Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting and delicious dish that warms you from the inside out. This delightful soup combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy base, all topped off with crunchy tortilla strips. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is great for several reasons. First, it’s easy to prepare and can be made in under an hour. Second, it is packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a healthy choice for any meal. Lastly, it is versatile; you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Follow these simple steps to create your own Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, diced
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup corn
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Tortilla strips for garnish
Chopped cilantro for garnish

Directions

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft.
Add minced garlic and diced jalapeño, cooking for an additional minute.
Stir in chili powder, cumin, and paprika, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Add chicken broth, shredded chicken, corn, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for about 20 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
Serve hot, garnished with tortilla strips and chopped cilantro.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Serve this soup hot in a bowl. Top it with crispy tortilla strips and fresh chopped cilantro for added flavor and texture. You can also add a squeeze of lime for a zesty touch. This soup pairs nicely with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad.

How to Store Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

If you have leftovers, cool the soup to room temperature before storing it. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
Adjust the spices to your taste. If you like it spicier, add more jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.
For a healthier version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a lower-fat milk option.

Variation

You can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead. Add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to make it heartier.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this soup?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and shredded before adding it to the soup.

Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
A: You can use coconut milk or a combination of milk and cornstarch to thicken the soup instead of heavy cream.

Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: Yes, it is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free tortilla strips. Check the labels to be sure.