Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

A Pot Full of Memories

I first made this soup for my grandson on a rainy Tuesday. He said it tasted like a warm hug. I still smile thinking about that. It’s become our special meal.

This soup matters because it brings people together. Sharing a meal is about more than just food. It’s about sharing stories and time. What’s a meal that makes you feel cozy?

Let’s Start Our Soup

First, we warm up the oil in our big pot. Then we add the chopped onion. It sizzles and smells so good. We cook it until it’s soft and sweet.

Next, we pour in the tomatoes and chicken broth. We add all our spices and the beans and corn. Doesn’t that look colorful? Give it a good stir as it comes to a boil.

The Secret to the Creamy Goodness

After the soup simmers, we add the heavy cream. This makes it so rich and smooth. Then we stir in the cooked, shredded chicken. I love using a rotisserie chicken from the store. It makes everything so easy.

Fun fact: The cream cools down the spice from the chilies just a little. It makes the soup friendly for everyone. Do you like your soups creamy or brothy?

Why This Soup is So Special

This recipe matters because it is forgiving. No Rotel? Use a can of plain diced tomatoes. No black beans? Kidney beans work fine. Cooking should be fun, not stressful.

It also teaches us about balance. The tomatoes are tangy. The cream is rich. The spices are warm. Everything works together. It’s a good lesson for life, don’t you think?

The Best Part: Toppings!

Now for the fun! This is where everyone can make their bowl their own. I love crunchy tortilla strips and a big spoonful of cool sour cream. My grandson piles on the cheese.

A squeeze of fresh lime juice is my little secret. It makes all the flavors pop. What are your must-have soup toppings? I’m always looking for new ideas.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Olive oil	1 tbsp
Onion	½ medium	chopped
Crushed tomatoes	1 (28 oz) can
Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies	1 (10 oz) can	with juices
Chicken broth	1 cup
Garlic powder	1 tsp
Smoked paprika	1 tsp
Chili powder	½ tbsp
Corn	1 (12 oz) can	drained
Black beans	1 (14 oz) can	drained and rinsed
Heavy cream	1 cup
Cooked chicken	2 cups	shredded (rotisserie works great)
Salt & pepper	to taste

My Cozy Chicken Tortilla Soup

This soup is like a warm hug from the inside. It reminds me of rainy afternoons with my grandkids. The whole house fills with the most wonderful smell. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It’s so simple to make, too. Let’s get our pot ready.

Step 1: Let’s start by warming up our soup pot. Pour in that olive oil. Add your chopped onion and let it get soft. It should look clear and smell sweet. Stir it so it doesn’t get grumpy and stick. I still laugh at that time I burned the onions.

Step 2: Now for the fun part! Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the Rotel. Don’t forget the juices. Add the chicken broth next. Then comes the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder. They make the soup so cozy. Finally, stir in the corn and black beans. Bring it all to a happy little boil.

Step 3: Once it’s bubbling, we turn the heat down. Let it simmer gently for five minutes. This lets all the flavors become good friends. (A hard-learned tip: a rolling boil can make the tomatoes taste a bit sour). A gentle simmer is the secret.

Step 4: Time to make it creamy! Pour in the heavy cream. It makes the soup so rich and smooth. Then add your cooked, shredded chicken. I love using a rotisserie chicken for this. It makes everything so easy. Stir it and let it get warm for a few more minutes.

Step 5: We are almost done! Taste your soup. Does it need a little salt or pepper? Now you can make it just right for you. Serve it right away with your favorite toppings. What’s your must-have soup topping? Share below!

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner, Soup

Three Fun Twists to Try

This soup is like a blank canvas. You can paint it with so many different flavors. Don’t be afraid to play with your food. It’s how we find new family favorites. Here are a few ideas I love.

Make It Meatless: Just leave out the chicken. Use a extra can of black beans instead. It’s just as filling and delicious.

Give It a Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño with the onions. My grandson loves it this way. It really wakes up your taste buds.

Summer Garden Swap: In the summer, use fresh zucchini from the garden. Chop it up and add it with the corn. It tastes so fresh and light.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

How to Serve Your Masterpiece

A great soup deserves a great presentation. I love setting up a toppings bar for everyone. It makes dinner feel like a party. Put out bowls of crunchy tortilla strips and creamy avocado. Don’t forget a big dollop of cool sour cream. A squeeze of fresh lime juice is the perfect finish.

This soup pairs beautifully with a cold drink. For the grown-ups, a light lager or a crisp margarita is lovely. For a family-friendly option, try sparkling apple cider. Its sweet fizz is a wonderful match for the cozy spices. Which would you choose tonight?

Storing Your Soup for Cozy Nights

Let’s talk about keeping your soup for later. This soup loves the fridge. Let it cool first. Then it will be happy in a container for three days.

You can also freeze it for a busy night. I freeze mine without the cream. I add the cream when I reheat it. This keeps the texture just right.

I once put a hot pot straight in the fridge. The lid popped right off. Now I always let it cool. This small step makes a big difference.

Having a meal ready is a gift to yourself. It turns a stressful day into a cozy one. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Soup Troubles

Is your soup too thin? Let it simmer a bit longer. The extra time helps it thicken up nicely. You can also mash some beans with a fork.

What if it is too spicy? A big spoonful of sour cream will calm it down. I remember when my grandson added too much chili powder. We fixed it with sour cream and a laugh.

Tasting your food as you cook is so important. It builds your confidence. You learn how flavors work together. This makes you a better cook.

Getting the flavor right makes you proud of your food. You will want to cook more often. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Soup Questions, Answered

Q: Is this soup gluten-free? A: Yes, it is. Just check your chicken broth label to be sure.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely. Follow the fridge and freezer tips I shared earlier.

Q: What if I do not have black beans? A: Use pinto or kidney beans instead. It will still be delicious.

Q: Can I make a bigger batch? A: You can double everything. Just use a bigger pot.

Q: Any other tips? A: The toppings are the best part. Do not skip the crunchy tortilla strips. *Fun fact: The lime juice brightens all the other flavors.* Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope this soup warms your home. It is a hug in a bowl. I love hearing your kitchen stories.

Please share your creations with me. Show me your favorite toppings. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

I am so glad we cooked together today. Happy cooking!

—Olivia Hartwell.