Table of Contents
- What Is Creamy Tortilla Soup & Why You’ll Love It
- Why This Is the Best Easy Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
- Key Tips for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Soup Every Time
- How to Serve It: Build the Ultimate Toppings Bar
- Meal Prep & Storage Tips
- The Perfect Soup for Any Occasion
- Full Recipe: Easy Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Recipe Notes & Pro Tips
Key Takeaways
This Easy Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is your new go-to for a comforting, quick, and flavorful meal. Here’s why it’s a winner:
- Ready in 30 Minutes: A perfect solution for busy weeknights.
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Simple steps and pantry staples create a rich, creamy broth.
- Family-Friendly & Customizable: Mildly spiced base that everyone can top to their liking.
- Great for Using Leftovers: Ideal for repurposing leftover or rotisserie chicken.
- Meal Prep Champion: Tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully.
What Is Creamy Tortilla Soup & Why You’ll Love It
Hey there, it’s Betty from Betty Cooks! If you’re looking for the ultimate easy creamy chicken tortilla soup recipe, you’ve found it. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a hug in a bowl that comes together faster than you can decide what to watch on TV. I created this creamy chicken tortilla soup for those nights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s become a staple in my home, and I know it will in yours too.
Why This Is the Best Easy Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
This recipe stands out because it masterfully balances ease with deep, comforting flavor. We start with aromatic onions and garlic, toast warm spices to unlock their fragrance, and then let fire-roasted tomatoes and green chiles build a robust base. The magic happens with the addition of cream (or coconut milk), which transforms the broth into something luxuriously smooth and rich. Using pre-cooked chicken is the ultimate shortcut, making this one of the best easy recipes for dinner you can rely on.
Key Tips for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Soup Every Time
To ensure your soup is flawless, don’t skip toasting the cumin and chili powder—it takes just 30 seconds but makes a world of difference. For the creamiest texture, stir in the cream or coconut milk at the very end and just warm it through; boiling can cause it to separate. Want a thicker, heartier broth? Simply blend a cup of the soup (before adding the chicken and cream) and stir it back in. This trick is a pro move for achieving that perfect, spoon-coating consistency in your creamy chicken tortilla soup recipe.
How to Serve It: Build the Ultimate Toppings Bar
The fun of this easy creamy chicken tortilla soup recipe is in the customization! Set out a toppings bar and let everyone build their perfect bowl. Crucial items include crispy tortilla strips for crunch, creamy diced avocado, sharp shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and a cool dollop of sour cream. For those who love heat, offer sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce. This interactive element makes it a fantastic easy recipe for casual dinners with friends or family.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
This soup is a meal prep dream. It stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors meld and deepen, making leftovers arguably better than the first serving. It also freezes perfectly for up to 2 months. I love making a double batch to ensure I have a ready-made, comforting quick and easy meal on hand for a future busy night. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
The Perfect Soup for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a chilly weeknight, a casual game-day gathering, or you simply need a reliable healthy easy recipe in your back pocket, this soup fits the bill. Its creamy, comforting nature makes it ideal for cozy nights in, while its vibrant flavors and customizable toppings make it a crowd-pleaser for entertaining. It’s the versatile, no-fuss creamy tortilla soup you’ll find yourself turning to again and again.
Full Recipe: Easy Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Find the complete, detailed recipe with ingredients and step-by-step instructions above.
Recipe Notes & Pro Tips
For all my best advice on making this recipe, including dairy-free substitutions, spice level control, and thickening techniques, be sure to check out the “Notes & Tips” section in the recipe card above.
Easy Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 (15-oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (4-oz) can diced green chiles
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (for dairy-free)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For serving: tortilla strips or chips, diced avocado, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, sour cream
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and jalapeño (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Bloom Spices: Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- Build the Soup: Add the black beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, green chiles, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Chicken and Cream: Stir in the shredded chicken and corn. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Pour in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and lime juice. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Heat gently for 1-2 more minutes—do not boil.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with tortilla strips, diced avocado, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy immediately!
Leave a Comment