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.

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

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 do I thicken up 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.

What's in Chick-fil-A chicken tortilla soup? ›

The Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty, seasonal Chick-fil-A® favorite that features shredded chicken breast and beans in a creamy base with a blend of vegetables and spices, served with Seasoned Tortilla Strips.

What cream to add to soup? ›

But depending on the type of soup, you can add heavy cream or even sour cream to get a delicious richness and creaminess.

What is the secret ingredient to thicken soup? ›

Add Flour Or Cornstarch

You can thicken soup by adding flour, cornstarch, or another starchy substitute.

Does adding heavy cream to soup make it thicker? ›

Heavy cream

Use heavy cream as a keto-friendly thickening option for your soups and broths. Heavy cream has more fat than regular whole milk, so you can add it to your soup recipes without worrying about it curdling.

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.

Why is my chicken tortilla soup watery? ›

Sometimes all your soup needs is a little more time on the stove. Allow your chicken tortilla soup to simmer uncovered for an extended period. The heat will help evaporate some of the liquid, naturally thickening the soup. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent the soup from sticking or burning.

What does chicken tortilla soup contain? ›

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.

What is in Panera chicken noodle soup? ›

Water, Chicken Raised Without Antibiotics, Carrots, Enriched Noodles (Semolina Wheat Flour, Eggs, Egg Whites, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Celery, Contains 2% or less of: Onions, Chicken Stock, Natural Flavor, Sea Salt, Chicken Fat, Corn Starch, Garlic, Yeast Extract, Parsley, ...

What is in chicken tortilla soup costco? ›

INGREDIENTS: Chicken stock, diced tomatoes in juice, cooked chicken meat, cooked white chicken meat, onions, corn, carrots, roasted poblano peppers, roasted red bell peppers, roasted green chiles, tortillas (corn, water, lime), contains 2% or less of: tomato paste, water, cultured dextrose, sea salt, modified food ...

What is the healthiest soup at Chick-fil-A? ›

There are two soup options at Chick-fil-A: Chicken Noodle and Chicken Tortilla. If you're trying to choose the healthiest soup at Chick-fil-A, the Chicken Noodle is by far the way to go. A side of Chicken Noodle Soup has 120 calories. Make it your entrée with a bowl and you'll jump to 230 calories.

How can I make my soup more creamy? ›

The best options for thickening soup are cream or half and half. Plain yogurt or even freshly grated cheese works well and adds an extra layer of tangy, salty flavor. Add the dairy at the end and avoid bringing the soup to a boil since this can cause yogurt, cheese, or cream to split.

Can you put milk in soup instead of cream? ›

Yes, you can definitely add cream to your soup. Whether you use a few tablespoons or a few cups, cream gives soup a silky mouthfeel and rich flavor. You can definitely add milk or other dairy as well, though it will taste gradually less creamy as you go down in percent.

Does sour cream make soup creamy? ›

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.

What is used to thicken most cream soups? ›

Cornstarch is a very effective thickener, and a little bit can go a long way. Add cornstarch to a small amount of cold water or other liquid (wine or stock) and whisk into a thick slurry. Then the slurry can be stirred into a simmering soup, a bit at a time to set the final consistency.

What is a thick creamy soup called? ›

Bisque and chowder are two types of thick soup with origins in French fishing villages. Learn about the differences between these two creamy soups.

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.

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