Crеаmy chicken tortilla soup is real comfy thing to eat on cold nights . It got super popular since it’s thick and creamy . It’s deliciоus and filling , made with stuff that gives tastes and smells you like . Picture soft chicken bits cooking in tasty broth , mixed with veggies , then some cream on top to make it even better .

This soup usually has boneless skinless chicken with onions , garlic and bell peppers . They add spices like cumin and paprika for a warm taste . On top , crispy tortilla strips bring a nice crunch that goes great with the smooth soup . Whether you need a quick dinner or wanna impress friends , this soup works for any event and tastes just like home .

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crеаmy chicken tortilla soup is more than food ; it warms you up and fills your belly . You can tweak it any way you want so everуbody’s happy at dinner time .

The best thing is you don’t spend hours cooking . With just a few simple steps , you get a hearty soup that everyone asks for seconds .

Also this soup is kid-friendly . Both kids and adults dig the mix of mild and spicy flavors . Fresh veggies and lean chicken make it pretty healthy too . You can sneak in extra beans or corn for more nutrition without ruining the taste .

Ingredients

To make the best creamy chicken tortilla soup , gather these must-haves and toppings :

Essential Ingredients

Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best
Stock or Broth: Use chicken stock or veggie broth for flavor
Cream: Half-and-half or heavy cream gives it that rich texture
Tortillas: Corn or flour tortillas , your choice
Vegetables: Diced onion , minced garlic , bell peppers , corn and tomatoes

Spices and Seasonings

Cumin
Chili powder
Smoked paprika
Salt

Toppings

Cheese: Cheddar or Mexican blend adds a nice finish
Avocado: Sliced avocado for extra creaminess
Cilantro: Chopped cilantro for bright flavor
Sour cream: A dollop brings tang and richness
Lime wedges: Fresh lime juice wakes up the flavors

Feel free to swap the cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk if you want a lighter version without losing creaminess .

Directions

Follow these steps for a tasty and simple creamy chicken tortilla soup :

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Heat a large pot over medium heat . Add a bit of oil and cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink , about 5–7 minutes . Take it out and let it cool , then shred into bite-size pieces .

Step 2: Add Vegetables

In the same pot , add more oil if you need it . Toss in onion , garlic and bell peppers and sauté till they’re soft , around 4–5 minutes . Then stir in the corn and cook 2 more minutes .

Step 3: Create the Base

Sprinkle in cumin , chili powder and smoked paprika and let those flavors blend for a minute . Pour in canned tomatoes with juice and your broth of choice . Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 10 minutes to deepen the taste .

Step 4: Add Cream

Turn the heat down and slowly stir in the cream to get a smooth mix . Let the soup cook another 5 minutes so the cream gets fully blended .

Step 5: Thicken the Soup

If you like it thicker , bump up the heat a bit and let it simmer longer , stirring now and then . The more it simmers , the richer the flavor .

Step 6: Prepare Tortillas

While the soup’s on the stove , slice tortillas into strips . Fry or bake them till crispy . Keep them aside to top your soup when you serve .

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Use these tips to nail the texture , taste and ease of this soup :

Texture Matters

Mix creamy broth with chunky veggies for a good bite . Don’t overcook the veggies so they stay a bit firm .

Adjusting Spice Levels

If you want mild , cut down on chili powder or use mild oregano . For more heat , add jalapeños or hot sauce to taste .

Make Ahead Instructions

You can make the soup without cream ahead of time . Cool it , store in the fridge for up to 3 days , then reheat and stir in the cream before serving .

Variations

Add black beans , pinto beans or zucchini for extra bulk and nutrition . Go vegetarian by swapping chicken for beans and using veggie broth .

Serving Suggestions

Pair your soup with cornbread , a side salad or crusty bread . The crunchy tortilla strips make every spoonful even better .

Nutritional Information

This creamy chicken tortilla soup is tasty and packed with nutrients . Here’s what’s in each serving :

Calories: About 350–450 calories
Protein: Around 25 g
Carbs: About 30 g
Fat: Roughly 18–25 g

Chicken gives you protein , veggies add vitamins , and spices might even help with inflammation .

FAQs

What can I use instead of cream? Greek yogurt or coconut milk both keep it creamy and lower calories .
Can I prep this soup early? Yes , make soup without cream and store up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for later .
Is this gluten-free? For gluten-free , use corn tortillas and make sure your broth and seasonings are gf-certified .
How do I store leftovers? In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days . Cool fully before freezing .
Can I add beans? Sure ! Black or kidney beans boost protein and fiber and taste great here .

Conclusion

Creamy chicken tortilla soup brings warmth and comfort to any meal . Change it up as you like , and share how it turns out with friends and family . Enjoy !

Call to Action

If you loved this recipe , share it on sociaл media and let us know how you tweaked it in the comments . Don’t forget to subscribe for more yummy ideas !