This creamy chicken tortilla soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a chilly evening or a comforting lunch. It's rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. We'll cover everything from prepping the ingredients to achieving that perfect creamy texture, addressing common questions along the way. Get ready to experience a soup that's both satisfying and delicious!
What Makes This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Stand Out?
This recipe elevates the classic chicken tortilla soup by focusing on building a deeply flavorful broth and achieving a luxuriously creamy texture without relying on heavy cream. We utilize simple techniques to maximize the taste and create a soup that’s both light and satisfying. The perfect balance of spices, the richness of the chicken, and the satisfying crunch of the toppings make this a truly memorable meal.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or Mexican crema (optional, for extra richness)
- Avocado, shredded cheese, tortilla strips, cilantro, and lime wedges for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Cook the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to the soup.
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Simmer the Soup: Stir in the diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), chicken broth, corn, black beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
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Blend for Creaminess (Optional): For an extra creamy texture, carefully transfer about 1/3 of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Return the blended soup to the pot. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
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Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the heavy cream or Mexican crema (if using). Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with avocado slices, shredded cheese, tortilla strips, chopped cilantro, and a lime wedge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the pot during step 3 along with the other ingredients. Reduce the simmering time to ensure the chicken doesn't overcook.
What kind of tortillas should I use for the tortilla strips?
Corn tortillas are traditional and work best, but you can also use flour tortillas if preferred. Cut them into thin strips, bake them until crispy, and then lightly season them with salt.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How can I make it spicier?
Add more cayenne pepper, or use a spicier variety of chili powder. You can also add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce before serving.
What are some other topping options?
Other delicious toppings include sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced red onion, and pickled jalapeños. Get creative and experiment with your favorite flavors!
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup:
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook it just until it's heated through and no longer pink inside.
- Toast the spices: Toasting the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika in a dry pan before adding them to the soup will enhance their flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
- Garnish generously: The toppings are what really make this soup special, so don't be shy!
This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
