Homemade Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup – Traditional Mexican Dish

Every winter, I search for that perfect dish to soothe the chill and bring a spark of comfort to gray days. Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup has become my go-to answer. When the cold bites and the skies turn dreary, nothing beats this soup’s heartwarming blend of flavors. 

It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket. If you’re feeling the winter blues or just need a quick, nourishing meal to lift your spirits, this soup is a game-changer. Rich with tender chicken, creamy broth, and vibrant spices, it transforms a simple dinner into a festive, flavorful feast. 

Let’s dive into how this delightful dish can brighten your chilly evenings and bring joy to your dinner table.

What Is Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful delight that combines tender chicken pieces, creamy broth, and traditional Mexican ingredients like corn, black beans, and tortilla strips. It offers a perfect balance of heat and comfort, infused with spices such as cumin and chili powder. 

Topped with avocado, sour cream, and cilantro, this hearty and comforting soup is ideal for any meal where warmth and zest are desired. It’s a beloved dish that turns a classic soup into a rich, indulgent experience.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

• Chicken Substitute chicken with shredded turkey or diced pork for a different protein option that adds a unique flavor to the soup.
• Tortilla Strips For a tasty twist and added texture, replace tortilla strips with crunchy tortilla chips or even crumbled cornbread.
• Cheese Use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or queso fresco, to give the soup a varied and distinct cheesy flavor.
• Beans Swap black beans with pinto or kidney beans to add a different texture and taste, enriching the soup’s nutritional value.
• Corn Replace frozen sweet corn with roasted corn kernels or fresh corn cut off the cob for a slightly smoky and fresh flavor.
• Spices Vary the spices by adding cumin, smoked paprika, or chipotle powder for a different level of heat and smokiness in the soup.
• Vegetables Add or substitute with other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to enhance the soup’s nutritional content and flavor complexity.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add extra beans, such as kidney or pinto beans, for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Seafood Twist: Replace chicken with shrimp or firm white fish for a seafood version that cooks in just minutes.
• Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce to bring more heat to the soup.
• Smoky Flavor: Add a touch of liquid smoke or use chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a deeper, smoky flavor.

Add-Ons

• Different Proteins: Try using diced turkey, ground beef, or even tofu for a texture and flavor change.
• Beans Variety: Mix in different types of beans like navy beans, red beans, or chickpeas to add texture and fiber.
• Roasted Vegetables: Enhance the soup’s richness by adding roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes.
• Grains: Incorporate cooked quinoa, rice, or barley for a heartier, more filling soup.

Toppings

• Cheese: Sprinkle with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for added creaminess and flavor.
• Avocado: Top with fresh avocado slices or a scoop of guacamole for a creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats.
• Tortilla Chips: Add crunch with homemade or store-bought crispy tortilla strips or even crushed tortilla chips.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, or parsley for a fresh flavor contrast.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and helps temper the heat for those who prefer milder flavors.

Can I Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

You can make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup in a slow cooker and an Instant Pot, which are great options for convenience and flavor development.

Slow Cooker Method

Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together over several hours, resulting in a deeply flavorful soup with tender chicken.

• Preparation: Add the onions, garlic, jalapeños, chicken breasts, chicken broth, tomatoes, corn, beans, and spices directly to the slow cooker.
• Cook: Set the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow-cooking process is ideal for developing flavors and tenderizing the chicken.
• Finishing Touches: Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the slow cooker. Stir in the crushed tortilla chips, lime juice, and heavy cream. Adjust seasonings as needed and let them heat through for 10 more minutes.
• Serve: Garnish with your chosen toppings like avocado, sour cream, cheese, and cilantro before serving.

Instant Pot Method

The Instant Pot offers a quicker method while infusing the soup with rich flavors.

• Sauté Ingredients: Use the sauté function to cook the onions, jalapeños, and garlic until soft. This step adds a base flavor.
• Add Main Ingredients: Add the chicken, broth, tomatoes, corn, beans, and spices.
• Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot and set it to manual high pressure for 12 minutes. This quick, high-pressure cooking creates a flavorful broth and thoroughly cooks the chicken.
• Release and Shred: After cooking, allow a natural release for 10 minutes, followed by a quick release. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
• Final Touches: Stir in the crushed tortilla chips, lime juice, and heavy cream. Adjust the seasoning and use the sauté function for a few more minutes to heat everything through.
• Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and add your preferred garnishes.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Depending on your preference, time constraints, and desired flavor depth, you can use either store-bought or homemade broth to make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup.

Using Store-Bought Broth

Pros

• Convenience: Store-bought broth is quick and easy, saving significant time and effort.
• Consistency: Provides a consistent flavor base every time you make the soup.
• Variety: It is available in different varieties, such as low-sodium, organic, or flavored with herbs, allowing you to choose based on dietary preferences or desired taste.

Cons

• Flavor Limitations: It may not have as rich or deep a flavor as homemade broth.
• Additives: Some brands may include additives or preservatives, which could concern those watching their dietary intake.

Making Your Own Broth

Pros

• Flavor Control: You have complete control over the ingredients and seasoning, allowing you to tailor the broth to your taste preferences.
• Healthier: Homemade broth can be healthier without added preservatives or artificial ingredients.
• Richness: Typically, homemade broth offers a richer, deeper flavor and more body than store-bought versions.

Cons

• Time-Consuming: Making broth from scratch requires hours to simmer the bones and vegetables to extract flavors.
• Inconsistency: Homemade broth can vary in flavor and richness depending on the ingredients and cooking method.

How To Serve?

• Warm the Bowls: Pre-warm the serving bowls in the oven or by filling them with hot water for a few minutes before emptying. This keeps the soup warm as your guests enjoy it.
• Add Toppings Last: Serve the soup hot and let guests add their own toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and crispy tortilla strips. This way, everyone can customize their bowl to their liking.
• Offer a Variety of Toppings: Provide a range of toppings on the table so guests can choose what they prefer. This adds an interactive element to the meal and caters to different tastes.
• Serve With Lime Wedges: Place a few lime wedges on the side of each bowl or a separate plate. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can significantly enhance the soup’s flavors.
• Accompany With Extra Tortillas or Bread: Offer warm tortillas or a crusty loaf of bread on the side for dipping and scooping up the delicious soup.
• Garnish Wisely: Before serving the soup, garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream. This presentation adds visual appeal and introduces additional flavors.

Perfect Side Dishes To Complement The Recipe

• Cilantro Lime Rice: Light and fluffy rice seasoned with fresh cilantro and zesty lime juice make a refreshing side that balances the soup’s richness.
• Cheesy Quesadillas: Serve simple cheese quesadillas or ones filled with vegetables for a satisfying, cheesy side that pairs wonderfully with the soup.
• Cornbread: A slice of moist cornbread is perfect for dipping into the soup and adds a sweet contrast to the spicy flavors.
• Salad with Avocado Dressing: A crisp green salad dressed with a creamy avocado dressing complements the soup’s creamy texture while adding a fresh element to the meal.
• Jicama Slaw: A crunchy, slightly sweet slaw made from jicama, carrots, and a hint of lime can offer a refreshing side that cuts through the soup’s richness.
• Grilled Vegetables: A platter of grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and onions, adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the spices in the soup.
• Chips and Salsa: Offer a side of crunchy tortilla chips with a bowl of fresh salsa for a classic accompaniment that guests can enjoy.

Storage & Make Ahead

• Cool Before Storing: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to storage containers. This prevents condensation from building up inside the container, which can make the soup watery.
• Separate Toppings: Store toppings like shredded cheese, tortilla strips, and chopped cilantro separately in airtight containers. This keeps them fresh and crispy until you’re ready to serve.
• Use Airtight Containers: Store the soup in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent the soup from absorbing flavors from other foods in your refrigerator or freezer.
• Refrigerate or Freeze: Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when frozen.
• Thaw Safely: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight rather than at room temperature to ensure it remains safe to eat.
• Reheat Gently: Slowly heat the soup on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick after storing, add a little chicken broth or water to thin it out to your liking.

What Can Be Done With Leftover Soup?

• Casserole Base: Use the leftover soup as a base for a casserole. Mix with cooked rice or pasta, add cheese, and bake until bubbly for a hearty dish.
• Enchilada Filling: Thick the soup slightly and use it as a filling for enchiladas. Roll in tortillas, top with cheese, and bake for a flavorful meal.
• Soup to Sauce: Reduce the soup until it thickens to a sauce consistency. Use it over baked chicken or pork chops for a creamy, flavorful topping.
• Stuffed Peppers: Mix the leftover soup with cooked quinoa or rice and use it to stuff bell peppers. Bake until the peppers are tender for a delicious meal.
• Pot Pie: Use the soup as a filling for a chicken pot pie. Add some vegetables, top with pie crust or biscuit dough, and bake until golden and bubbly.
• Nacho Topping: Heat the soup and pour it over tortilla chips. Add cheese, jalapeños, and other toppings for a quick and tasty nacho dish.

Tips

• Roast Your Vegetables: For an added depth of flavor, consider roasting your onions, garlic, and jalapeños before adding them to the soup. Roasting helps to caramelize the sugars in the vegetables, adding a rich complexity to the soup.
• Season in Layers: Don’t just season at the end. Add spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika at different stages. Begin by sautéing some with the onions to release their flavors, then add more as you add the broth and chicken.
• Use Quality Chicken: Chicken is a central ingredient, so use the best quality you can find. If possible, opt for organic or free-range chicken, as it often has a superior flavor and texture.
• Simmer Slowly: Once all the ingredients are added, let the soup simmer gently. A slow simmer helps the flavors meld together without overcooking the tender ingredients like chicken.
• Shred Chicken Properly: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. This method helps to create perfectly sized pieces that absorb the soup’s flavors better than large chunks.
• Adjust Creaminess: You can adjust the soup’s creaminess by varying the amount of heavy cream or using alternatives like half-and-half for a lighter version or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version.

Nutrition Table