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A steaming bowl of creamy chicken tortilla soup garnished with fresh cilantro and tortilla strips.

Classic Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Warm your soul with this classic creamy chicken tortilla soup. It's packed with tender chicken, savory spices, and a rich, satisfying broth, perfect for a comforting meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2-3 cups Cooked Chicken shredded or diced (rotisserie works well)
  • 1-2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 medium Onion chopped
  • 3-4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 6 cups Chicken Broth low-sodium
  • 1 14.5 oz can Diced Tomatoes undrained
  • 1 4 oz can Green Chilies mild or hot
  • 1 15 oz can Black Beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup Corn fresh, thawed frozen, or drained canned
  • 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice freshly squeezed
  • Salt and Black Pepper To taste
Toppings (recommended)
  • Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
  • Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
  • Diced avocado
  • Fresh cilantro chopped
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot, then add chopped onion and cook until softened for about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  2. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano to the pot. Stir constantly for 30 seconds to toast the spices and intensify their flavor.
  3. Pour in chicken broth, undrained diced tomatoes, and canned green chilies. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Stir in the cooked chicken, rinsed black beans, and corn. Simmer gently for 5-10 minutes, just until everything is heated through.
  5. Remove soup from heat, then stir in heavy cream and fresh lime juice. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings such as tortilla strips, shredded cheese, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

For extra convenience, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Adjust the amount of green chilies to your preferred spice level. This soup tastes even better the next day!