Description
Unbelievable Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a rich and hearty Tex-Mex inspired soup made with shredded chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, corn, and bold spices in a creamy, flavorful broth. Finished with crispy tortilla strips and fresh toppings, it’s comfort food with a kick.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
3 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn (frozen, fresh, or canned)
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
4 corn tortillas (for crispy strips)
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, sour cream, lime wedges
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion and jalapeño until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in tomatoes, black beans, corn, and shredded chicken. Pour in chicken broth.
- Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
- Reduce heat and stir in cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Add heavy cream and lime juice. Simmer gently for 5 more minutes.
- Meanwhile, cut tortillas into strips and pan-fry or bake until crispy.
- Ladle soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, cilantro, or desired toppings.
Notes
Add cooked rice or quinoa to make it even heartier.
Use a chipotle pepper in adobo for a smoky, spicier version.
Swap cream cheese for coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.
Store in fridge for up to 4 days or freeze in portions.
Add more broth when reheating if soup thickens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 95mg