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<p>Welcome to the ultimate comfort in a bowl—Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup! This delightful dish offers a satisfying warmth that wraps around you like a cozy blanket. Imagine digging into a spoonful of velvety broth, bursting with tender pieces of chicken and vibrant veggies. Perfect for chilly nights or any day that calls for a little TLC. Plus, the magic of this recipe is that it’s creamy without the cream! Trust me, the blend of spices and textures will have you coming back for seconds. Ready to share some love in your kitchen?</p>
<h2>Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)</h2>
<p>If you’re on the lookout for a meal that’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and oh-so-cozy, you’ve found your match! This soup combines hearty ingredients with a rich, creamy base, making it a favorite for family dinners or gatherings with friends. It’s a crowd-pleaser that caters to various tastes and dietary needs, so everyone can enjoy a cozy bowl!</p>
<ul>
<li>Speedy: Whip this up in under 30 minutes!</li>
<li>Texture: Creamy broth meets tender chicken and crunchy tortilla strips.</li>
<li>Pantry-Friendly: Utilize items you likely already have on hand.</li>
<li>Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy throughout the week.</li>
<li>Dietary Notes: Gluten-free and easily adaptable for special diets.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Ingredient Breakdown for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>1 tablespoon olive oil</strong> – For sautéing veggies and adding richness.</li>
<li><strong>1 onion, chopped</strong> – Sweetness and savory base.</li>
<li><strong>2 garlic cloves, minced</strong> – Aromatic, adds depth of flavor.</li>
<li><strong>1 bell pepper, chopped</strong> – Freshness and a pop of color.</li>
<li><strong>1 can diced tomatoes</strong> – Adds acidity and thickness.</li>
<li><strong>4 cups chicken broth</strong> – The soup's flavorful base.</li>
<li><strong>2 cups cooked chicken, shredded</strong> – Heartiness and protein boost.</li>
<li><strong>1 can black beans, rinsed and drained</strong> – Fiber and texture contrast.</li>
<li><strong>1 teaspoon cumin</strong> – Warm, earthy spice that enhances flavor.</li>
<li><strong>1 teaspoon chili powder</strong> – Adds warmth without too much heat.</li>
<li><strong>1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)</strong> – Sweet, crisp texture.</li>
<li><strong>1 cup heavy cream</strong> – For that dreamy, creamy texture.</li>
<li><strong>Salt and pepper to taste</strong> – Essential for seasoning.</li>
<li><strong>Tortilla strips for topping</strong> – Crunchy contrast on top.</li>
<li><strong>Chopped cilantro for garnish</strong> – Bright, fresh flavor addition.</li>
</ul>
<p>Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.</p>
<h2>How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup</h2>
<h3>Phase 1 – Prep</h3>
<ol>
<li>Chop the onion, garlic, and bell pepper.</li>
<li>Shred your cooked chicken if it’s not already done.</li>
<li>Rinse your black beans and set them aside.</li>
</ol>
<h3>Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble</h3>
<ol>
<li>In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.</li>
<li>Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper; sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).</li>
<li>Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, shredded chicken, black beans, cumin, chili powder, and corn.</li>
<li>Bring to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.</li>
</ol>
<h3>Phase 3 – Serve</h3>
<ol>
<li>Once heated through, ladle the soup into bowls.</li>
<li>Top with crunchy tortilla strips and chopped cilantro.</li>
<li>Enjoy your warm bowl of creamy goodness!</li>
</ol>
<h2>Pro Tips for the Best Results</h2>
<ul>
<li>For added flavor, let the soup simmer a little longer—20 minutes is ideal!</li>
<li>Need it quick? Use rotisserie chicken to save time.</li>
<li>Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to three days.</li>
<li>To freeze soup, place it in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.</li>
<li>To revitalize frozen soup, add a splash of broth when reheating.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Common Mistakes to Avoid</h2>
<p><strong>Using too much liquid:</strong> If your soup turns out too watery, it could be from adding excess broth or tomatoes. Start with less broth, then add until it reaches your desired consistency.</p>
<p><strong>Overcooking the chicken:</strong> Shredded chicken should be heated through, but overcooking can make it tough. Shred it prior, and simply warm it in the soup.</p>
<p><strong>Forgetting seasoning:</strong> Not adding enough salt and pepper might leave your soup flat in flavor. Always taste as you go and adjust seasonings accordingly!</p>
<h2>Recipe Variations</h2>
<ul>
<li>Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortilla strips or skip them altogether.</li>
<li>Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.</li>
<li>Spicy: Add diced jalapeños for a heat kick!</li>
<li>Herbal: Throw in fresh lime juice or cilantro right before serving.</li>
<li>Stovetop: This recipe works perfectly on the stove; simmer until ready!</li>
<li>Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes for a quick version.</li>
</ul>
<h2>How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup</h2>
<h3>Best Pairings</h3>
<ul>
<li>Serve with crunchy tortilla chips for an extra bite!</li>
<li>Pair with fresh avocado slices for creaminess.</li>
<li>Add a dollop of sour cream for added richness.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Toppings & Garnishes</h3>
<ul>
<li>Top with shredded cheese for an extra layer of yum.</li>
<li>Garnish with fresh lime wedges for a citrusy twist.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Drink Pairing</h3>
<ul>
<li>A cold glass of iced tea perfectly complements this warm soup.</li>
<li>Try pairing with a light beer for adults!</li>
</ul>
<h2>Make Ahead & Storage</h2>
<h3>Can I Meal Prep This?</h3>
<p>Absolutely! You can prepare this soup ahead of time and store it in your fridge for up to three days.</p>
<h3>Storing Leftovers</h3>
<p>Store soup in airtight containers in the fridge for 3 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh but still delicious when reheated!</p>
<h3>Freezing</h3>
<p>You can freeze this soup for up to three months. Just be aware that the creaminess may slightly change in texture, but it will still be tasty!</p>
<h3>Reheating</h3>
<p>Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heat. On the stove, warm over medium heat until heated through.</p>
<h2>FAQs</h2>
<p><strong>Can I use frozen cauliflower?</strong> Yes, you can substitute cauliflower for corn for a veggie-packed option!</p>
<p><strong>How to make it extra creamy without cream?</strong> Try pureeing some of the soup and adding it back in for thickness and creaminess!</p>
<p><strong>Can I double it?</strong> Absolutely! Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as larger batches may need a bit longer to heat through.</p>
<p><strong>How to fix a too-thick soup?</strong> Simply add a bit more broth or water until your desired consistency is reached.</p>
<p>If you're looking to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds, this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is your go-to dish! It’s wonderfully creamy while being easy to make. We hope you give this recipe a try, and don't forget to rate and share your experience!</p>
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
A cozy and comforting bowl of creamy chicken tortilla soup that is quick to prepare and bursting with flavor from tender chicken and vibrant veggies—perfect for any chilly night.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing veggies and adding richness.
- 1 piece onion, chopped Sweetness and savory base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Aromatic, adds depth of flavor.
- 1 piece bell pepper, chopped Freshness and a pop of color.
- 1 can diced tomatoes Adds acidity and thickness.
- 4 cups chicken broth The soup's flavorful base.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Heartiness and protein boost.
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained Fiber and texture contrast.
- 1 teaspoon cumin Warm, earthy spice that enhances flavor.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder Adds warmth without too much heat.
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) Sweet, crisp texture.
- 1 cup heavy cream For that dreamy, creamy texture.
- to taste Salt and pepper Essential for seasoning.
- to taste Tortilla strips for topping Crunchy contrast on top.
- to taste Chopped cilantro for garnish Bright, fresh flavor addition.
Instructions
Preparation
- Chop the onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
- Shred your cooked chicken if it’s not already done.
- Rinse your black beans and set them aside.
Cooking
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper; sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, shredded chicken, black beans, cumin, chili powder, and corn.
- Bring to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Once heated through, ladle the soup into bowls.
- Top with crunchy tortilla strips and chopped cilantro.
- Enjoy your warm bowl of creamy goodness!
Notes
For the best results, let the soup simmer a little longer for even more flavor. Use rotisserie chicken to save time if needed. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months.
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