Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup: A Comfort Food Delight

Chicken tortilla soup is a wonderful dish for anyone looking for something warm, comforting, and satisfying. This creamy version gives you all the flavors and textures you love, combined into one delicious bowl. If you’ve ever had a busy day or a chilly evening, you know how comforting a warm, hearty soup can be. This creamy chicken tortilla soup is perfect for those moments. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this soup is sure to become a favorite.

Why Make This Recipe

A good chicken tortilla soup is loved by many. This recipe makes it easy for everyone to enjoy a delicious meal. Here are some reasons why you should make this creamy chicken tortilla soup:

1. Delicious Flavor: The combination of shredded chicken, spices, and creamy cheese gives this soup a rich and mouth-watering taste. The cilantro and tortilla strips add freshness and crunch, making every bite exciting.

2. Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward. You can have a hearty soup ready in about 30 minutes, or you can let it simmer all day in a crock pot. Either way, you’ll have a simple dish that requires little effort.

3. Versatile Ingredients: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home. Feel free to use leftover chicken or different kinds of cheese. It’s great for using up what you have in your kitchen.

4. Nutritious Meal: This soup is packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the corn and vegetables. It is a wholesome choice for lunch or dinner.

5. Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze half for a quick meal later. It’s great for busy days when you don’t feel like cooking.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Making creamy chicken tortilla soup is easy and requires just a few steps. Below are the detailed ingredients and directions you need to follow to create this delightful dish.

Ingredients

To make creamy chicken tortilla soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 8 oz cream cheese (cubed)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortilla strips (for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. If you have not already, shred or cube the cooked chicken.

2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large pot, place a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they become soft and the onions turn translucent.

3. Add the Rest of the Ingredients: Next, mix in the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, green chiles, corn, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well.

4. Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat until the soup starts to boil. Then, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes. This simmers the flavors together nicely.

5. Add the Cheeses: After simmering, add in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well until the cheeses melt completely and blend into the soup.

6. For a Crock Pot Option: If you prefer using a crock pot, combine all the ingredients except for the cheeses. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Before serving, add the cheese and mix until melted.

7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips and fresh cilantro. Enjoy it hot!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Serving creamy chicken tortilla soup is simple and versatile. You can present it in various ways:

• Toppings: This soup tastes wonderful with toppings. Besides tortilla strips and cilantro, you can add avocado slices, sour cream, or lime wedges for extra taste.

• Side Dishes: Serve the soup with some crunchy tortilla chips or warm bread. A fresh salad would also be a great side.

• Family Style: Bring the pot to the table, letting everyone serve themselves. This makes it a fun and casual meal.

How to Store Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

If you have leftovers or want to make this soup ahead of time, storing it is easy:

• Refrigerator: Let the soup cool completely before putting it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: For long-term storage, you can freeze the soup. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion. It can be kept for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge if frozen. Heat it on the stove or in the microwave until it’s warmed through. If the soup has thickened, adding a little more chicken broth can help bring it back to the desired consistency.

Tips to Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, use rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. This greatly reduces prep time while still providing great flavor.

• Adjust Spices: If you like it spicy, add some extra chili powder or diced jalapeños. For milder tastes, reduce the spices.

• Play With Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or cream cheese for extra creaminess.

• Make Sauce in Advance: You can prepare the soup’s base ahead of time and just add the cheeses before serving.

Variations

While this creamy chicken tortilla soup is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to change it up:

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken with beans like black beans or chickpeas. Add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for a hearty vegetarian option.

• Southwestern Twist: Add some cooked quinoa or rice for more texture and nutrients.

• Spicy Option: Incorporate some salsa or hot sauce to give the soup more heat.

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! Leftover turkey works great in this recipe. It will still provide the same tender texture and flavor.

Can I make this soup in advance and freeze it?

Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Just be sure to leave out the cheese until you reheat it for the best texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and check your tortillas. Many tortilla strips are made without gluten.

With this detailed guide on creamy chicken tortilla soup, you can prepare a delightful meal that not only warms the soul but also satisfies the belly. Enjoy making this classic dish, and happy cooking!

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Print Recipe

A warm and comforting creamy chicken tortilla soup packed with flavor, perfect for chilly evenings.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 8 oz cream cheese (cubed)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortilla strips (for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Start by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. If you have not already, shred or cube the cooked chicken.
2. In a large pot, place a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they become soft and the onions turn translucent.
3. Mix in the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, green chiles, corn, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well.
4. Increase the heat until the soup starts to boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes.
5. Add in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well until the cheeses melt completely and blend into the soup.
6. If using a crock pot, combine all ingredients except for the cheeses and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add cheese before serving and mix until melted.
7. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips and fresh cilantro. Enjoy it hot!

Notes

For extra flavor, consider serving with avocado slices, sour cream, or lime wedges. This soup can also be made vegetarian by substituting chicken with beans.

• Author: jessica-baker
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop, Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 740mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: chicken soup, tortilla soup, creamy soup, comfort food