Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This velvety chicken tortilla soup delight offers pure comfort in every spoonful. Its incredibly rich, creamy texture and savory flavors make it a truly special dish. Best of all, it’s a quick and easy one-pot recipe, perfect for busy evenings. Prepare to enjoy a customizable, deeply satisfying soup that the whole family will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Velvety Chicken Tortilla Soup
You’ll quickly fall in love with this velvety chicken tortilla soup for many reasons. It makes cooking simple and enjoyable, even on the busiest days.
- Quick & Easy One-Pot Meal: Fewer dishes means more family time.
- Deep, Savory, Velvety Flavor: Experience a comforting richness that truly satisfies.
- Flexible for Dietary Preferences: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your family’s needs.
- Crowd-Pleasing, Family Favorite: Everyone, even picky eaters, will ask for seconds of this delightful soup.
- Minimal Cleanup Required: Spend less time scrubbing and more time relaxing after dinner.
Ingredients for Velvety Chicken Tortilla Soup
Gather these simple ingredients to create your luscious velvety chicken tortilla soup delight:
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 (32 ounce) box chicken broth
- 2 cups (1 pint) half-and-half
- 1 (10.75-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup prepared salsa, mild or spicy depending on preference
- 3-4 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 packet fajita or taco seasoning, mild or spicy depending on preference
- Tortilla chips or strips
- Grated cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced avocado
- Fresh cilantro
Notes & Substitutions
You have many options to tailor this amazing creamy chicken tortilla soup. For the chicken, use leftover rotisserie chicken or boil and shred chicken breasts. If you do not have black or kidney beans, pinto or great northern beans work beautifully. To make the soup even creamier, swap half-and-half for heavy cream, or stir in a couple of ounces of cream cheese at the end. Adjust the salsa and seasoning packets for your preferred spice level, from mild to fiery.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this easy chicken tortilla soup.
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife for chopping
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Get ready to create this incredible velvety chicken tortilla soup delight with these straightforward steps.
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Heat the butter or oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it softens, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more until fragrant.
Step 2: Create a Roux
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened onions and garlic. Stir well to combine, cooking for 1 minute. Wikipedia offers a detailed explanation of what a roux is and its culinary applications. This creates a simple roux, which thickens your amazing chicken tortilla soup and ensures a creamy, velvety texture.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth and the half-and-half. Stir thoroughly to incorporate the flour and prevent lumps. Add the cream of chicken soup, salsa, ground cumin, and the fajita or taco seasoning packet. Mix everything until smooth.
Step 4: Incorporate Chicken, Beans, and Corn
Stir in the diced or shredded cooked chicken. Add the drained and rinsed black beans, kidney beans, and whole kernel corn. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the soup base.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over low heat. Let it cook for 15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating of your creamy chicken tortilla soup.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Carefully taste the soup. Add more salt, pepper, or additional seasoning as needed to suit your preference. Remember, a little adjustment can make a big difference in the final flavor of your velvety chicken tortilla soup delight.
Step 7: Serve Hot with Desired Toppings
Ladle the hot soup into individual bowls. Top each serving with your favorite garnishes and enjoy immediately.
How to Make Homemade Tortilla Strips
Making homemade tortilla strips adds an amazing crunch to your velvety chicken tortilla soup. Cut corn tortillas into thin strips. You can fry them in a shallow amount of oil until golden and crispy, or bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. Season with salt immediately after cooking for the best flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Velvety Chicken Tortilla Soup
Enhance your cooking experience and guarantee the best results for your easy chicken tortilla soup.
- Time-Saving Hacks: Use pre-chopped onions and garlic from the grocery store. Rotisserie chicken is your best friend for a super quick preparation.
- Consistency Control: If the soup seems too thick, thin it with a little extra chicken broth or water. For a thicker consistency, simmer a bit longer or add a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water).
- Flavor Boost: Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end. A pinch more cumin or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the flavors of this hearty chicken tortilla soup.
- Prevent Curdling: Always add the half-and-half or any dairy product towards the end of cooking. Avoiding high heat and gradual addition of dairy are key to preventing curdling in soups. Avoid bringing the soup to a rolling boil after adding dairy to maintain its smooth, velvety texture.
- Meal Prep: This soup is fantastic for making ahead. Prepare a big batch on the weekend for easy weeknight dinners.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
Make the most of your delicious velvety chicken tortilla soup delight with these helpful tips.
Serving Suggestions
Classic toppings truly complete your rich chicken tortilla soup experience.
- Classic Toppings: Grated cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, and fresh cilantro are a must.
- Crunchy Options: Crumbled tortilla chips, homemade tortilla strips, or even crushed fritos add satisfying texture.
- Fresh Elements: A sprinkle of fresh green onions, a spoonful of pico de gallo, or a squeeze of lime wedge brightens every bowl.
- Side Dishes: Serve with a side of warm cornbread or a light green salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover creamy chicken tortilla soup safely.
- Refrigerate: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions.
- Avoid Freezing: Due to the dairy content (half-and-half and cream of chicken soup), this soup tends to separate when frozen and thawed. It loses its smooth, velvety texture.
Recipe Variations
Get creative with your velvety chicken tortilla soup delight!
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit the chicken. Use vegetable broth and a dairy-free cream substitute (like full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream) and a vegan cream of mushroom soup.
- More Vegetables: Boost nutrition and flavor by adding diced bell peppers, a can of diced tomatoes (drained), or even some sautéed zucchini.
- Adjust Spice Level: For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the aromatics. A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce also works wonders.
Nutrition Information
This homemade creamy chicken tortilla soup is packed with wholesome ingredients. You get lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the beans, and essential nutrients from the vegetables. It’s a balanced and fulfilling meal. For precise details, refer to the nutrition table provided below.
| Serving Size | Calories | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Fiber | Sugar | Potassium | Vitamin A | Vitamin C | Calcium | Iron |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 serving | 206 kcal | 8 g | 19 g | 11 g | 5 g | 67 mg | 305 mg | 1 g | 2 g | 335 mg | 399 IU | 2 mg | 90 mg | 1 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this creamy chicken tortilla soup healthy?
Yes, this soup features lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and vegetables. It offers a balanced meal, and you can easily customize it to fit your dietary needs.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Sauté the aromatics on the stovetop first for best flavor, then combine all ingredients (except half-and-half) in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or high for 2-3 hours. Stir in the half-and-half during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How to prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Use the sauté function for onions and garlic. Add chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, salsa, chicken, beans, corn, and seasonings. Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes, then quick release. Stir in the half-and-half at the end and simmer on sauté mode for a few minutes to thicken.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the half-and-half for full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Use a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade dairy-free roux and broth base for this delightful velvety chicken tortilla soup delight.
Conclusion
This velvety chicken tortilla soup delight proves that incredible flavor and ease can go hand-in-hand. It’s a comforting, versatile, and beginner-friendly recipe perfect for any weeknight. We hope you love the rich, creamy texture and savory taste of this one-pot wonder. Give it a try tonight, and please share your thoughts, ratings, and creative variations in the comments below! We love hearing from you!
Velvety Chicken Tortilla Soup Delight: A Cozy One-Pot Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, heat butter or oil over medium heat, then sauté onion until softened for 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes more.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and half-and-half, then add cream of chicken soup, salsa, chicken, beans, corn, cumin, and fajita seasoning.
- Simmer the soup over low heat for 15 minutes. Ladle into bowls, then garnish with tortilla chips or strips, grated cheese, and other desired toppings.
Notes
Emily Thompson is a home cook and food enthusiast who believes that great meals bring families together. She loves exploring creative twists on classic American comfort food, always testing new ideas in her kitchen. Emily is passionate about sharing simple, practical recipes and time-saving tips to help busy people enjoy cooking at home. Her approachable style makes every dish accessible, delicious, and perfect for those seeking inspiration for everyday meals and special occasions. Find Emily’s latest creations and kitchen wisdom on yumeasymeals.com.
