Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

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Author: Lima
Published:
Bowl of creamy chicken tortilla soup topped with tortilla strips and cilantro

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting dish that warms you up on a chilly day. It’s easy to make and full of flavor. This recipe combines the richness of cream cheese with the heartiness of chicken and beans. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover chicken, making it a super convenient choice for busy weeknights.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
  • 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can corn (drained)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Tortilla strips (for garnish)
  • Avocado (sliced, for garnish)
  • Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Directions

  1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat until soft.
  2. Add the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 20 minutes.
  4. Stir in the cream cheese until melted and well combined.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with cheddar cheese, tortilla strips, avocado, and cilantro.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Serve this soup hot in bowls. Top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy tortilla strips, fresh avocado slices, and a sprinkle of cilantro. This adds color and extra flavor to the dish.

How to Store Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Let the soup cool completely before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, store it in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

  • For extra flavor, you can add jalapeños for some heat.
  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • Adjust the thickness by adding more chicken broth if desired.
  • Consider adding a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh twist.

Variation

You can make this soup vegetarian by replacing the chicken with more beans or vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Also, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can add frozen chicken to the pot and let it cook longer until it’s fully cooked and tender.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can use sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter version or omit it for a dairy-free option.

How spicy is this soup?
The spice level can be adjusted according to your preference. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or some diced jalapeños.

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Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

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  • Author: lima
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: None

Description

A comforting and flavorful soup combining chicken, cream cheese, and beans, perfect for chilly days.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can corn, drained
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Tortilla strips, for garnish
  • Avocado, sliced, for garnish
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat until soft.
  2. Add the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 20 minutes.
  4. Stir in the cream cheese until melted and well combined.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with cheddar cheese, tortilla strips, avocado, and cilantro.

Notes

For extra flavor, add jalapeños or lime juice. Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. Can be made vegetarian by replacing chicken with more beans or vegetables.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
Hi, We’re Lima and Isabelle!

A mother-and-daughter duo brought together by one delicious passion: sharing the very best chicken recipes with the world.

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