Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup – Rich, Cozy and Comforting

Photo of author
Author: Adam
Published:

🎉 Introduction

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is the ultimate comfort food—warm, rich, and deeply satisfying. This hearty soup combines tender chicken, savory spices, and a creamy broth that’s perfectly balanced with bold Tex-Mex–inspired flavors. Every spoonful is cozy, flavorful, and filling without being heavy.

It’s the kind of soup that works beautifully for:

  • Weeknight dinners
  • Cold days
  • Meal prep
  • Family-friendly comfort meals

Finished with classic tortilla-style toppings, this soup feels indulgent while still being simple and approachable.


🧰 Equipment Needed

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or ladle
  • Blender or immersion blender (optional)

🛒 Ingredients

  • 1½ lbs chicken breast or chicken thighs, cooked and shredded
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican-style blend)

Optional toppings:

  • Crushed tortilla chips
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Diced avocado
  • Extra shredded cheese

These ingredients create a soup that’s creamy, savory, and deeply comforting.


👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2:
Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Step 3:
Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4:
Add the diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans. Stir well to combine.

Step 5:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.

Step 6:
Add the shredded chicken and stir to distribute evenly.

Step 7:
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.

Step 8:
Add the shredded cheese and stir until fully melted and the soup becomes creamy.

Step 9:
Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 10:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat.

Serve hot with your favorite tortilla-style toppings.


🍽️ Servings & Timing

  • Servings: 4–6
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: About 45 minutes

Perfect for cozy dinners and leftovers the next day.


🧊 Storage & Reheating

Storage:

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

Reheating:

  • Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave
  • Stir well to restore creaminess

🥄 Variations

  • Extra creamy: Add a little more cream or cheese
  • Spicy kick: Add chili flakes or extra chili powder
  • Veggie boost: Add bell peppers or zucchini
  • Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of cream
  • Blended texture: Blend a small portion of the soup and stir back in

Each variation keeps the soup comforting, rich, and customizable.


10 FAQs

  1. Is this soup very spicy?
    No, it’s mild and family-friendly.
  2. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
    Yes, it works perfectly.
  3. Does the soup thicken naturally?
    Yes, from the cream and cheese.
  4. Can I freeze this soup?
    It’s best enjoyed fresh due to the cream.
  5. What cheese works best?
    Cheddar or a Mexican-style blend.
  6. Is this soup kid-friendly?
    Yes, the flavors are gentle and creamy.
  7. Can I make it ahead of time?
    Yes, it reheats well.
  8. Do I need tortilla chips?
    Optional, but they add great crunch.
  9. Can I make it dairy-free?
    Use dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives.
  10. Why add cream at the end?
    It prevents curdling and keeps the soup smooth.

🏁 Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is everything comfort food should be—rich, cozy, flavorful, and easy to make. With tender chicken, warming spices, and a creamy broth, this soup is perfect for any time you want something soothing and satisfying.

Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Adam

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup – Rich, Cozy and Comforting

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is the ultimate comfort food—warm, rich, and deeply satisfying. This hearty soup combines tender chicken, savory spices, and a creamy broth that’s perfectly balanced with bold Tex-Mex–inspired flavors. Every spoonful is cozy, flavorful, and filling without being heavy. It’s the kind of soup that works beautifully for: Weeknight dinners Cold days Meal prep Family-friendly comfort meals Finished with classic tortilla-style toppings, this soup feels indulgent while still being simple and approachable.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • lbs chicken breast or chicken thighs cooked and shredded
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1 15-ounce can corn, drained
  • 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup shredded cheese cheddar or Mexican-style blend
Optional toppings:
  • Crushed tortilla chips
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Diced avocado
  • Extra shredded cheese
  • These ingredients create a soup that’s creamy savory, and deeply comforting.

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or ladle
  • Blender or immersion blender (optional)

Method
 

Step 1:
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Step 2:
  1. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Step 3:
  1. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4:
  1. Add the diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans. Stir well to combine.
Step 5:
  1. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
Step 6:
  1. Add the shredded chicken and stir to distribute evenly.
Step 7:
  1. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.
Step 8:
  1. Add the shredded cheese and stir until fully melted and the soup becomes creamy.
Step 9:
  1. Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 10:
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat.
  2. Serve hot with your favorite tortilla-style toppings.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave
Stir well to restore creaminess
🥄 Variations
Extra creamy: Add a little more cream or cheese
Spicy kick: Add chili flakes or extra chili powder
Veggie boost: Add bell peppers or zucchini
Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of cream
Blended texture: Blend a small portion of the soup and stir back in
Each variation keeps the soup comforting, rich, and customizable.
❓ 10 FAQs
Is this soup very spicy?
No, it’s mild and family-friendly.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it works perfectly.
Does the soup thicken naturally?
Yes, from the cream and cheese.
Can I freeze this soup?
It’s best enjoyed fresh due to the cream.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar or a Mexican-style blend.
Is this soup kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are gentle and creamy.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well.
Do I need tortilla chips?
Optional, but they add great crunch.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives.
Why add cream at the end?
It prevents curdling and keeps the soup smooth.
🏁 Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is everything comfort food should be—rich, cozy, flavorful, and easy to make. With tender chicken, warming spices, and a creamy broth, this soup is perfect for any time you want something soothing and satisfying.
Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
COOK WITH ADEM

Hi there! I’m Adem, the chef and creator behind Cook with Adem. Cooking has been my passion for as long as I can remember, and I’ve dedicated my life to exploring flavors, experimenting with new dishes, and sharing my love of food with others.

You Might Also Like...

Ultra Thick Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Cookies – Crispy Edges, Gooey Centers, and Loaded with Chocolate

Ultra Thick Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Cookies – Crispy Edges, Gooey Centers, and Loaded with Chocolate

Lemon Poppy Seed Scones – Tender, Bright, and Bakery-Style

Lemon Poppy Seed Scones – Tender, Bright, and Bakery-Style

Heart Shaped Cookie Cake – Soft, Chewy, and Perfect for Celebrations

Heart Shaped Cookie Cake – Soft, Chewy, and Perfect for Celebrations

Valentine’s Day Apple Pies – Mini Heart-Shaped Classics Filled with Warm Cinnamon Apples

Valentine’s Day Apple Pies – Mini Heart-Shaped Classics Filled with Warm Cinnamon Apples

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating