There’s a special kind of magic that happens when the weather begins to cool, and the leaves turn those gorgeous shades of amber and gold. It’s that time of year where cozy sweaters emerge from hibernation, and I find myself craving all things warm and creamy. One dish that never fails to bring comfort to my soul (and my family!) is my beloved Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup. It’s rich, savory, breathing in all the goodness of chicken, vegetables, and spices, topped off with a satisfying crunch from tortilla strips. Trust me, one bowl of this delightful soup and you’ll be hugging your kitchen like a long-lost friend.
Cooking this soup is like wrapping yourself up in your favorite blanket on a chilly evening. Its warm embrace fills not only your belly but your entire kitchen with the most heavenly aromas. The combination of cumin, garlic, and chili powder wafts through the air, reminiscent of family dinners and gatherings full of laughter. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for weeknights when the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for those busy weeknight dinners.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, inexpensive ingredients.
- Comforting Flavors: The creamy texture paired with zesty spices warms you from the inside out.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or veggies!
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green, your choice!)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 4 cups chicken broth (homemade if you’re feeling fancy!)
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works wonders!)
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or you can substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free version)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup tortilla strips (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Pro tip: If you want to spice things up, feel free to add a chopped jalapeño pepper or a dash of hot sauce! No judgment here.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Let it get warm and fragrant—there’s nothing quite like that first sizzle!
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them together until they’re soft and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. This is where you can start to feel the cozy vibes filling your kitchen.
- Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Sauté for an additional minute. Your senses are in for a treat; all those spices are about to become your best friends!
- Add the can of diced tomatoes (don’t forget the juice!), the chicken broth, black beans, shredded chicken, and corn. Stir everything together and bring the pot to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing all those flavors to meld perfectly. It’s going to smell so good, you might have to resist the urge to dive in right away!
- Once it’s done simmering, stir in the heavy cream. This is what gives our soup its signature creamy texture. Stir until completely combined and then taste it—add salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Serve hot, topped generously with tortilla strips, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for that zesty kick!
Pro Tips & Variations
The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is how versatile it is. Here are a few fun variations and tips:
- Protein Swap: Prefer turkey or beef? They can easily take the place of chicken.
- Vegetarian Option: Why not throw in some roasted vegetables or add more beans instead of chicken?
- Spice it Up: Add some cayenne pepper for heat or throw in some ancho chili powder for a deeper smoky flavor.
- Topping Ideas: Avocado slices, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream work beautifully as toppings.
- Make it a Delightful Dip: Use the soup as a base for a cheesy tortilla dip by adding cream cheese or shredded cheddar!
Serving Suggestions
Ah, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Imagine sitting down with a bowl of this creamy goodness, adorned with crispy tortilla strips and fragrant cilantro—it’s nothing short of a masterpiece. This soup pairs wonderfully with:
- A solitary slice of toasted sourdough bread, perfect for dipping.
- Some warm, buttery cornbread that just melts in your mouth.
- A crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
- And of course, your favorite warm beverage—be it coffee, tea, or a cheeky glass of red wine.
Storage Tips
Now, let’s chat about storage. If you have leftovers (which I hope you do! It tastes even better the next day), here’s how to keep that creamy goodness intact:
- Refrigerate: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days—if it lasts that long, that is!
- Freeze: You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave out the cream while it’s freezing, as dairy can change texture upon thawing. Add it back in while reheating!
- Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it looks thicker than you’d like, stir in a bit of chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Just a quick tip: If you’re using frozen chicken, simply add it to the pot with the broth and let it simmer until fully cooked. Shred it straight into the soup!
Is this soup spicy?
Not really! It has a nice warmth from the spices but isn’t overly spicy. If you like it hotter, just add a bit more chili powder or fresh jalapeños to suit your taste.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! This soup actually tastes better after the flavors have had a chance to meld, so it’s a perfect make-ahead dish. Just save the toppings for serving fresh!
What are some good toppings for this tortilla soup?
Great question! I love topping mine with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime. Shredded cheese or jalapeños are also delicious additions!
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Definitely! Vegetable broth is a great substitute if you want a vegetarian version. It won’t lose any of that comforting flavor we love.
Conclusion
And there you have it—a warm, inviting recipe for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s comforting, customizable, and chock-full of flavor that feels like a hug in a bowl. I can’t wait for you to try this! Let me know how your soup turns out, and feel free to share any of your own fun toppings and variations. Happy cooking, my friend! Keep those cozy vibes flowing!
Print
Delicious Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Ultimate Comfort Dish
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in this creamy chicken tortilla soup a cozy choice for any day Perfect blend of flavors satisfying easy to make Enjoy a warm bowl today 153 chars
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A warm, inviting recipe for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup that’s comforting, customizable, and chock-full of flavor that feels like a hug in a bowl.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Fat: 25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 8 grams
- Protein: 20 grams
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