Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is one of my favorite fall soup recipes. It’s creamy, it’s delicious, and it’s filled with all of my favorite Tex-Mex ingredients. This easy tortilla soup recipe is perfect for any night of the week, and it’s so easy to save and reheat later!

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2)

Table of Contents

Why We Love This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

This chicken tortilla soup is so good. It’s made on the stove, so if you don’t have slow cookers and instant pots, don’t worry! I love the extra creamy texture of this recipe compared to regular chicken tortilla soup.

  • Easy. You can use raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cook them directly in the soup, or you can add precooked chicken later on.
  • Adaptable. Change up the spice level to suit your tastes. Omit the jalapeños if you’re not a fan of spice.
  • Flavorful. Chicken broth, fire-roasted diced tomatoes and green chilies, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika add so much depth to this soup.

Variations on This Recipe for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

There are so many ways to change up this creamy chicken soup recipe to suit your tastes and what you have on hand. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra veggies, like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.

And if you can’t find smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika or try adding a pinch of ground chipotle chili powder to get that smoky flavor.

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (3)

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How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover creamy chicken tortilla soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot set over medium-low heat or in individual portions in the microwave until warmed through.

How to Freeze

If you plan to freeze this creamy chicken tortilla soup, I recommend leaving out the heavy cream until you are ready to serve. Freeze the soup (without heavy cream) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and stirring in cream.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious and creamy soup with extra tortilla chips and a side of Mexican mac and cheese, homemade taquitos, avocado fries, avocado corn salsa, chilaquiles, or Mexican street corn pasta salad.

Wash it all down with a refreshing margarita or pineapple agua fresca for the kiddos.

Is chicken tortilla soup healthy?

This easy soup is relatively good for you. Healthy means something different to everyone, but it’s filled with veggies, beans, and chicken so it is a nice whole meal. It’s also not too bad calorie-wise. However, if you really want a healthy version, check out our Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe instead!

Does adding heavy cream to soup make it thicker?

Yes! There’s no water in this recipe to thin things out. We’re just using chicken stock for the liquid, which really adds a nice thickness to the soup. At the end, stir in heavy cream to really add in the creamy texture!

How do you thicken chicken tortilla soup?

The cream should help to thicken up this soup, but if you’re still longing for an even creamier texture, keep simmering the soup to reduce and thicken it. You can also try adding a few cubes of cream cheese!

How do you tone down chicken tortilla soup?

If you find this soup to be too spicy for your tastes, you can omit the jalapeños, use mild diced tomatoes and green chilies, and skip adding any crushed red pepper flakes.

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More Tortilla Soup Recipes We Love

  • Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • Beef Tortilla Soup

5-Star Review

“My family LOVED this soup. It’s hard to find something everyone can agree on and this was a home run!” – Shawna Modrich

Recipe

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

4.59 from 659 votes

Author: Becky Hardin

Prep: 20 minutes minutes

Cook: 30 minutes minutes

Total: 50 minutes minutes

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (6)

Serves8

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Make this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup your new go-to soup recipe this fall and winter season! It's so creamy and so absolutely delicious. Make a batch of it so you can grab it and reheat it any time you're craving this tasty soup.

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

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Ingredients

For the Soup

  • 3 tablespoons crushed corn tortilla chips
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 2 jalapeño peppers diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 29 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes and green chilies such as Rotel (2 (14.5-ounce) cans)
  • 11 ounces canned corn kernels (1 can)
  • 14.5 ounces canned black beans rinsed and drained (1 can)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for extra spice
  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 3 cups cubed cooked chicken
  • 2 limes 1 juiced and 1 cut into wedges
  • 1 cup heavy cream room temperature
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

  • Shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • Corn tortilla chips or strips
  • Sour cream
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Sliced avocado

Recommended Equipment

Instructions

For the Soup

  • Crush enough tortilla chips to make 3 tablespoons and set aside.

    3 tablespoons crushed corn tortilla chips

  • Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat, and add the vegetable oil.

    2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • Add onions and cook 3 minutes or until softened and translucent.

    1 yellow onion

  • Add the jalapeños and cook an additional 1 minute.

    2 jalapeño peppers

  • Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

    4 cloves garlic

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  • Pour in the chicken broth, tomatoes, corn, beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper, and crushed corn tortilla chips.

    6 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 29 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes and green chilies, 11 ounces canned corn kernels, 14.5 ounces canned black beans, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

  • If using chicken breasts, add them now and reduce the heat to low.

    3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • Simmer for 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

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  • Remove chicken breasts and use two forks to shred. Transfer the shredded chicken back into the pot. (If using chopped rotisserie chicken, add it now.)

    Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (10)

  • Add lime juice and heavy cream. Stir well and season with salt & pepper. Cook until heated through.

    2 limes, 1 cup heavy cream, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

    Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (11)

To Serve

  • Ladle soup into serving bowls and sprinkle with shredded cheese, corn tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream and chopped fresh cilantro.

    Shredded Mexican blend cheese, Corn tortilla chips, Sour cream, Chopped fresh cilantro

  • Serve a wedge of lime and a few slices of avocado.

    Sliced avocado

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Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

  • If you don’t have chicken breast, you can use chicken thighs. Be sure to use boneless, skinless thighs.
  • If you don’t have black beans or don’t like them, feel free to use other beans, such as pink kidney beans or pinto beans!
  • Make sure the heavy cream is at room temperature and the soup is off the flame to avoid curdling the cream.
  • Nutritional information does not include optional toppings.

Storage:Store creamy chicken tortilla soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1bowl Calories: 399kcal (20%) Carbohydrates: 29g (10%) Protein: 29g (58%) Fat: 20g (31%) Saturated Fat: 9g (56%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g Monounsaturated Fat: 5g Trans Fat: 0.04g Cholesterol: 90mg (30%) Sodium: 763mg (33%) Potassium: 1004mg (29%) Fiber: 6g (25%) Sugar: 5g (6%) Vitamin A: 1064IU (21%) Vitamin C: 24mg (29%) Calcium: 108mg (11%) Iron: 4mg (22%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

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Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (14)

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How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Step by Step

Sauté the Veggies: Crush enough tortilla chips to make 3 tablespoons and set aside. Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat, and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add 1 diced yellow onion and cook for 3 minutes or until softened and translucent. Add 2 diced jalapeños and cook for an additional 1 minute, then add 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

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Cook the Soup: Pour in 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, 29 ounces (2 cans) of fire-roasted diced tomatoes and green chilies, 11 ounces (1 can) of corn kernels, 14.5 ounces (1 can) of black beans, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ⅛ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, and the 3 tablespoons of crushed corn tortilla chips. If using raw chicken breasts, add them now and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (16)

Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts and use two forks to shred. Transfer the shredded chicken back into the pot. (If using chopped rotisserie chicken, add it now.)

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Add the Cream: Add the juice of 2 limes and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well and season with salt and pepper. Cook until heated through.

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Serve the Soup: Ladle the soup into serving bowls and sprinkle with shredded cheese, corn tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped fresh cilantro. Serve a wedge of lime and a few slices of avocado.

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Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (20)

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Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

FAQs

Can I use sour cream in soup? ›

Yogurt, Sour Cream, and Crème Fraîche – Dairy like yogurt, sour cream, and crème fraîche can add a creamy acidity to soups, but can curdle and be unpleasant if cooked over heat for too long, so swirl these in last.

Can you freeze cream of chicken soup? ›

This homemade Cream of Chicken Soup recipe is a direct substitute for condensed soup and adds comforting home cooked flavor to your favorite casseroles and soups. It's also freezer-friendly and easy to make!

What can I use to thicken my tortilla soup? ›

Incorporate Cornstarch

Cornstarch is another popular thickening agent that can be easily added to your chicken tortilla soup. Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry.

What is chicken tortilla soup made of? ›

Chicken tortilla soup actually is an authentic Mexican dish. The traditional soup is made with chicken broth, tomatoes, garlic, onion, chiles, and fried tortilla strips. There are also variations of the soup, like ones that include beans.

Can I substitute sour cream for heavy cream in a soup recipe? ›

Sour cream is an easy replacement for heavy cream. It can be easily stirred into a dish and offers another flavor profile to soups, stews and sauces. Plus, using it as a heavy cream substitute is a great way to use up that lingering tub in the fridge.

Will adding sour cream thicken soup? ›

Another option for thickening soup is by using dairy like sour cream or yogurt. Start with a small dollop and stir before checking the consistency and adding more. We recommend using plain yogurt so you don't alter the taste of the soup. You can also use cream if you prefer.

Can I eat cream of chicken soup by itself? ›

A bowl of our Cream of Chicken Soup served with fresh baked bread is hearty enough to serve on its own, or you can beef it up with whatever's fresh in your kitchen. Condensed soups are also the perfect base for casseroles and starters for sauces, so your imagination is the limit.

How to make canned cream of chicken soup taste better? ›

More vegetables: This is a great place for leftover cooked veggies. If you are working with a creamed soup, consider pureeing some vegetables to stir in. Cooked cauliflower, potatoes, winter squash, or carrots would work really well. Herbs: Fresh chives, thyme, or cilantro stirred in just before serving.

How long can you keep cream of chicken soup after the expiration date? ›

Cream of chicken soup typically comes in a can, and if unopened, it can be stored in a cool, dry place for 1-2 years past the date printed on the can. Once opened, you should transfer any unused portions to a tightly sealed container and refrigerate. It should last for three to five days.

How do you tone down chicken tortilla soup? ›

Add Some Starches

The easiest way to tone down a spicy dish is to serve a smaller portion with plenty of rice, bread, potatoes, pasta, or plain starch to counter the heat. For soups and stews, raw and starchy vegetables like potatoes or carrots work well.

What does cornstarch do in soup? ›

Cornstarch, or corn flour, can be used to thicken soup through its high starch content. Cornstarch is a great thickener for soup because only a little bit is needed to significantly thicken a soup, and it will not affect the flavor profile of the soup.

What to pair with chicken tortilla soup? ›

What do you eat tortilla soup with? You can enjoy tortilla soup with many things, like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Mexican rice, chips with guacamole, roasted corn, black beans, and Mexican cornbread are also good choices.

What is the significance of tortilla soup? ›

The story goes that it was first invented in the state of Tlaxcala, which in the Náhuatl means the place of tortilla abundance. It is believed that the soup was created from the need to prepare foods that were easily digestible with the ingredients on-hand.

What country is tortilla soup from? ›

Although the exact origin of tortilla soup is unknown, it is known that it comes from the Mexico City area in Mexico. Traditional tortilla soup is made with chicken broth combined with roasted tomatoes, onion, garlic, chiles and tortillas, cut into strips and fried.

How do you add sour cream to hot soup without curdling? ›

Follow the below tips to avoid curdling of cream:
  1. Always use cream which is at room temperature.
  2. Beat the cream before adding it to any dish.
  3. Bring the flame to lowest possible when adding cream.
  4. Add cream with one hand and keep stirring the dish.
May 19, 2023

Can I use sour cream in soup instead of cream cheese? ›

Because it's lower in fat than cream cheese, sour cream may also give your favorite dishes a low calorie twist ( 13 ). Keep in mind that sour cream is more acidic than cream cheese, so it's best for use in soups, sauces, and dips instead of in sweets.

Can sour cream be used in cooking? ›

Soured cream is delicious spooned over baked potatoes and is also used to enrich and add an edge to soups and stews, such as goulash. It's sometimes used in baking - mixing sour cream with cream of tartar results in a very light, airy sponge cake. It also adds a desirable sourness to cheesecakes and chocolate brownies.

Will sour cream make soup less spicy? ›

While we'd never recommend serving a bowl of gumbo with a dollop of sour cream, it's a great way to tone down the spiciness of other dishes, like black bean soup, chili, or tacos. Dairy products interfere with some spices reaching the taste receptors in our bodies, decreasing the spicy sensation.

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