Experience the ultimate comfort in a bowl with this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup. Rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, it’s destined to become your go-to recipe for chicken tortilla soup!
As the weather cools and the desire for warm, comforting meals takes over, few dishes hit the spot quite like a hearty soup. If you’re expanding your repertoire of cozy recipes, don’t miss out on these other family favorites: a delightful Chicken and Gnocchi Soup, my immensely popular Crock Pot Chili, or this fantastic weeknight Lasagna Soup. For another taste of Mexico, you might also enjoy this authentic Pozole Verde.
Discover the Best Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
For far too long, my recipe collection lacked a classic Chicken Tortilla Soup – a true oversight, as it’s one of my absolute favorite comfort foods. But the wait is over! Today, I’m not just sharing *a* chicken tortilla soup recipe; I’m sharing what I genuinely believe is the *best* creamy chicken tortilla soup recipe you’ll ever make. This isn’t just a bold claim; it’s a truth validated by every person who has tasted it.
Seriously, this soup is unbelievably good. When I first made it, my daughter was initially hesitant, but after one bowl, she went back for a second, and then a third! I even shared a batch with my neighbor, who later texted me to say her husband declared it the best chicken tortilla soup he had ever had. So, you don’t just have to take my word for it; the rave reviews speak for themselves.
Effortless Deliciousness: A Perfect Weeknight Meal
Beyond its incredible flavor, this creamy chicken tortilla soup is surprisingly simple to prepare. While baking the chicken initially adds a bit of time, this step can easily be done in advance. Even better, if you have cooked, shredded chicken on hand (think rotisserie chicken or leftovers), you can have this spectacular dinner ready in about 30 minutes! Imagine a rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful meal on your table in half an hour – sounds pretty amazing, right?
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a complex symphony of flavors, making it a perfect choice for both casual family dinners and entertaining guests. The creamy base, combined with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a hint of spice, creates a soup that is both hearty and undeniably comforting. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, leaving you fully satisfied and craving more.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list; many of these items are likely staples in your pantry! Each component plays a crucial role in building the soup’s rich, authentic Mexican-inspired flavor profile and its signature creamy texture.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for shredding. To save time and effort, feel free to use a store-bought rotisserie chicken or any cooked, shredded chicken you might have on hand. This will significantly cut down on the overall cooking time, allowing you to enjoy this delicious soup even faster.
- Salt and Pepper: The fundamental seasonings that enhance all other flavors. Always adjust to your personal preference.
- Chicken Broth: The backbone of our soup. I prefer low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the final dish. This allows the other spices to shine through without being overpowered.
- Vegetable Oil: Any neutral cooking oil, such as canola or grapeseed oil, will work perfectly for sautéing. Even a good quality extra virgin olive oil can be used for a slightly different flavor note.
- Yellow Onion: A foundational aromatic that adds a sweet, savory depth to the soup. I always keep these on hand for countless recipes!
- Jalapeño: Don’t shy away from this! Even if your jalapeño is on the hotter side, the creaminess of the soup balances the heat beautifully. Seeding the jalapeño before chopping helps to moderate the spice level, ensuring a pleasant warmth rather than an overpowering burn.
- Garlic: Another indispensable aromatic that provides a pungent, savory kick. Freshly minced garlic makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Chili Powder: A blend of spices that brings a classic Tex-Mex flavor. The original recipe suggests using regular or chipotle chili powder; I opted for regular for a broad appeal.
- Ground Cumin: One of my favorite spices for Mexican cuisine, offering an earthy, warm, and slightly peppery note that is simply irreplaceable.
- Smoked Paprika: While regular paprika works, I almost always substitute smoked paprika. Its rich, smoky depth adds an extra layer of complexity and a unique flavor dimension to the soup that I absolutely adore.
- Fire Roasted Tomatoes: I consistently choose fire-roasted diced tomatoes over regular ones. The subtle char and smoky flavor they bring elevate the soup significantly, adding a rustic, gourmet touch.
- Masa Harina: This finely ground corn flour, traditionally used for tortillas, is key to thickening the soup and imparting an authentic corn flavor. It’s made from dried corn treated with a solution of water and lime (nixtamalization). You should easily find masa harina in the Mexican or international aisle of your grocery store, often packaged like a bag of flour. It creates a velvety texture that cornstarch or flour can’t quite replicate.
- Milk: I use 2% milk, as it’s what I typically have in my fridge. Feel free to use whole milk for an even richer consistency, or a dairy-free alternative if preferred.
- Black Beans & Pinto Beans: These two types of beans add texture, protein, and a wonderful earthy flavor. Be sure to rinse and drain them thoroughly. You can certainly use all black beans or all pinto beans, but I find the combination offers the best variety in texture and taste.
- Corn: Frozen corn is my preference for its convenience and fresh-like quality. Fresh corn, when in season, is also a fantastic choice, and canned corn can be used in a pinch (just ensure it’s well-drained).
- Heavy Cream: This is where the “creamy” in Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup comes from! Use regular heavy whipping cream from the dairy section for maximum richness and a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream adds a tangy richness that balances the other flavors beautifully. While low-fat sour cream could work, the full-fat version delivers the best taste and texture.
How to Make the Best Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Crafting this incredible Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a straightforward process, broken down into a few key steps that build layers of flavor and texture. Follow these instructions for a perfect bowl every time.
1. Prepare the Chicken: The first step is to cook your chicken breasts. Simply season them with salt and pepper, place them in a baking dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, and pour one cup of chicken broth over them. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and easily shreddable. This method keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. Once cooked, remove the chicken, reserving all the savory cooking liquid. Let the chicken cool slightly before shredding it with two forks. If using pre-cooked chicken, simply shred and set aside, using 4 cups of broth for the soup base.
2. Build the Flavor Base: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and jalapeño and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and become fragrant. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it releases its aromatic scent – be careful not to burn it. Pour in the remaining 3 cups of chicken broth, along with the reserved cooking liquid from the chicken. Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Mix everything well to combine, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Achieve Creamy Perfection: This is where the “creamy” magic happens! In a separate small bowl, whisk together the masa harina and milk until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. Gradually stir this masa harina mixture into the soup in the Dutch oven. Continue to cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes. The soup will begin to boil gently and thicken slightly, developing a luxurious, velvety texture. The masa harina not only thickens but also adds a subtle, authentic corn flavor that enhances the overall profile of the soup.
4. Incorporate the Good Stuff: Once the soup has thickened, stir in the cooked, shredded chicken, drained and rinsed black beans, pinto beans, and corn. Reduce the heat to low to prevent boiling. Finally, gently stir in the heavy cream and sour cream. It’s crucial not to let the soup boil after adding the dairy, as this can cause it to curdle. Simply heat the soup through on low, stirring until everything is warmed and perfectly blended.
5. Serve and Garnish: Your incredible Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is now ready to be enjoyed! While it’s absolutely delicious on its own, don’t miss out on the opportunity to elevate it with a variety of toppings. Scroll down for some fantastic suggestions to take your soup over the top!
Elevate Your Bowl: Irresistible Chicken Tortilla Soup Toppings
The toppings are arguably the best part of any great soup, and this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is no exception! They add a delightful crunch, a burst of freshness, and extra layers of flavor. Here are some of my favorite ideas to complete your perfect bowl:
- Shredded Cheese: Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend melt beautifully into the warm soup.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop adds an extra layer of creaminess and a tangy contrast.
- Diced Avocado: Creamy avocado chunks bring a buttery texture and a fresh, cooling element.
- Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro brightens the flavors and adds a vibrant aroma.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before eating adds a zesty, refreshing tang that cuts through the richness.
- Tortilla Strips: Crispy fried or baked tortilla strips provide a satisfying crunch.
- Tortilla Chips: Crushed tortilla chips offer a quick and easy crunchy texture.
- Hot Sauce: For those who crave an extra kick, a dash of your favorite hot sauce is perfect.
- Chopped Green Onion: Adds a mild onion flavor and a touch of color.
- Extra Jalapeños: For the spice lovers, a few extra fresh or pickled jalapeño slices can really awaken the palate.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match to create your ultimate personalized soup experience!
Tips for Success & Make-Ahead Options
- Chicken Prep: As mentioned, using a rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked shredded chicken is a fantastic shortcut. This reduces the total time to under 30 minutes, making it a perfect quick dinner.
- Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeño. For more heat, leave some seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Consistency: If your soup is too thick, thin it with a little extra chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can make a small slurry of masa harina and water, then whisk it into the simmering soup and cook for a few more minutes until it thickens.
- Storage: Leftover Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling, especially if you have cream and sour cream already in it, to prevent curdling. Add a splash of milk or broth if it has thickened too much in the fridge.
- Freezing: Soups with a creamy base can sometimes separate when frozen and reheated. If you plan to freeze this soup, I recommend freezing it *before* adding the heavy cream and sour cream. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, and then stir in the dairy as directed in the recipe.
More Irresistible Soup Recipes to Cozy Up With
If you’re a soup enthusiast, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes that promise warmth and flavor:
- Hearty Ham and Bean Soup
- Classic Dutch Oven Chicken Stew
- Authentic French Onion Soup Recipe
- Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili
- Comforting Homemade Bean and Bacon Soup
- Rich Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup
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Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
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Ingredients
- 1-1/4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 1 jalapeño seeded and chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted diced tomatoes undrained
- 1/3 cup masa harina
- 1-1/3 cups milk
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 (16 oz) can pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- desired toppings (optional): shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, tortilla strips or chips, hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175°C).
- Season the chicken with the salt and the pepper. Place in a baking dish that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Pour one cup of the chicken broth over the top of the chicken and cover the dish with foil. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the dish, reserving the cooking liquid. Let the chicken cool slightly, then shred the meat with 2 forks.
- In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add the onion and jalapeño and cook for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, another 30 seconds. Add the remaining 3 cups of chicken broth as well as the reserved cooking liquid, the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika and fire roasted tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Whisk together the masa harina and the milk. Stir the mixture into the soup. Continue to cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture boils and thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the chicken, black beans, pinto beans, and the corn. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and the sour cream.
- Serve the soup with your desired toppings.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.
Nutrition counts do not include toppings.