Warm up your dinner routine with this creamy chicken tortilla soup fiesta! Packed with flavor from tender chicken, hearty beans, and vibrant veggies, this comforting dish is perfect for any occasion. Follow our easy step-by-step instructions for a delicious meal in just 40 minutes. Don't miss out on the creamy goodness topped with avocado and tortilla strips. Click through to explore this tasty recipe and make your next meal unforgettable!
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
2 medium carrots, diced
1 jalapeño, minced (optional for spice)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cilantro, chopped
Tortilla strips for garnish
Avocado slices for garnish
Lime wedges for serving
![To make a tasty Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, you need some fresh veggies and herbs. Here’s a list of the key ingredients: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 2 medium carrots, diced - 1 jalapeño, minced (optional for spice) - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 6 cups chicken broth - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup heavy cream - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cilantro, chopped This soup needs chicken and broth for depth. You can use any cooked chicken, like rotisserie. The broth adds warmth and flavor. For the creamy touch, we use heavy cream, which makes it rich and smooth. The spices, ground cumin and smoked paprika, add warmth and complexity. They make the soup more exciting and flavorful. Garnishes can take your soup to the next level. Here are some great options: - Tortilla strips, which add crunch - Slices of avocado for creaminess - Lime wedges for a zesty kick - Fresh cilantro for brightness - You can also add cheese or sour cream if you like These garnishes not only look nice but also enhance the taste. They add different textures and flavors, making each bite delightful. For the full recipe, check out the detailed cooking instructions. To make creamy chicken tortilla soup, start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent. This step builds a solid flavor base. Next, stir in the diced bell pepper, carrots, and minced jalapeño if you want some heat. Cook these vegetables for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. This helps all the flavors blend well together. Now, add the ground cumin and smoked paprika. Stir them in for about 30 seconds until you smell their warm scents. Then, pour in 6 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to mix. After that, add 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1 cup of corn, and 1 can of black beans. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 10 minutes. This will let the chicken and beans soak up the broth's flavor. Finally, slowly mix in 1 cup of heavy cream while stirring. Let the soup simmer on low for about 5 more minutes. Season it with salt and pepper to your taste. Just before serving, stir in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of chopped cilantro. This adds freshness to the soup. Serve it hot in bowls. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with tortilla strips and avocado slices. Don't forget to add lime wedges on the side. They give a nice zing to each bite! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Enjoy your cooking adventure! To make your creamy chicken tortilla soup even better, think about spice adjustments. You can add more jalapeño if you like heat. For a milder taste, skip the jalapeño or use just half. Try adding a pinch of cayenne for an extra kick. You can also mix in some chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to elevate the flavor. If you're looking for cream substitutes, consider using half-and-half or coconut milk. Both will give you a nice creaminess without the heaviness. You can even try using plain yogurt for a tangy twist. Just stir it in after the soup cools slightly to avoid curdling. While cooking, watch out for overcooking the veggies. You want them tender but not mushy. Pay attention to the cooking times in the recipe to get the best texture. Another mistake is not tasting the soup as you go. Add salt and pepper gradually. Each broth can be different, so adjust to your taste. When combining ingredients, be sure to add the cream slowly. Stir it in gently to keep the soup smooth. If you dump it all in at once, it might not blend well. These tips will help you make a delicious soup that everyone will love! For the full recipe, check out the link above. {{image_2}} You can swap out some ingredients to suit your needs. If you're dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It adds a nice richness without the dairy. For gluten-free options, look for gluten-free chicken broth. You can also use corn tortillas or crispy rice as a crunchy garnish instead of standard tortilla strips. Want to spice things up? Add more jalapeño or some cayenne pepper. You can also toss in a dash of hot sauce for a kick. If you're looking for a different protein, turkey works great in this soup. For vegetarian options, try using chickpeas or lentils instead of chicken. These choices keep the soup hearty and delicious. By mixing and matching these options, you can create a unique soup every time. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! To keep your creamy chicken tortilla soup fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers work best. They do not stain and are easy to clean. You can also use plastic containers, but ensure they seal tightly. Store your soup in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to leave some space in the container, as the soup will expand when frozen. When reheating your soup, use the stove for the best flavor. Pour the soup into a pot and heat over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This method helps keep the flavors rich. You can also use the microwave. Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts of one minute, stirring in between. This way, it heats evenly. For both methods, add a splash of water or broth if the soup seems too thick. This helps maintain a nice, creamy texture. To thicken your soup, you have a few easy options. - Cornstarch Slurry: Mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water. Stir it into the soup and cook until it thickens. - Flour Roux: Cook equal parts flour and butter in a pan until golden. Add it to the soup for a rich texture. - Mashed Beans: Blend a portion of the black beans before adding them. This adds body and flavor. These methods work well and fit nicely with the creamy taste of the soup. Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time! It actually helps the flavors blend better. - Make-ahead Timing: Cook the soup and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. - Reheating: When ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove. Add fresh cream if needed for a creamy finish. Keep in mind, if you add the avocado or tortilla strips early, they might become soggy. Add these right before serving for the best taste. The soup can be as spicy as you want! - Spice Levels: The jalapeño adds heat, but you can skip it if you prefer mild flavors. - Adjusting Spice: If you want more heat, add extra jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For less heat, remove seeds from the jalapeño before adding it. This soup is flexible! You can easily adjust the spice to fit your taste. In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients for creamy chicken tortilla soup. We covered fresh veggies, chicken options, and tasty spices. You learned about garnishes that can elevate your dish too. We walked through clear steps for cooking and assembling the soup, plus tips to avoid common mistakes. Finally, we discussed variations, storage, and reheating ideas. Creamy chicken tortilla soup can be fun and easy to make. Try your own twists to make it your favorite! Enjoy cooking!](https://therecipehatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/968be0a2-a5cc-4545-b9ea-9844b9811b07-300x300.webp)