Unbelievably Delicious Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup in 40

Okay, let’s talk soup! Specifically, let’s dive headfirst into the absolute *best* creamy chicken tortilla soup recipe you’ll ever need. Seriously. I’ve been tweaking this one for years, and it’s finally reached peak perfection—a creamy, dreamy, comforting bowl of goodness that’s ready in under an hour.

What makes *this* recipe so special? Well, for starters, it’s incredibly easy. I’m all about those quick dinner ideas, especially on busy weeknights. And trust me, this creamy chicken tortilla soup is a lifesaver. It’s packed with flavor, thanks to a blend of warm spices and a secret ingredient (shhh…more on that later!). Plus, it’s endlessly customizable – add more heat, swap out the toppings, make it your own! My family begs for this soup all the time, and I just know yours will too. So grab your favorite pot, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

Seriously, who has time to slave over dinner all night? Not me! This creamy chicken tortilla soup is ready in about 40 minutes, making it the perfect quick dinner idea for those crazy weeknights. You can even prep some of the ingredients ahead of time to make it even faster!

One-Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

My favorite part? It’s a one-pot wonder! That means fewer dishes to wash – yay! Everything cooks together in one pot, from the veggies to the chicken, making it super convenient. I love Dutch oven recipes, and this is one of my go-tos!

Incredibly Flavorful and Comforting

Imagine this: a warm, creamy broth, tender chicken, and a hint of spice. This creamy chicken tortilla soup is like a hug in a bowl. The blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika creates a flavor explosion that’ll have you craving more. It’s one of those creamy soups and stews that just hits the spot.

Customizable to Your Liking

Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper! Prefer more veggies? Toss in some extra corn or beans. The best part about this creamy tortilla soup is that you can totally make it your own. And don’t even get me started on the toppings – tortilla chips, avocado, sour cream…the possibilities are endless!

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! This creamy chicken tortilla soup uses pretty basic stuff, but trust me, the combination is magical. You’ll need: 1 tablespoon of olive oil (for sautéing, duh!), 1 chopped onion (yellow or white, your call!), 2 minced cloves of garlic (because garlic makes everything better), and 1 chopped red bell pepper (adds a little sweetness!).

For spices, grab 1 teaspoon of chili powder, ½ teaspoon of cumin, and ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika (that’s my secret weapon!). You’ll also need 4 cups of chicken broth (low sodium is best, so you can control the salt), one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes (undrained!), one 15-ounce can each of black beans (rinsed and drained) and corn (drained!). Don’t forget 1 pound of cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!), 4 ounces of softened cream cheese (this is key for the creaminess!), and ½ cup of heavy cream. And of course, salt and pepper to taste! Oh, and the fun part: tortilla chips, avocado, sour cream, and cilantro for topping!

How To Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Okay, first things first, let’s get those veggies going! Heat up that olive oil in your pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Then, toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook ’em until they’re nice and soft – about 5 minutes or so. You’ll know they’re ready when the onion starts to look translucent. Don’t rush this step; it’s the foundation of the soup’s flavor!

Step 2: Bloom the Spices

This is where the magic happens! Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to the pot. Cook for just about a minute – you’ll start to smell all those wonderful spices releasing their aroma. Be careful not to burn them, though! Burnt spices are NOT what we want.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Now, pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (don’t drain ’em!). Bring it all to a simmer. Then, add the black beans, corn, and shredded chicken. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This gives all those flavors time to get to know each other and meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Make it Creamy

Alright, time for the creamy goodness! Stir in the softened cream cheese until it’s completely melted and the soup is smooth. Then, stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go! This is *your* soup, after all.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Your Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

The best part! Ladle that creamy chicken tortilla soup into bowls and get ready to load it up with toppings! I’m talking tortilla chips (crushed or whole, your call!), diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. And hey, a squeeze of lime never hurt anyone! Enjoy every single bite!

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Spice It Up!

Okay, so you like a little kick? Me too! If you want to turn up the heat on this creamy chicken tortilla soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño (seeds removed, unless you’re a real daredevil!) when you’re sautéing the veggies. Trust me, it’ll add a whole new dimension of flavor!

Save Time with Rotisserie Chicken

Alright, let’s be real – sometimes, ain’t nobody got time to cook chicken! That’s where rotisserie chicken comes in clutch. Just shred it up and toss it in the soup. It’s a total lifesaver on busy weeknights, and it tastes amazing! Plus, you can usually find a good rotisserie chicken at your local grocery store.

Adjust the Creaminess to Your Taste

This is *your* creamy chicken tortilla soup, so make it exactly how you like it! If you want it extra creamy, add a little more cream cheese or heavy cream. If you prefer a lighter soup, use less. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect balance for your taste buds!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Options

So, about that chicken… Leftover roasted chicken is awesome in this! Or, like I said before, a rotisserie chicken is a total time-saver. Just shred it up – easy peasy! You could even use canned chicken in a pinch, but honestly, fresh is always best!

Cream Cheese Alternatives

Okay, if you’re not a cream cheese fan (gasp!), don’t worry! You can totally swap it out. Sour cream or Greek yogurt will add a similar tang and creaminess. Just add them at the very end, off the heat, to prevent curdling. Trust me, it still tastes amazing!

Broth Variations

Want a vegetarian version? Easy! Just swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. It’ll still be packed with flavor. You might want to add a little extra seasoning, though, since veggie broth can be a bit milder. Also, if you want to add a smoky flavor, try using a roasted vegetable broth.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Topping Ideas

Okay, listen up, because the toppings are where the real fun begins! We’re talking diced avocado (for creaminess, duh!), a dollop of sour cream (because it’s delicious!), a sprinkle of fresh cilantro (for freshness!), and a squeeze of lime wedges (to brighten everything up!). Don’t skimp!

Side Dish Pairings

Wanna make it a *real* meal? Serve this amazing soup with a simple side salad – something light and refreshing. Or, for a heartier option, cornbread is *always* a good idea. Trust me, that sweet cornbread with the spicy, creamy soup? It’s a match made in heaven!

FAQ About Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Can I make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Dump everything (except the cream cheese and heavy cream) into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4. Then, stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream right before serving. Easy peasy!

How long does Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup last?

Okay, so leftovers are the BEST! This soup will last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure you store it in an airtight container. It might thicken up a bit, but just add a splash of broth when you reheat it.

Can I freeze Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Yep! But *here’s a trick*: freeze it *before* adding the cream cheese and heavy cream. Dairy can get a little weird when frozen, so add those in after you thaw and reheat the soup. It’ll taste just as amazing, promise!

Is Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup gluten-free?

Good question! As written, this creamy chicken tortilla soup *should* be gluten-free. But always double-check the labels on your ingredients, especially the chicken broth and any pre-shredded chicken you use. Some sneaky additives can contain gluten!

Nutritional Information for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Okay, so you’re curious about the nutritional deets, huh? I get it! Here’s a rough estimate for one serving (about 1.5 cups) of this creamy chicken tortilla soup: you’re lookin’ at around 350 calories, 20 grams of fat, 25 grams of protein, and 22 grams of carbs. We’re also talking roughly 700mg of sodium, so keep that in mind if you’re watching your salt intake. And hey, remember these are just estimates! It all depends on the exact ingredients you use and how generous you are with those toppings!

Share Your Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Creations!

Alright, you made it! You’ve got a pot of the most amazing creamy chicken tortilla soup simmering on your stove, ready to devour. Now what? Well, I wanna see your masterpieces! Seriously, snap a pic of your bowl piled high with toppings and share it on social media! Don’t forget to tag me – I’m @CozyCookRecipe on Insta (or whatever your blog’s handle is!).

And hey, if you loved this recipe (and I *know* you did!), leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Did you add any fun toppings? Did you tweak the spice level? I wanna hear all about it! Oh, and don’t forget to rate the recipe – it helps other soup lovers find this creamy, dreamy goodness. Happy slurping!

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