why make this recipe
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting and hearty meal that brings warmth to any table. It combines delicious flavors and creamy texture, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. This recipe is easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and can be ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a great option for using leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, saving both time and effort. Plus, the toppings can be customized to suit personal tastes!
how to make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (fresh, leftover, or rotisserie)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla strips for serving
- Avocado and cilantro for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add in the cooked chicken and let it heat through.
- Stir in the cream cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and mix until well combined.
- Serve hot, topped with tortilla strips and garnished with avocado and cilantro.
how to serve Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Serve the soup hot. Top it with crunchy tortilla strips for added texture. For fresh flavors, you can add sliced avocado and chopped cilantro on top. This soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with warm bread or tortillas.
how to store Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the soup in portions. Just make sure to leave space in the container, as the soup can expand when frozen.
tips to make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste; add more chili powder for extra heat.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese.
- Add in vegetables like corn or black beans for extra nutrition.
variation
You can easily turn this soup into a spicy version by adding sliced jalapeños or hot sauce. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with black beans and vegetable broth.
FAQs
1. Can I use uncooked chicken?
Yes, you can use uncooked chicken. Just cook it thoroughly in the broth before adding the cream cheese.
2. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time. Just reheat it on the stove when you are ready to serve.
3. What are the best toppings for this soup?
Popular toppings include tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, and sour cream.
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (fresh, leftover, or rotisserie) Use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese.
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 tsp ground cumin Adjust the spices according to your taste.
- 1 tsp chili powder Add more for extra heat if desired.
- to taste Salt and pepper
- Tortilla strips for serving For added texture.
- Avocado and cilantro for garnish (optional) Enhances fresh flavors.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add in the cooked chicken and let it heat through.
- Stir in the cream cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and mix until well combined.
- Serve hot, topped with tortilla strips and garnished with avocado and cilantro.