This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is the ultimate cozy meal—rich, flavorful, and comforting. Loaded with tender chicken, smoky spices, and a creamy, cheesy broth, it’s topped with crispy tortilla strips and fresh garnishes for the perfect bowl of warmth. Perfect for a chilly evening or whenever you’re craving something hearty and delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-packed – Smoky spices and creamy cheese create a comforting soup with tons of depth and flavor.
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Customizable – Top with your favorite garnishes like avocado, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime for extra freshness.
- Kid-friendly – The creamy texture and mild heat make it a hit for all ages.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great!)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
For the Toppings:
- Crispy tortilla strips
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Avocado, diced
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Lime wedges
Directions
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and jalapeño (if using) and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Simmer the Soup:
Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, shredded chicken, black beans, and corn to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Make it Creamy:
Reduce the heat to low and add cream cheese, stirring until fully melted. Pour in heavy cream and stir in shredded cheese until the soup is smooth and creamy.
4. Serve & Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and a squeeze of lime. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 380 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian version: Swap the chicken for more beans or grilled vegetables.
- Spicy version: Add extra jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Toppings: Top with crumbled tortilla chips, shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding extra broth or water if necessary to thin it out.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This soup actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can substitute Monterey Jack, Colby, or any of your favorite cheeses for the shredded cheddar.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is the perfect bowl of comfort with its creamy, cheesy broth and tender chicken. Topped with crispy tortilla strips and fresh garnishes, it’s a quick, flavorful meal that’s sure to become a new favorite! Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping, this soup is a must-try!
Print
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for chilly nights or a cozy dinner. With tender chicken, smoky spices, and a creamy cheesy broth, it’s topped with crispy tortilla strips, fresh garnishes, and is ready in just 30 minutes! Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious—this soup is a must-try!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great!)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
For the Toppings:
- Crispy tortilla strips
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Avocado, diced
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Lime wedges
Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, and jalapeño (if using) and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper, and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Simmer the Soup:
- Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, shredded chicken, black beans, and corn to the pot.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Make it Creamy:
- Reduce the heat to low and add cream cheese, stirring until fully melted.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in shredded cheese until the soup is smooth and creamy.
4. Serve & Enjoy:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and a squeeze of lime.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for more beans or grilled vegetables for a plant-based option.
- Spicy Version: Add extra jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Toppings: Top with crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, or more fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
