup in Step 4 if you prefer shredded chicken to diced.
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup’s Health Benefits
- High in Protein: This soup’s primary ingredient, chicken, is a fantastic source of lean protein that will keep you feeling content and full.
Fiber-Rich: Fiber, which is found in corn and black beans, helps with digestion and supports gut health.
Bell peppers, tomatoes, and avocado contribute a range of vitamins, such as potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin A, making this a nutrient-dense meal.
Suggestions for Serving
Although creamy chicken tortilla soup is filling enough to eat as a main course, here are some different ways to serve it to add some variation:
- Serve with a Side Salad: The richness of the soup is complemented by a crisp green salad with avocado, tomatoes, and a mild vinaigrette.
Serve with a Quesadilla: For a comforting Mexican-style dinner, serve the soup with a simple cheese quesadilla.
- Add Fresh Salsa: A dollop of pico de gallo or salsa on top gives it a cool bite and a burst of flavor.
Different Approaches to Try
- Vegetarian Option: For a tasty meatless variation, omit the chicken and substitute more beans, bell peppers, or even zucchini.
Low-Carb Version: To cut down on carbohydrates, omit the corn and tortilla strips and substitute more chicken or veggies.
- Spicy Chipotle Twist: To add a smokey, spicy taste, add a teaspoon of canned chipotle pepper adobo sauce.
Concluding Remarks
Warm, flavorful, and rich, creamy chicken tortilla soup is the quintessential comfort dish. It is popular with people of all ages and is easy to make. This soup will be a hit whether you serve it at a family get-together or cozy up with a bowl on a chilly night. Additionally, it’s simple to customize it to your exact specifications thanks to the countless customization choices. Try this recipe and savor the comforting, creamy richness of this traditional Mexican dish!
This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup will keep you going back for more, whether it’s the combination of spices, the broth’s creaminess, or the crunch of the tortilla strips. Happy cooking and have fun!
