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Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

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  • Author: Molly Yeh
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Simmering,Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican‑American

Description

A comforting and flavorful soup featuring shredded chicken, creamy broth, diced tomatoes and corn, topped with crispy tortilla strips and fresh garnishes.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
  • 4 cups low‑sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half‑and‑half for lighter option)
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup tortilla strips or broken tortilla chips, for topping
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese (optional garnish)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Avocado slices, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, jalapeño (if using), and red bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in ground cumin and chili powder; cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add shredded chicken, diced tomatoes (with juice), corn, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to let flavors meld.
  4. Stir in heavy cream and lime juice. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Ladle soup into bowls. Top with tortilla strips (or chips), shredded cheese (if using), fresh cilantro, and avocado slices.
  6. Serve warm, with lime wedges on the side for extra zing.

Notes

  • Make it dairy‑free by substituting coconut milk for heavy cream.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick weeknight meal, or shred leftover roasted chicken.
  • Heat level can be adjusted by adding more or less jalapeño or using mild salsa instead of diced tomatoes.
  • To meal‑prep: store soup and toppings separately. Reheat soup on stove; add fresh toppings just before serving.
  • Stems of fresh herbs can be frozen in a small container for later use in soups or stews.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup soup + toppings
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 17 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg