Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup: A Comforting Tex-Mex Delight

Name: Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup: A Comforting Tex-Mex Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ medium onion, chopped; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (with juices); 1 cup chicken broth; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tbsp chili powder; 1 (12 oz) can corn, drained; 1 (14 oz) can black beans, drained & rinsed; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover); Salt & black pepper, to taste; Crispy tortilla strips; Avocado, diced; Sour cream or Greek yogurt; Shredded Tex-Mex cheese or Cotija; Fresh cilantro; Lime wedges

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on February 10, 2025

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When it comes to comfort food with a kick, few dishes can match the rich, velvety warmth of Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup. This Tex-Mex-inspired dish is the perfect blend of bold flavors and creamy goodness, making it a go-to meal for cozy nights, quick weeknight dinners, or a crowd-pleasing gathering.

With a creamy tomato-based broth, tender shredded chicken, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and a mix of smoky and mildly spicy seasonings, this soup delivers layers of flavor in every spoonful. What truly elevates it is the toppings—crunchy tortilla strips, creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime that adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

If you’re looking for a soup that is easy to make, satisfying, and loaded with Tex-Mex flavors, this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is the perfect choice.

Why This Soup Stands Out

1. The Perfect Blend of Creaminess and Spice

Unlike traditional brothy chicken tortilla soups, this version incorporates heavy cream, creating a luxurious texture that balances the acidity of the tomatoes and the subtle heat from chili powder and smoked paprika.

2. A One-Pot Wonder

No one enjoys doing dishes after a meal, and this recipe makes cleanup a breeze. With just one pot, you can achieve restaurant-quality soup with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

3. Bursting with Tex-Mex Flavor

From Rotel tomatoes with green chilies to smoky paprika and chili powder, this soup embodies the bold and vibrant flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. The best part? You can adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.

4. Ready in Just 30 Minutes

With simple ingredients and a quick cooking process, this soup comes together in half an hour without compromising on depth of flavor.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

This soup stores well in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. It’s great for meal prepping, ensuring you have a comforting, homemade meal ready to go when you need it.

Ingredients: A Flavorful Blend

1 tablespoon olive oil
½ medium onion, chopped
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (with juices)
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ tablespoon chili powder
1 (12-ounce) can corn, drained
1 (14-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup heavy/whipping cream
2 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

Tortilla strips
Avocado
Sour cream
Tex-Mex cheese
Fresh cilantro
Lime wedges

Directions: A Simple Path to a Cozy Meal

Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned.
Build the Broth:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, Rotel tomatoes, and chicken broth.
- Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, corn, and black beans. Mix well.
Simmer for Richness:
- Bring the soup to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, covering the pot with the lid slightly ajar.
Add Creamy Goodness:
- Stir in heavy cream and cooked chicken.
- Let it heat through for another 3-5 minutes.
Season & Serve:
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot and top with your favorite garnishes. Enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown: A Satisfying Bowl

Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
Protein: ~25g
Carbohydrates: ~30g
Fat: ~18g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
Fiber: ~6g
Sodium: ~900mg

Tips for Making the Best Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience

For a quick and easy meal, opt for pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch. It saves time while still delivering tender, flavorful meat.

2. Don’t Skip the Toppings

The beauty of this soup is that it’s highly customizable with toppings. Here are some of the best additions:

Tortilla strips – Adds the signature crunch.
Avocado – Brings a creamy contrast to the spiced broth.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt – Enhances the creaminess while balancing the spice.
Cotija or shredded Tex-Mex cheese – Adds a savory, melty touch.
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges – Brightens up the flavors with freshness and acidity.

3. Adjust the Spice Level to Your Taste

While this soup has a mild warmth, you can easily increase or decrease the heat:

For more spice, add cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
For less spice, use mild Rotel tomatoes and reduce the chili powder.

4. Thicken the Broth If Needed

If you prefer an extra thick soup, blend a portion of the beans and corn before adding them back in, or stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water).

5. Use Full-Fat Cream for Best Results

Lower-fat dairy options can curdle when combined with acidic tomatoes. To avoid separation, stick with heavy cream for a smooth and creamy texture.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About This Soup

1. How Spicy Is This Soup?

As written, this soup is mild with a subtle warmth from the smoked paprika and chili powder. If you want more heat, you can add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or chipotle chilies.

2. Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?

Yes! Simply omit the heavy cream and use a coconut cream substitute for a similar richness without dairy.

3. What Can I Serve with This Soup?

While this soup is hearty on its own, it pairs well with:

Warm flour or corn tortillas
A fresh side salad with a Southwest dressing
Mexican-style rice
Guacamole with tortilla chips

4. Can I Make It in a Slow Cooker?

Absolutely! To make it in a slow cooker:

Add all ingredients except the cream and cooked chicken to the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Stir in the cream and chicken in the last 30 minutes and serve.

5. Can I Freeze This Soup?

Soups with cream don’t always freeze well, as dairy tends to separate. However, if you want to make it freezer-friendly, simply omit the cream before freezing. When reheating, stir in fresh cream for a smooth texture.

6. How Long Does It Last in the Fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, this soup stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, use a low heat setting to prevent separation.

How This Soup Fits Into a Healthy Diet

1. High-Protein and Satisfying

With a good balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this soup keeps you full and energized.

2. Packed with Fiber

The black beans and corn add plenty of fiber, which supports digestion and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.

3. Naturally Gluten-Free

By using corn tortillas instead of flour, this dish remains completely gluten-free.

4. Customizable for Different Diets

Whether you’re low-carb, keto, dairy-free, or vegetarian, this recipe is easy to adapt to your dietary needs.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Tex-Mex Comfort Food

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is the perfect combination of hearty, creamy, and slightly spicy, making it a go-to meal for any occasion. With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and endless customization options, it’s no surprise that this dish is a family favorite.

Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining guests, this soup is guaranteed to impress. Top it off with your favorite garnishes, grab a spoon, and enjoy the comforting warmth of this delicious Tex-Mex masterpiece.

So next time you’re craving something creamy, comforting, and full of bold flavors, give this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup a try—you won’t be disappointed!