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Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
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This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is rich, comforting, and incredibly easy to make on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. It’s packed with tender chicken, beans, corn, warm spices, and finished with cheddar and cream cheese for a smooth, creamy texture. Whether you use fresh chicken, leftovers, or rotisserie chicken, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 1 small yellow onion, diced

  • 1 jalapeño pepper, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  • 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained

  • 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

  • 5 cups chicken broth

  • 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts or 2 cups cooked shredded chicken

  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (to taste)

  • 1 packet taco seasoning (about 3 tablespoons), divided

  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • ⅓ cup cream cheese, softened

For Serving (Optional):
Crispy tortilla strips or crushed corn/flour tortillas

Instructions

  • Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and jalapeño and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

  • Stir in the tomato paste, corn, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, chicken broth, chicken, cayenne pepper, cumin, hot sauce, and 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning.

  • Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, partially covered. Avoid a rapid boil to keep the chicken tender.

  • After 20–25 minutes, remove the chicken breasts once cooked through. Shred with two forks and return to the pot.

  • Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and softened cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.

  • Taste and add additional taco seasoning or salt if needed.

  • Serve hot and garnish as desired.

Notes

  • Cheese texture matters: Let cheeses come close to room temperature before adding to prevent graininess.

  • Low heat is key: Add dairy over low heat to keep the soup creamy and smooth.

  • Shortcut option: Use rotisserie or leftover chicken to save time—just simmer for 15 minutes to blend flavors.

  • Spice control: Use a mild hot sauce for flavor without overpowering heat, or adjust to taste.

  • Corn swap: Fresh or frozen corn works just as well as canned.

Find it online: https://tastyquickly.com/creamy-chicken-tortilla-soup/