Description
Hearty Mexican “Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup” delivers bold southwestern flavors in a luscious broth packed with tender chicken and crisp tortilla strips. Comfort meets culinary excitement, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this soul-warming classic.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Proteins:
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts or 2 cups shredded chicken
- 5 cups chicken broth
Vegetables and Base Ingredients:
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 jalapeno, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces / 283 grams) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
Seasonings and Dairy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 packet (1 ounce / 28 grams) taco seasoning
- 1 pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup softened cream cheese
- Tortilla strips, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a generously sized pot and gently soften diced onions, minced jalapenos, and crushed garlic until translucent and aromatic.
- Incorporate tomato paste, stirring thoroughly to develop rich flavor and prevent burning, then introduce corn kernels, diced tomatoes, hearty black beans, and savory chicken broth.
- Layer complex spices including cayenne, robust cumin, zesty hot sauce, and signature taco seasoning into the simmering liquid. Nestle raw chicken pieces into the bubbling mixture, allowing them to poach until perfectly cooked through.
- Extract chicken from the soup, carefully shred into tender morsels using two forks, then return protein back to the pot’s warming embrace.
- Gradually melt sharp cheddar and velvety cream cheese into the soup, whisking continuously to create a luxuriously smooth, creamy texture that binds all ingredients harmoniously.
- Ladle the piping hot soup into deep serving bowls, crowning each portion with crisp, golden tortilla strips for a delightful textural contrast and authentic Mexican-inspired presentation.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeno and cayenne quantities for mild or spicy preferences.
- Replace dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives like cashew or nutritional yeast for vegan adaptation.
- Choose boneless chicken thighs for richer flavor and more tender meat compared to chicken breasts.
- Enhance soup’s thickness by slightly mashing some black beans or adding extra cream cheese for creamier texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg