Ah, the cozy embrace of a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day! There’s something so heartwarming about a steaming pot of soup simmering away on the stove. It takes me back to childhood memories of coming in from the cold, the air filled with the tantalizing aroma of my mom’s chicken soup. It was a simple recipe, but it was so comforting and delicious. Fast forward to today, and while I still cherish those memories, I’ve whipped up a recipe that brings a bit of a twist—a dash of creaminess and a sprinkle of spices. Let me introduce you to my version: Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup! This dish is a fantastic blend of flavors and textures that will transport your taste buds straight to a cozy Mexican cantina.

What I love most about this soup is its versatility. You can make it as spicy or mild as you like, and it’s perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Plus, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that won’t break the bank. Who doesn’t appreciate a budget-friendly option when cooking for loved ones?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy weeknight dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes.
• Budget-friendly ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.
• Comforting flavors that warm you to your core.
• Customizable with toppings and spice levels.

Ingredients

Let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered!)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great for a shortcut!)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (for that creamy touch!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortilla chips, for garnish
• Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Avocado slices (optional, but oh-so-delicious!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into the kitchen and start crafting this delicious soup. Don’t worry; I’ll guide you every step of the way!

1. Heat things up: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. This is where the magic begins! Just the sound of oil sizzling is enough to make me smile.
2. Add aromatics: Toss in the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and diced bell peppers. Let everything sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender and the garlic starts to fragrance the air.
3. Introduce the chicken: If you’re using leftover or rotisserie chicken, this is a great time to stir it into the pot. Mix it around until it’s combined with the veggies.
4. Pour in the goodness: Add the canned diced tomatoes (juice and all), black beans, and corn. Give it a good stir!
5. Add broth and spices: Now, pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes.
6. Make it creamy: Just before serving, stir in the heavy cream. This is where we elevate the flavor and texture to a luxurious level!
7. Season to taste: Give your soup a taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Remember, you can always tweak it to your liking!
8. Serve it up: Ladle that beautiful creamy chicken tortilla soup into bowls and get ready for the best part—toppings!

Pro Tips & Variations

Let’s have some fun with this soup! Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Spice it up: If you love heat, consider adding some jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Wellness twist: For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt.
• Veggie-packed: You can sneak in more veggies like zucchini, spinach, or even sweet potatoes to boost nutrition.
• Wrap it up: Want to turn your soup into a burrito bowl? Serve it over rice or quinoa for a heartier meal!

Serving Suggestions

Oh, how I love to serve this creamy chicken tortilla soup! Imagine cozying up with a delicious bowl alongside crispy tortilla chips for dipping—there’s just something about that crunch that compliments the creamy soup wonderfully. If I’m feeling extra fancy, I might crumble some tortilla chips right on top for texture. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkling of shredded cheese can add a rich touch. Don’t forget the freshly chopped cilantro and some slices of creamy avocado for that extra bit of indulgence!

And if I’m really looking to set the mood, I’ll brew a pot of rich coffee or a refreshing iced tea to sip on the side. Add a few warm, fluffy bread rolls or quesadillas, and you’ve got yourself a feast!

Storage Tips

Let’s talk leftovers! This creamy chicken tortilla soup stores beautifully, making it a great meal prep option. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerator: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through!
• Freezer: If you want to keep it longer, this soup freezes well. Again, cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. It will last for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
• Reheating: When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up, as it may thicken in the fridge or freezer.

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned chicken can save you time and effort, making this recipe even quicker. Just drain it and add it in when you would add your shredded chicken.

How can I make this soup spicier?

If you’re a spice lover, you can add crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or even a splash of hot sauce right at the end. Experimenting with spices is part of the fun!

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

No worries! You can substitute it with coconut milk, half-and-half, or Greek yogurt for a lower-fat alternative. Just mix it in gently so it doesn’t curdle.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Sure thing! Simply replace the chicken with roasted veggies or beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The soup will still be creamy and delicious!

Conclusion

And there you have it, my dear friend—Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup that’s both simple and sumptuous! I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing this soup as I do. It’s perfect for those brisk evenings when you need a hug in a bowl. Don’t forget to share your experience or any creative twists you tried in the comments below! Happy cooking!

Irresistible Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe You Need

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• Author: mery
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Savor this creamy chicken tortilla soup packed with bold flavors and the perfect blend of spices A musttry recipe for soup lovers 153 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded

1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes, undrained

1 can (15 oz) of black beans, rinsed and drained

4 cups of chicken broth

1 cup of corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)

1 teaspoon of cumin

1 teaspoon of chili powder

1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika

1/2 cup of heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

Tortilla chips, for garnish

Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Avocado slices (optional)

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft; then add minced garlic and diced bell peppers, sauté for another 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the shredded chicken until combined with the veggies.

Add canned diced tomatoes (juice included), black beans, and corn. Stir well.

Pour in chicken broth and add cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.

Just before serving, stir in heavy cream and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve in bowls with toppings such as tortilla chips, cilantro, and avocado.

Notes

A delicious and comforting Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup that blends heartwarming flavors and textures, perfect for a cozy meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 grams
• Fat: 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams
• Fiber: 7 grams
• Protein: 25 grams