This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful dish that warms the heart and satisfies the taste buds. Perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep for the week, this recipe offers a creamy texture complemented by savory flavors. Whether you’re using fresh chicken, leftovers, or rotisserie chicken, this soup is both versatile and indulgent, making it a go-to comfort food.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this soup simmering on the stove or in your Crock Pot with minimal effort.
Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of cheddar cheese and cream cheese creates a deliciously creamy base that elevates traditional tortilla soup.
Versatile Ingredients: Adapt the recipe to your pantry staples—use any beans or toppings you prefer!
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings; it’s sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is a nutritious option that feels indulgent without the guilt.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools will help. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup.

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Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board
Knife
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering your ingredients evenly, ensuring maximum flavor extraction.
Cutting board & knife: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and safely.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.

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!

For the Base

2 Tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion (diced)
1 jalapeno pepper (diced)
3 cloves garlic (diced)
1 Tablespoon tomato paste

Vegetables & Broth

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 & Seasonings

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.)

Final Touches

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 peppers:
1. Sauté for about 5–6 minutes until soft.
2. Add the diced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add all remaining ingredients EXCEPT for the cheddar cheese and cream cheese:
– Include corn, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, chicken broth, chicken breasts, Cayenne pepper, cumin, hot sauce, and taco seasoning.
– Start with 2 Tbsp. taco seasoning; adjust to taste later.

Step 3: Simmer

Allow the soup to gradually come to a gentle bubble while partially covered:
– This helps keep the chicken tender; avoid boiling rapidly.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

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

Step 5: Add Cheeses

Reduce heat to low before adding shredded cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese:
– Stir continuously until both are completely melted into a smooth mixture.

Step 6: Serve

Taste your soup before serving:
– Adjust seasonings as needed.
– Garnish with tortilla strips or any preferred toppings before enjoying!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or elevate the experience, here are some serving suggestions.

Add Fresh Toppings

Avocado: Sliced or diced, avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fats.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of flavor and color to your bowl.
Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime enhances the soup’s flavor profile with a zesty kick.

Pair with Tortilla Chips

Crunchy Snack: Serve tortilla chips on the side for a crunchy contrast to the creamy soup.
Dipping Delight: Use the chips to dip into the soup for an enjoyable eating experience.

Offer Additional Sides

Rice: A scoop of rice can make the meal more filling and add extra texture.
Salad: A light salad with lime vinaigrette complements the soup’s richness perfectly.

Make it a Meal

Sandwiches: Grilled cheese or turkey sandwiches pair well as a hearty side.
Quesadillas: Cheese-filled quesadillas add an extra layer of flavor and fun.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

To achieve the best version of Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, consider these tips for perfecting your dish.

Use Quality Chicken: Opt for fresh or rotisserie chicken for enhanced flavor and tenderness.
Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by modifying the amount of jalapeno and hot sauce.
Incorporate Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like cilantro at serving time boosts freshness.
Thicken Wisely: For a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or add more cream cheese gradually.
Taste as You Go: Regularly taste your soup while cooking to adjust seasonings to your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Pairing sides with Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.

Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread is a classic pairing that complements the flavors nicely.
Mexican Rice: Flavored with tomatoes and spices, this side adds a hearty touch to your meal.
Guacamole: This creamy dip not only tastes great but also adds freshness to your plate.
Chips and Salsa: A combination of crunchy chips with fresh salsa offers a perfect appetizer before the soup.
Cheesy Garlic Bread: This indulgent bread pairs well with any soup and adds comforting warmth.
Caesar Salad: Crisp greens with creamy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup can be simple, but certain mistakes can ruin the dish. Here are common pitfalls to steer clear of.

Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality or old ingredients can affect the soup’s flavor. Always opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken.
Overcooking the chicken: Boiling the chicken too fast makes it tough. Cook gently and check for doneness around 20-25 minutes.
Skipping seasoning adjustments: Not tasting as you go can lead to bland soup. Add seasonings gradually and adjust to your preference.
Neglecting the cheese blending: Adding cold cheese directly into hot soup can cause clumping. Gradually stir in cheese at a lower temperature for a creamy texture.
Using wrong tortillas: Choosing thick tortillas can mask the soup’s flavors. Opt for thin corn or flour tortillas for an ideal texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup in an airtight container.
It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Use freezer-safe containers to avoid freezer burn.
The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months for best flavor.

Reheating Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warm, about 30 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot all the way through.
Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup thicker?

Adding more cream cheese or reducing the broth can help achieve a thicker texture. You can also mash some beans before adding them.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe, saving time while adding great flavor.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use sour cream or Greek yogurt as alternatives if you’re looking for a lighter option.

How long does it take to cook on the stove?

Cooking on the stove takes approximately 35 minutes from start to finish, including prep time.

Are there any variations of Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Absolutely! You can customize it with additional vegetables or different cheeses based on personal preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it with your favorite ingredients or spices. Whether you’re using fresh chicken or leftovers, every bowl offers warmth and love. Give it a try and enjoy customizing it to your taste!

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Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a heartwarming dish that brings together comforting flavors and creamy textures in just one pot. This easy recipe is perfect for cozy nights, family gatherings, or meal prep. With the rich combination of cheddar and cream cheese, this indulgent soup elevates traditional tortilla soup to a whole new level. Whether you use fresh chicken, leftovers, or rotisserie chicken, you’ll enjoy a satisfying bowl filled with wholesome ingredients. Topped with your favorite garnishes like avocado and cilantro, it’s a delightful meal that promises to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion (diced)
1 jalapeno pepper (diced)
3 cloves garlic (diced)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 can corn (15 oz, drained)
1 can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz, undrained)
1 can black beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
5 cups chicken broth
2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
1.5 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
1/3 cup cream cheese (softened)

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Instructions

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and jalapeno for about 5–6 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Stir in corn, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, chicken broth, chicken breasts, and seasonings except for the cheeses. Bring to a gentle simmer.
After approximately 20–25 minutes of simmering, remove the chicken, shred it using two forks, and return it to the pot.
Lower the heat and gradually stir in shredded cheddar and cream cheese until melted and combined.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican