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.

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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

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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.)

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  • 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

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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.

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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

What makes thick creamy soups? ›

Traditional cream soups derive their smooth texture from liberal amounts of milk or cream, thickened with flour or cornstarch. Now when we make soups that are creamy, chances are they contain no cream at all: They're likely thickened with purees made from starchy vegetables.

How can I thicken my tortilla soup? ›

All-purpose Flour: Acts as a thickening agent for the soup, giving it a more substantial texture. Chicken Broth: Serves as the liquid base of the soup, providing depth, richness, and body. Corn Tortillas: Thicken the soup and add a traditional corn flavor.

How to thicken chicken noodle soup? ›

Add Flour Or Cornstarch

Instead, ladle a small amount of broth into a separate bowl and let it cool. Add a few tablespoons of flour or cornstarch to the bowl and whisk until it's blended smooth. Next, bring the soup to a simmer and add the mixture back to the pot. Pro tip: Don't dump in the entire mixture at once.

How to thicken pumpkin soup? ›

There are several ways to thicken pumpkin soup. The easiest method is to reduce the soup by cooking off some of the liquid. Alternatively, use a slurry of all-purpose flour or cornstarch and water, add a teaspoon or two of either thickener to a small bowl and stir in 2 to 3 teaspoons of the soup to create a slurry.

What is the secret ingredient to thicken soup? ›

Soup Thickening Method: Cornstarch Slurry

About this method: One of the most common ways to thicken sauces and soups is with a starch-based slurry, and cornstarch is a popular choice. Cornstarch is flavorless, easy to mix up, and versatile, which makes it a go-to pantry ingredient.

What is the secret ingredient in soup? ›

It may sound a bit strange and unusual for some, but vinegar is a common ingredient in some soup recipes, and there is a good reason for it. If you think about it, vinegar is really a flavor-enhancer (umami). That's why it is so often used in cooking, sauces, and salad dressings. The same is true with soups.

Is it better to thicken soup with flour or cornstarch? ›

It's important to note that cornstarch has twice the thickening power of flour. If you need to substitute cornstarch to thicken liquid in a recipe that calls for ¼ cup (four tablespoons) flour, you only need two tablespoons cornstarch.

What is the healthiest way to thicken soup? ›

The absolute healthiest way to thicken soup is by using a traditionally made bone broth powder like the one from Bluebird Provisions.
  1. Oat Flour, Quinoa Flour or Chickpea Flour.
  2. Applesauce or Mashed Bananas.
  3. Eggs.

How much flour to thicken chicken soup? ›

The ratio of flour to butter varies, but it's often 2-to-1—for most soups, ½ cup of flour and ¼ cup of butter should do it. As for how to make a roux, start by melting the butter over medium-low heat in your soup pot.

Should I cook soup with the lid on or off? ›

In the event that your goal is to keep moisture in—like when your pot of soup, stew, or sauce is already at the right consistency, but you want to keep cooking the vegetables and melding the flavors—leave the lid on to keep any more liquid from evaporating.

How to fix soup that is too watery? ›

6 ways to thicken soup:
  1. Blend all or part of it. If you've made a broth with chunks of vegetable in it, such as minestrone soup, then pour the soup through a sieve. ...
  2. Add cream or yogurt. ...
  3. Add flour or cornflour. ...
  4. Use a butter and flour paste. ...
  5. Blend in bread. ...
  6. Add lentils or rice.

Does 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.

What are the thickening agent for cream soups? ›

Add flour or cornflour

Put a tablespoon of either into a small bowl and stir in 2-3 tbsp of the soup until you have a smooth mixture. Stir this back into the soup and bring it to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes to allow the starch granules to burst to thicken, and to cook out any flour flavour.

What are thick soups thickened with? ›

What are Thick Soups? Thick soups are soups that are thickened using flour, corn-starch, cream, vegetables, gelatines and other ingredients. Depending on how you thicken a soup, you can get different textures and flavours. For example, a potage of boiled meat and vegetables results in a thick, mushy soup.

How do you thicken cream for soup? ›

Roux. Aroux is made from equal parts fat and flour and is a common thickener because it not only thickens but stabilizes, too. If cream or cheese is being added to a soup, a bit of roux can ensure it won't "break" or separate.

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