Description of this recipe Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings the warmth of Mexican-inspired cuisine to your table. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken with a medley of colorful vegetables, aromatic spices, and a rich, creamy broth, all topped with crispy tortilla strips and a squeeze of fresh lime. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a casual gathering with friends and family.
Why you will love this recipe You’ll fall in love with this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup because it’s incredibly easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of smoky spices, sweet corn, hearty black beans, and creamy texture creates a symphony of tastes that will delight your palate. This recipe is also versatile—you can easily adjust the spice level to your preference and customize the toppings to suit your taste. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover cooked chicken, making it both delicious and economical.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, diced 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced 2 cups chicken broth 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed 1 cup corn kernels 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Salt and pepper to taste 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded 1 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped Tortilla strips for garnish Lime wedges for serving
Preparation:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened, about 5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning and to ensure even cooking. The onions should become translucent, and the peppers should be slightly tender. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base for the soup.
Step 2: Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Spices Stir in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained and rinsed black beans, and corn kernels. Add the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. The diced tomatoes with green chiles add a subtle kick and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Simmering the soup is essential for creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Cream Add the shredded cooked chicken to the pot and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors of the soup. This step ensures that the chicken is heated through and infused with the spices and vegetables. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for another 5 minutes until the soup is creamy and heated through. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the heavy cream to prevent it from curdling.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh cilantro. The cilantro adds a fresh, vibrant touch to the soup. Serve the soup in bowls, topped with crispy tortilla strips for added texture and a wedge of lime on the side for a burst of citrusy flavor. The lime juice brightens the soup and complements the creamy, savory flavors.
COOKING Rating:
4.5/5 Stars
Serving Suggestions:
This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is delicious on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of side dishes for a complete meal. Consider serving it with a side of cornbread, a simple green salad, or a grilled cheese sandwich. For a more substantial meal, you can serve it with Mexican rice and refried beans.
Tips:
Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. Alternatively, you can use a hotter variety of diced tomatoes with green chiles.
Customize the Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! In addition to tortilla strips and lime wedges, consider adding shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, pickled jalapeños, or a dollop of guacamole.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quick and easy shortcut, use a rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup.
Make it Vegetarian: To make this soup vegetarian, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra black beans or other vegetables to make it more filling.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information: Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving Protein: 30 grams Sodium: 800 mg
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its rich, creamy texture, combined with the vibrant flavors of Mexican spices and fresh toppings, makes it a true culinary delight. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of this delicious and heartwarming soup.
5 Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I make this soup ahead of time? A: Yes, this soup is perfect for making ahead of time! In fact, the flavors tend to meld together even more beautifully after a day or two in the refrigerator. Simply prepare the soup according to the instructions, let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Q2: What can I substitute for heavy cream to make the soup lighter? A: If you’re looking to lighten up this recipe, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even Greek yogurt. Half-and-half will provide a similar creamy texture but with fewer calories and fat. Greek yogurt will add a slight tanginess to the soup, which some people find quite appealing. Just be sure to stir the Greek yogurt in gently at the end and avoid boiling the soup to prevent it from curdling.
Q3: Can I freeze this soup for later? A: Yes, this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup freezes well, making it a great option for meal prepping or saving leftovers. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Be sure to leave some room at the top of the container to allow for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Keep in mind that the texture of the soup may change slightly after freezing, but it will still be delicious.
Q4: How can I make this soup spicier? A: There are several ways to add more heat to this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture while it’s simmering. Another option is to use a hotter variety of diced tomatoes with green chiles, such as the “hot” or “fire-roasted” versions. You can also add some finely chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers to the soup during the sautéing step for an extra kick.
Q5: What are some other vegetables I can add to this soup? A: This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is highly versatile, and you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables. Some great additions include zucchini, yellow squash, poblano peppers, and more corn. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to create your own signature version of this delicious soup. Just add the extra vegetables during the sautéing step or along with the tomatoes and black beans.
