Cozy Bowl: The Soulful Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe For You

Steaming bowls of comfort await with this mouthwatering chicken tortilla soup that captures the vibrant essence of Mexican cuisine.

The robust flavors blend perfectly with each spoonful of this soul-warming dish.

Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and aromatic spices create a symphony of taste that dances across your palate.

Layers of rich broth and crunchy tortilla strips make this soup a true culinary adventure.

Fresh cilantro and zesty lime juice add brightness to every bite.

Home cooks can easily master this simple yet impressive recipe that promises to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.

Warm up your kitchen and your spirit with this delectable soup that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredient List for Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Olive Oil: Provides a silky base for sautéing and adds subtle richness to the soup's foundation.
• Onion: Delivers sweet, robust depth and creates a flavor-packed starting point.
• Garlic: Infuses intense, pungent notes that elevate the entire dish's complexity.
• Jalapeno: Brings vibrant heat and zesty kick for adventurous palates.
• Cumin: Offers warm, earthy undertones that complement Mexican-inspired cuisine.
• Chili Powder: Introduces smoky, bold spiciness and traditional southwestern character.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes deep, rich smokiness with a subtle pepper warmth.
• Coriander: Provides gentle, citrusy brightness and aromatic complexity.

• Chicken Broth: Creates a savory, hydrating foundation with rich underlying flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds tangy brightness and mild southwestern heat.
• Black Beans: Introduces creamy texture and hearty protein with subtle earthiness.
• Corn: Delivers sweet crunch and nutritional diversity to the soup.
• Shredded Chicken: Provides lean protein and substantial meaty satisfaction.

• Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Produces luxurious, silky smooth texture.
• Cream Cheese: Generates rich, velvety thickness with tangy undertones.
• Salt and Pepper: Balances and enhances all existing flavor profiles.
• Tortilla Strips or Chips: Creates delightful crispy textural contrast.
• Lime Wedge: Offers fresh, zesty citrus brightness to cut through rich.

Utensils and Tools for Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for building and simmering the soup, providing ample space for ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the pot's surface.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and jalapeno with ease.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise ingredient preparation and slicing.
• Measuring Spoons: Help accurately portion out spices for balanced flavor.
• Ladle: Ideal for serving the soup into bowls smoothly.
• Can Opener: Useful for opening canned tomatoes and beans.

Your Game Plan for Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Fire Up the Flavor Base

Warm a large pot and drizzle in some olive oil. Toss in chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced jalapeño. Let them dance and soften until they’re tender and fragrant.

• Wake Up the Spices

Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and coriander. Stir quickly to release their bold, aromatic essence.

• Build the Soup's Foundation

Pour in chicken broth and tumble in diced tomatoes with green chilies. Add black beans, corn, and tender shredded chicken. Bring everything to a gentle bubble.

• Let the Magic Simmer

Turn down the heat and let the soup whisper and blend its flavors for 15-20 minutes. The ingredients will get to know each other and create a harmonious mix.

• Bring the Creamy Comfort

Swirl in heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir until everything melts into a luxurious, velvety texture. Season with salt and pepper to make the flavors pop.

• Serve With Excitement

Ladle the soup into bowls and crown it with crispy tortilla strips. Add your favorite toppings and squeeze fresh lime for a zesty finish.

Ideas to Try for Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Taste-Boosting Tricks: Bloom the spices in oil before adding liquids to intensify their flavors and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Chicken Prep Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add an extra layer of smoky flavor to the soup.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace tortilla strips with crispy baked cheese crisps or sliced jalapeños for a low-carb, keto-friendly topping that adds crunch and spice.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cream cheese alternative to make the soup completely lactose-free while maintaining a creamy texture.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by removing seeds from jalapeños or using mild green chilies for a kid-friendly version, or add extra hot sauce for those who love intense spiciness.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Zesty Taco-Style Topping Party: Sprinkle crispy tortilla strips, crumbled queso fresco, chopped cilantro, and diced avocado for a vibrant Mexican-inspired garnish that adds crunch and fresh flavors.
• Creamy Texture Boost: Add an extra dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt right before serving to enhance the soup's richness and create beautiful swirls of white against the warm soup.
• Spice Level Adventure: Customize heat by offering sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes on the side, allowing each person to adjust the soup's spiciness according to their preference.
• Hearty Side Companion: Serve alongside warm cornbread, Mexican rice, or a simple green salad to transform this soup from a starter into a complete, satisfying meal that will delight everyone at the table.

Keep It Fresh for Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Quick Chilling Strategy: Cool the soup rapidly by transferring to shallow containers, spreading it out to release heat faster and prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigerator Storage Magic: Keep the soup in airtight containers for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety. Seal tightly to block unwanted odors from infusing into the soup.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags, leaving slight expansion room. Freeze up to 2-3 months for convenient future meals. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Reheating Pro Tips: Thaw frozen soup overnight in refrigerator. Warm gently on stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore creamy consistency. Add splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick during reheating. Avoid microwaving to maintain original texture and prevent cream separation.

Hearty Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty creamy chicken tortilla soup blends Mexican culinary traditions with comforting flavors. Rich broth, tender chicken, and crispy tortilla strips create a delightful experience you’ll savor with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cup cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 4 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz / 411 g) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp ground coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Crispy tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
• Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Diced avocado
• Lime wedges
• Sour cream

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Instructions

1. Aromatics Awakening: Heat olive oil in a large pot, sautéing onions, garlic, and jalapeño until they release their fragrant essence and become translucent, roughly 3-4 minutes.
2. Spice Infusion: Introduce cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and ground coriander, toasting briefly to unlock their profound, nuanced flavors and create an aromatic foundation.
3. Liquid Symphony: Stream chicken broth into the pot, adding diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and shredded chicken. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing ingredients to harmonize and develop depth for 15-20 minutes.
4. Creamy Transformation: Whisk heavy cream and cream cheese into the simmering soup, stirring until the dairy components melt completely, creating a velvety, luxurious texture that envelops the palate.
5. Flavor Calibration: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, fine-tuning the taste to achieve a perfectly balanced profile that tantalizes the taste buds.
6. Artful Presentation: Ladle the creamy soup into serving bowls, crowning with crisp tortilla strips and optional embellishments like fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or shredded cheese. Accompany with a zesty lime wedge to brighten the entire culinary experience.

Notes

• Spice Sensitivity Adjustment: Modify jalapeño and chili powder quantities based on personal heat tolerance, ensuring a comfortable flavor profile for all palates.
• Cream Consistency Control: Add cream gradually and stir continuously to prevent separation or curdling, maintaining a smooth and silky soup texture.
• Protein Flexibility: Easily substitute shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for dietary preferences or convenience.
• Batch Preparation Tip: Double the recipe and freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months, creating a convenient make-ahead meal solution with minimal additional effort.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg