Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Highlighted under: Home-Cooked Classics Recipes
This creamy chicken tortilla soup is a comforting blend of flavors and textures, perfect for any day of the week.
This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful blend of spices, tender chicken, and creamy goodness, topped with crispy tortilla strips. It's a family favorite that warms the soul!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy texture that soothes the senses
- A perfect balance of spices and flavors
- Quick and easy to make for busy weeknights
- Customizable with your favorite toppings
The Comfort of Creamy Soups
There's something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of creamy soup. When the weather turns chilly or you're simply in need of a cozy meal, creamy chicken tortilla soup fits the bill perfectly. This dish not only warms you up but also provides a rich and satisfying texture that can elevate any dining experience. The combination of ingredients in this recipe creates a harmony of flavors that soothes the senses and nourishes the soul.
In addition to being comforting, creamy soups like this one are versatile. You can easily adjust the creaminess to your liking by adding more or less heavy cream. Plus, with the right spices and toppings, you can tailor the flavor profile to suit your personal preferences, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings.
Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal
Busy weeknights call for meals that are not only delicious but also quick to prepare. This creamy chicken tortilla soup comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it a perfect solution for those hectic evenings. With minimal prep work and straightforward cooking steps, you can have a hearty meal on the table in no time, allowing you to spend more quality time with your loved ones.
The use of pre-cooked chicken significantly cuts down on cooking time. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or even store-bought shredded chicken, you can whip this soup up in a flash. It's a fantastic way to reduce food waste while enjoying a comforting dish that everyone will love.
Customizing Your Soup
One of the best features of this creamy chicken tortilla soup is its adaptability. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings to make it truly your own. Whether you prefer a sprinkle of cheese, crunchy tortilla strips, or a dollop of sour cream, the options are endless. Adding fresh ingredients like cilantro, avocado, or lime wedges not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful presentation to your dish.
Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients as well. You could toss in some black beans for added protein or throw in diced bell peppers for a pop of color and crunch. The beauty of this soup is that it encourages creativity in the kitchen, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup corn kernels, frozen or fresh
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnishing
- Tortilla strips
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced avocado
- Lime wedges
Make sure to gather all your ingredients before you start cooking for a smoother process!
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Add Chicken and Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the shredded chicken, corn, and diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Stir in Cream
Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to warm through for about 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve and Garnish
Serve hot, garnished with tortilla strips, cilantro, avocado, and lime wedges on the side.
Enjoy your delicious creamy chicken tortilla soup!
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the desired consistency, as the soup may thicken slightly upon cooling.
For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop for a quick meal.
Health Benefits
This creamy chicken tortilla soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. The addition of corn and tomatoes provides vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and dietary fiber, which promote overall health and digestion.
Additionally, spices like cumin and chili powder not only enhance the flavor but also offer various health benefits. Cumin is known to aid digestion and may have antioxidant properties, while chili powder can boost metabolism. By incorporating this soup into your meal rotation, you're not just enjoying a tasty dish but also supporting your health!
Pairing Suggestions
To make your meal complete, consider pairing this creamy chicken tortilla soup with a side of warm, crusty bread or a fresh salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup, balancing your meal beautifully. Alternatively, serve it alongside quesadillas or grilled cheese sandwiches for a hearty and satisfying dinner.
For a beverage pairing, a chilled glass of white wine or a light Mexican beer complements the flavors of the soup perfectly. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a refreshing limeade or iced tea can also be delightful accompaniments. Enjoying this soup with the right sides and drinks can elevate your dining experience to a whole new level!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor to the soup.
→ How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Substitute the chicken with beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup without the cream. Just add the cream when reheating.
→ What toppings are best for this soup?
Tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, and fresh cilantro are great choices!
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
This creamy chicken tortilla soup is a comforting blend of flavors and textures, perfect for any day of the week.
Created by: Anna
Recipe Type: Home-Cooked Classics Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup corn kernels, frozen or fresh
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnishing
- Tortilla strips
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced avocado
- Lime wedges
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the shredded chicken, corn, and diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to warm through for about 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve hot, garnished with tortilla strips, cilantro, avocado, and lime wedges on the side.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 820mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 24g