Craving a comforting, flavorful, and healthy meal that's ready in under an hour? Look no further! This creamy chicken tortilla soup recipe is the perfect answer. It's a delicious blend of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy, subtly spicy broth that will warm you from the inside out. It's so easy to make, even beginner cooks will feel like pros, and it's packed with flavor that will impress even the most seasoned palates. Get ready for a quick dinner idea that's both satisfying and nutritious!
Ingredients: You'll Need These for a Delicious Meal
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Adjust quantities as needed.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 (15 ounce) can creamed corn
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a dairy-free option)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips, for serving
- Avocado, diced, for serving
- Shredded cheese, for serving
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
This easy recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight. Let’s get cooking!
-
Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and bell pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
-
Build the flavor base: Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
-
Add the chicken and corn: Stir in the shredded chicken and creamed corn. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
-
Create the creamy texture: Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes, or until heated through. Do not boil.
-
Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings: tortilla chips, avocado, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- For a richer flavor: Use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. A dash of chipotle powder adds a smoky depth.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or black beans.
- Meal prep friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week for easy and healthy lunches or dinners.
Variations: Explore Different Flavors
- Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Tortilla Soup: Omit the chicken and add 1 can of black beans and 1 can of drained and rinsed corn for a hearty vegetarian option.
- White Chicken Tortilla Soup: Omit the chili powder and cayenne pepper for a milder flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: 25-30g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This creamy chicken tortilla soup recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make, customizable to your taste, and packed with flavor. Enjoy!