Easy Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

 

There’s nothing like a warm bowl of chicken tortilla soup to chase away the chill of a cold winter night. Packed with bold southwestern flavors—smoky paprika, earthy cumin, tender chicken, and a tangy hint of lime—it’s hearty, comforting, and irresistibly satisfying. Topped with crunchy tortilla chips, this soup wraps you up like a cozy blanket while treating your taste buds to a flavor-packed adventure.

This soup isn’t just for winter nights—it’s a game-day favorite! In the South, football is more than a sport; it’s a way of life. Whether it’s the Super Bowl, a college rivalry, or a casual game night, this easy-to-make soup is always a crowd-pleaser. Set up a toppings bar with shredded cheese, avocado slices, jalapeños, sour cream, and lime wedges, so everyone can customize their bowl. Pair it with warm cornbread or crispy fried cornbread fritters, and you’ve got a spread that’s as impressive as it is comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tortilla Soup

This chicken tortilla soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings the warmth of the Southwest to your kitchen with a little Southern flair. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

• Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, it’s ready in under an hour.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Loaded with lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and zesty flavors, it’s a guilt-free crowd-pleaser.
• Customizable: You can add your favorite toppings like avocado, sour cream, or jalapeños to make it your own.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and save some for later—it tastes even better the next day!
• Perfect for Entertaining: Set up a toppings bar and let guests customize their bowls for a fun, interactive meal.

Ways to Enjoy This Soup

• On a cold winter evening – Cozy up with a warm bowl to chase the chill away.
• During fall gatherings – The perfect addition to your seasonal get-togethers.
• Game nights – A crowd-pleaser for watching your favorite team.
• Potlucks and parties – Easy to transport and always a hit with a crowd.
• Quick weeknight dinners – Ready in no time when you’re craving comfort food.
• Lunch leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!
• Entertaining friends – Serve with tortilla chips, fresh toppings, and a side of fun.

What You’ll Need to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup (Be sure to see the full printable recipe below this post.)

Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this delicious soup. These simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients come together to create a flavorful masterpiece:

• Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook and shred boneless chicken breasts.
• Onion, Garlic and  Green Onions: The foundation of any great soup, these aromatics add depth and flavor.
• Canned Tomatoes: A can of fire-roasted tomatoes adds a smoky sweetness that elevates the broth.*
• Broth: Chicken broth serves as the base of the soup—go for low-sodium to control the salt.
• Corn & Black Beans: These hearty additions make the soup filling and add beautiful pops of color.
• Taco Seasoning & Spices: A blend of chili powder, cumin, cayenne and paprika gives the soup its signature zesty kick.
• Cheddar Cheese: adds flavor and richness to the soup
• Heavy cream: heavy cream gives this soup the velvety texture and creates the delicious creamy flavor and consistency.
• Corn tortillas: The crispy, golden tortilla strips are the perfect topping and add a satisfying crunch.
• You’ll also need olive oil for sautéing the onions and garlic and butter for frying the corn tortillas.

How to make Easy Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

1. Prepare the Tortilla Strips: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the tortilla strips and fry until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes. Remove and drain on a paper towel. Sprinkle with salt. Set aside

2. Cook the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Next add the chopped green onions and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin,  smoked paprika and cayenne pepper. Cook for another 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
4. Build the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and fire-roasted tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Add the Good Stuff: Stir in the corn, black beans, and shredded chicken. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
6. Finish with Freshness: Stir in the lime juice and cheese. Bring to a boil and then add the heavy cream. Reduce the heat and simmer for three to four minutes or until the soup is heated thoroughly stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, corn chips such as Fritos,  shredded cheese, avocado slices, diced fresh tomatoes, sour cream, or jalapeños and chopped cilantro.

Tips for the Best Chicken Tortilla Soup.

• Make it extra Creamy: Add a splash of   dollop of sour cream for a richer broth.
• Add Heat: If you like it spicy, toss in some diced jalapeños.
• Toppings Bar: Set out a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, green onions, and crushed tortilla chips for a customizable meal.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for more beans and use vegetable broth.

Storing and Freezing

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: This soup freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What to Serve with Chicken Tortilla Soup

This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can take it to the next level:

• Cornbread: Sweet and savory cornbread is a perfect match.
• Grilled Cheese: A gooey, melty grilled cheese sandwich pairs wonderfully with the zesty soup.
• Side Salad: Keep it light with a crisp, refreshing side salad.

How to make Easy Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup in a crockpot:

Ingredients:

Same as above.

Directions:

1. Prepare the Tortilla Strips:

Heat the butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the tortilla strips until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes. Drain on paper towels, sprinkle with salt, and set aside. (Optional: Skip this step if short on time and use store-bought tortilla strips.)

2. Cook the Aromatics (Optional for Crockpot Prep):

If you have time, sauté the onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper in olive oil for about 3–4 minutes in a skillet to enhance flavor. Transfer the mixture to the crockpot.

3. Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot:

Add the following ingredients directly to the crockpot in this order:

•Chicken broth

•Fire-roasted diced tomatoes

•Corn

•Black beans

•Shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie is great for this!)

4. Cook:

Cover and cook on:

•High: 3–4 hours

•Low: 6–8 hours

5. Add Cheese and Cream Toward the End:

About 20–30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Cover and continue cooking on low until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy.

6. Finish with Freshness:

Stir in fresh lime juice and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.

7. Serve and Garnish:

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, Fritos, shredded cheese, avocado slices, diced tomatoes, sour cream, jalapeños, or chopped cilantro.

Notes for Crockpot Cooking:

• Adding the cheese and cream at the end prevents curdling and ensures a smooth texture.
• You can skip sautéing the onions, garlic, and spices if in a hurry, but it adds depth to the soup’s flavor.
• If using uncooked chicken breasts or thighs, place them whole in the crockpot with the broth and veggies at the beginning. Shred the chicken with two forks after cooking, about 30 minutes before serving.

This chicken tortilla soup is more than just a recipe—it’s a cozy, flavorful hug in a bowl. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly day or hosting a casual gathering, this soup is sure to become a favorite. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet stunning dish!

Thanks for stopping by!

Aletia

More recipes that you will enjoy!

Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup

The Best Chili Ever

Southern Buttermilk Cornbread

Cheesy Mexican Cornbread

Mexican Street Corn Dip

Easy Chili Cheese Dip

Be sure to leave a comment below if you have any questions about the recipe. I would love to hear from you and if you make it, be sure to use #deliciouslysouthern and let me know how you like it. Lastly, please follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.

Click here to purchase an autographed copy of my cookbook “Deliciously Southern “. It features over 370 delicious Southern recipes!Deliciously Southern (Autographed Edition)

Print