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The Best Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup: A Quick Weeknight Comfort Meal

A close-up of a bowl of creamy chicken tortilla soup topped with shredded cheese, avocado, and tortilla strips.

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Make this rich and velvety creamy chicken tortilla soup on the stovetop. It uses simple ingredients to deliver bold Tex-Mex flavor, making it a perfect, hearty dinner idea for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup crispy tortilla strips, for topping
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
  • 1/2 avocado, diced, for topping
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and diced green chilies. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Stir in the shredded chicken and frozen corn. Continue to simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed cream cheese, stirring until it is completely melted and the broth is smooth and creamy. Do not let the soup boil after adding the cream cheese.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream. Season the soup with salt and pepper to your taste. Heat through gently for 2 minutes.
  7. Serve the rich and creamy soup hot. Offer bowls with your favorite soup toppings: crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced avocado. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

  • For a faster prep time, use pre-shredded rotisserie chicken.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash a small portion of the corn against the side of the pot before adding the cream cheese.
  • If you do not have heavy cream, use an equal amount of evaporated milk for a slightly lighter texture.

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