Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

This creamy chicken tortilla soup is a hearty one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, corn, and beans in a rich, velvety broth. It is an easy-to-prepare dinner that delivers deep Southwestern flavors in under an hour.

List of ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil – for sautéing vegetables.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – provides a pungent aromatic base.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped – adds depth and sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – used to thicken the broth.
• 1 (32 ounce) box chicken broth – the liquid base of the soup.
• 2 cups (1 pint) half-and-half – creates the creamy texture.
• 1 (10.75-ounce) can cream of chicken soup – enhances richness and flavor.
• 1 cup prepared salsa, mild or spicy – adds acidity and vegetable flavor.
• 3-4 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken – the primary protein.
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed – adds heartiness and fiber.
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed – adds texture and color.
• 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained – adds sweetness and crunch.
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin – provides a warm, earthy spice.
• 1 packet fajita or taco seasoning, mild or spicy – the core flavor profile.
• Tortilla chips or strips – for a crispy topping.
• Grated cheese – for a melty garnish.
• Sour cream – for a cool, tangy finish.
• Sliced avocado – for creaminess and freshness.
• Fresh cilantro – for a bright herbal note.

step-by-step instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the butter or oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, which takes about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Thicken and Combine: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute more to remove the raw flour taste. Pour in the chicken broth and the half-and-half, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
3. Add Main Ingredients: Stir in the cream of chicken soup, salsa, cooked chicken, black beans, kidney beans, corn, ground cumin, and the fajita or taco seasoning.
4. Simmer: Let the soup simmer over low heat for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the broth to thicken slightly.
5. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into individual bowls. Top with crumbled tortilla chips or strips, a sprinkle of grated cheese, and any other optional toppings like avocado, sour cream, or cilantro.

Ways to Customize Your Soup

Protein Alternatives

While shredded rotisserie chicken is the standard, you can use cubed grilled chicken breast for a firmer texture. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and increase the amount of beans or add diced firm tofu.

Different Bean Options

If you do not have black or kidney beans, pinto beans or Great Northern beans are excellent substitutes. You can also use a single type of bean if you prefer a more uniform consistency in your soup.

Corn Variations

Canned corn is convenient, but frozen corn works just as well and often tastes fresher. If you have access to fresh corn on the cob, cutting the kernels off adds a superior sweetness to the dish.

Adjusting Heat Levels

Control the spice by choosing between mild or hot salsa and seasoning packets. For those who enjoy extra heat, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño during the sauté stage works well.

Pro Tips for Recipe Success

Use Rotisserie Chicken for Speed

Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken drastically reduces preparation time. Simply shred the warm meat and add it to the pot, as it is already seasoned and tender.

Control Salt with Low-Sodium Broth

Since the canned soup and seasoning packets contain salt, using a low-sodium chicken broth is recommended. This allows you to adjust the salt levels at the very end to suit your taste.

Adjusting Soup Thickness

If you prefer a thinner soup, stir in an extra cup of chicken broth during the simmer stage. Conversely, if you want a thicker, stew-like consistency, let it simmer for a few minutes longer without a lid.

Proper Flour Integration

Ensure the flour is cooked for at least one minute with the butter and onions before adding liquids. This prevents the final soup from having a floury taste and helps the thickening process.

Best Topping Combinations

Adding Cheesy Richness

Shredded cheddar or a Mexican blend are classic choices that melt into the hot broth. For a more authentic taste, use crumbled cotija cheese, which provides a salty and firm contrast.

Incorporating Creamy Elements

A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt adds a cool tang that balances the spices. Stirring these in just before eating prevents them from melting completely into the soup.

Bringing Freshness with Avocado

Freshly sliced avocado or a scoop of guacamole adds healthy fats and a buttery texture. The coolness of the avocado complements the warmth of the cumin and fajita seasoning.

Adding the Essential Crunch

Tortilla strips are the signature topping for this dish. If you cannot find strips, crushed tortilla chips provide the same necessary texture and salty flavor.

Fresh Herb Garnishes

Chopped fresh cilantro adds a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness of the cream. If you dislike cilantro, fresh parsley is a suitable alternative for a pop of color.

Adding Zesty Citrus

A fresh squeeze of lime juice over the bowl just before serving enhances all the other flavors. The acidity helps brighten the heavy cream and savory chicken broth.

Incorporating Fresh Salsas

Adding a spoonful of pico de gallo on top adds raw onion and tomato freshness. This provides a textural contrast to the simmered vegetables in the soup.

Homemade Tortilla Strip Guide

Frying Corn Tortillas

Cut corn tortillas into thin strips and fry them in a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once golden brown and crisp, drain them on paper towels and sprinkle with salt immediately.

Baking Tortilla Strips

For a lower-oil option, toss tortilla strips with a drizzle of oil and salt. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F until they are crisp and lightly browned.

Suggested Side Dishes

Mexican Style Cornbread

A piece of warm, buttery cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to this creamy soup. The sweetness of the bread balances the savory and spicy notes of the broth.

Fresh Green Side Salads

Serve the soup with a light salad of mixed greens tossed in lemon juice and olive oil. This keeps the meal balanced and prevents it from feeling too heavy.

Southwest Style Salads

A salad featuring black beans, corn, and an avocado dressing mirrors the ingredients in the soup. It creates a cohesive theme for a full Southwest-inspired dinner.

Storage and Reheating Guide

Refrigeration Tips

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh and flavorful for up to 4 to 5 days.

Avoiding the Freezer

It is not recommended to freeze this soup because of the half-and-half and cream of chicken soup. Freezing dairy-based soups often causes the texture to become grainy or separate upon thawing.

Reheating on the Stove

Warm the soup slowly over medium-low heat on the stove. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge, stir in a tablespoon of water or broth to loosen it up.

Microwave Reheating

Heat the soup in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals. Stir well between each heating cycle to ensure the dairy is heated evenly and does not curdle.

Common Questions

Is this soup healthy?

This soup is a balanced meal containing high protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans and corn. While it is creamy, it provides essential nutrients in every bowl.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can add all ingredients except the half-and-half to a crockpot. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, then stir in the cream at the end to maintain the texture.

How do I make this in an Instant Pot?

Sauté the onion and garlic, then stir in the flour and seasonings. Add all ingredients except the cream, pressure cook for 4 minutes on high, and stir in the half-and-half after the pressure is released.

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