This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Will Be Your New Obsession!
You will be obsessed with this creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, packed with rich cream and a bold blend of spices. This recipe features both a fast and slow cooking method to maximize flavor, making it the perfect comforting dish for any occasion. Top it with crispy tortilla strips for a satisfying crunch!
Cozy Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
There's nothing quite like a bowl of creamy chicken tortilla soup to warm you up on a chilly day! I absolutely love both versions of this recipe—it’s perfect for those moments when you crave cozy comfort food without the fuss. I offer a quick method with plenty of convenient shortcuts for busy days, as well as a longer, more leisurely approach that allows you to infuse a little extra love into the dish. Either way, it’s delicious! And don’t forget to try my homemade crispy tortilla strips—they make a fantastic topping for the soup or a tasty snack on their own. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
The Secret Ingredient for Quick and Flavorful Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Most of the ingredients for my creamy chicken tortilla soup are already prepped for you, but there’s one key element that will determine whether you whip this up in a flash or let it simmer for a bit: the chicken. There are three ways to prepare it, and my favorite for convenience is grabbing a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Now, I’ll be honest—those birds don’t have much flavor on their own, but that’s easy to fix! When I go this route, I warm the meat in chicken broth with some spices to let it soak up those delicious flavors while I chop the veggies. If you want to keep it simple, you can toss it right into the pot, too. For a little more hands-on approach, you can add cleaned raw chicken—usually a breast and two thighs—right at the beginning of cooking. After it’s done, I shred it and mix it back into the soup. This method takes a little longer but is still quicker than my favorite way: baking or grilling the chicken. I love to smoke my chicken on the grill with applewood chips, and trust me, the results are so worth it! The smoky flavor adds a delicious depth to the creamy soup, and the hint of spice really ties everything together. No matter how you choose to prepare the chicken, you’re in for a cozy treat!
Recipe card for those who choose to cook their own chicken.
Click on recipe image to print from browser.
Be sure to watch the video to discover the special touches I added that really take this creamy chicken tortilla soup over the top!
The Best Tomatoes for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup: Canned vs. Fresh
The other ingredient that may take some time in this creamy chicken tortilla soup is the diced or crushed tomatoes. For convenience, you can easily go with the canned version, which works perfectly! However, if you have fresh tomatoes from your garden, I highly recommend using those instead. Just season them, drizzle with a bit of oil, and roast them for about 20 minutes for a fantastic flavor boost. Be sure to watch the video to see my results! After roasting, I pop them into my food processor and give them a quick pulse to chunk them up—no need to peel them! Trust me, my soup turned out nice and creamy, just the way I like it.
Click on recipe image to print from browser.
Final Steps for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Now that everything is in the pot, all that's left to do is hold off on the lime juice and heavy whipping cream until the end! At this stage, you’ll want to decide how long you’d like to cook it. I personally love to let my spiced-based soups simmer longer for that deep, rich flavor, but honestly, it’s still fantastic even after just 30 minutes. Just do a little taste test to adjust the flavors to your liking! When you’re nearing the end of cooking, add the heavy cream—either during the last few minutes of simmering or right before cutting off the heat. Trust me, you don’t want any chunky curds in your soup! If you’d like, squeeze in some lime juice to brighten everything up. And let’s not forget about toppings—there are so many delicious choices to elevate your bowl of soup!
Did I Mention Toppings? The Key to a Delicious Tortilla Soup!
It wouldn’t be tortilla soup without the tortillas, right? For an easy fix, store-bought options are totally fine, and your favorite brand of tortilla chips will work well, too. But I have to say, there’s nothing like the taste of homemade tortilla strips made from either white or yellow corn tortillas! They add a wonderful crunch and flavor that really makes the soup special. And let’s not forget about the toppings—there’s always cheese! Whether you go for cheddar or a Tex-Mex blend, it’s the perfect addition. For an extra creamy touch, you can’t go wrong with avocado slices and a dollop of sour cream. These toppings elevate the soup and make every bowl a real treat!
The Perfect Soup for Any Occasion
This creamy chicken tortilla soup is the perfect dish to whip up, boasting fantastic flavors that everyone will love. It's great for themed dinners like Taco Tuesdays or Tex-Mex nights, and you can even serve it at brunches for a fun twist. I've included it at my tea party, and it always gets rave reviews! Plus, it’s slow cooker adaptable, making it a breeze to prepare. If you're looking to boost the comfort factor, pair it with some Mexican cornbread. Together, they create a cozy hug in a bowl that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings!
