Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Name: Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste; Tortilla chips; 1 avocado, diced; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 lime, cut into wedges

Highlighted under: Simple Cooking

I absolutely adore this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup! It's become a staple in my kitchen because it combines comforting flavors and textures into one delicious bowl. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and crunchy tortilla strips come together seamlessly, making it a dish I crave on chilly evenings. I love how simple it is to prepare and how it brings my family together around the dinner table. The addition of fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro elevates it even further and keeps us coming back for more!

Created by

Flora Kensington

Last updated on 2026-02-08T00:04:35.986Z

When I first tried making Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup at home, I was amazed at how quickly it came together without sacrificing flavor. The key is to sauté the aromatics before adding the broth, as it deepens the overall taste profile. I also like to use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut; it adds great flavor and tenderness.

Another helpful tip I discovered is to crush the tortilla chips right before serving. This keeps them crisp as they won’t get soggy when added to the hot soup. It’s those little details that make the experience exciting and enjoyable!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich, creamy broth infused with spices
Perfect balance of textures with crunchy tortilla strips
Easily customizable with your favorite toppings

      

Mastering the Creamy Texture

The key to achieving a rich and creamy texture in your Chicken Tortilla Soup lies in the heavy cream. It's essential to add the cream at the end to prevent it from curdling. When stirred in, let it simmer gently over low heat for 5 minutes, just until heated through. This allows the cream to integrate seamlessly without breaking apart, giving the soup its luxurious feel. If you prefer a lighter option, consider substituting half of the heavy cream with sour cream for a slight tang without sacrificing creaminess.

Another tip for ensuring a silky mouthfeel is the method of adding the spices. Toasting the cumin and chili powder with the onions and garlic heightens their flavors and scent, making the soup more aromatic. I often recommend letting the spices cook until fragrant, which usually takes about a minute. This stage is critical - too little time, and the spices won't bloom fully, too long and they can burn, which adds bitterness.

Perfecting Your Garnishes

The toppings you choose can really elevate your soup from a satisfying meal to a delightful experience. While tortilla chips add that necessary crunch, I love mixing in fresh avocado for creaminess and a hint of richness. When dicing the avocado, make sure to use a ripe one; you want it to be slightly soft but not mushy. A perfectly diced avocado will hold its shape when served, adding not just flavor but also visual appeal to your dish.

Fresh cilantro brings brightness and a pop of color to the bowl. If you're not a fan of cilantro, consider using chopped green onions or parsley as an alternative. I recommend cutting the cilantro just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and fresh flavor. Additionally, a squeeze of lime juice adds a zesty contrast to the creaminess of the soup, awakening all the flavors beautifully.

Ingredients

For the Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

Tortilla chips
1 avocado, diced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, cut into wedges

Gather all your ingredients before starting for an efficient cooking process!

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Add Broth and Chicken

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add in the shredded chicken and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Stir in Cream

Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to heat through for an additional 5 minutes.

Serve with Toppings

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla chips, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Enjoy your creamy, comforting soup!

Pro Tips

For even more flavor, experiment with smoked paprika or add some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup can be made ahead of time, which makes it a fantastic choice for meal prepping. You can prepare the soup base without the cream and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, reheat the soup gently over low heat and stir in the cream just before serving to keep the texture intact.

If you want to store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating frozen soup, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then slowly warm it on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent any separation.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, consider pairing this soup with a side of cornbread or a light salad. The sweetness of cornbread complements the savory richness of the soup beautifully. Alternatively, a crisp garden salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy broth, making for a well-rounded dining experience.

You can also set up a topping bar when serving. Place all the toppings—like diced avocados, fresh cilantro, tortilla chips, and lime wedges—on a platter and let your family or guests personalize their bowls. This interactive approach not only makes the meal fun but also encourages everyone to enjoy the soup just the way they like it.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the soup a day in advance and reheat it before serving. Just wait to add the cream until you reheat it.

→ How can I make it dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and still enjoy a creamy texture.

→ What can I use instead of chicken?

Feel free to use turkey, or you can make it vegetarian by using additional vegetables and vegetable broth instead of chicken.

→ How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.