Name: Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons taco seasoning; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained; 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 (28-ounce) can enchilada sauce; 2 cups V8 or other brand vegetable juice; 1 cup heavy cream; Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste; Tortilla strips, for garnish; Sour cream, for garnish; Fresh cilantro, for garnish; Green onion, for garnish

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 3 reviews

If you crave a comforting bowl of warmth filled with bold flavors and a rich, velvety texture, this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is about to become your new kitchen favorite. It’s a delightful twist on classic tortilla soup that brings together tender shredded chicken, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and just the right amount of spice all wrapped up in a luscious, creamy base. Ready in just 30 minutes, this soup is perfect whether you need a cozy weeknight dinner or a flavorful dish to impress friends. Let me walk you through this incredibly satisfying recipe that bursts with color, taste, and that special home-cooked hug in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several small white bowls and glass measuring cups arranged on a white marbled surface. The bowls contain different ingredients: one with shredded pale chicken pieces, one with bright yellow corn kernels, one with black beans, one with finely chopped white onions, one with chopped white garlic, one with a red paste, and another with a light brown powder. There are two glass measuring cups, one filled with a smooth red sauce and the other with a white creamy liquid. Also visible are two opened cans, one with tomato pieces and the other with a bright red sauce. The colors contrast well with the white bowls and marbled background, creating a neat and organized look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Keeping things simple is the secret to making this soup truly shine. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the aromatic onion and garlic that build a flavorful foundation, to the creamy finish that makes every spoonful irresistible. These essentials come together to create a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious.

1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic, bringing out their natural sweetness
1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds a mild, savory base flavor and texture
6 cloves garlic, minced: For that punch of fragrant zest that elevates the soup
3 tablespoons taco seasoning: Spices things up with a blend of earthy and smoky notes
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, adding depth and richness
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken: The hearty, tender protein that makes this soup satisfying
15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds creaminess and a lovely contrast in texture
15-ounce can corn, drained: Sweet kernels that bring pops of color and flavor
10-ounce can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies: Injects a gentle kick and vibrant brightness
28-ounce can enchilada sauce: Rich and tangy, it’s the soul of the soup
2 cups V8 or other vegetable juice: For a nutritious liquid base packed with veggies
1 cup heavy cream: Creams things up beautifully to make the soup luscious
Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper: To taste, balancing and enhancing every flavor
Garnishes (tortilla strips, sour cream, cilantro, green onion): For texture, freshness, and a little fun on top

How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

First, heat that olive oil over medium-high heat in a big, sturdy pot. Toss in the diced yellow onion and cook it gently, stirring often, until soft and translucent—about 4 minutes. This step wakes up the flavors and sets a fragrant base for the soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic, Taco Seasoning, and Tomato Paste

Next, add the minced garlic along with the taco seasoning and tomato paste to the pot. Stir frequently for about a minute so those spices toast just right, releasing their aroma without burning. This builds layers of flavor that will make your soup stand out.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pan

Pour in a few splashes of vegetable juice to loosen any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This quick step captures every bit of flavor and brings it all back into the pot—no waste, just yum.

Step 4: Add Main Ingredients

Now, add the shredded rotisserie chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, enchilada sauce, and the rest of the vegetable juice right into your pot. Sprinkle in generous pinches of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to start melding those flavors together.

Step 5: Simmer and Develop Flavor

Cover the pot and bring your soup to a lively simmer over medium-high heat. Then, lower the heat and let it gently bubble for 10 to 15 minutes. This simmering time lets the flavors marry, and the ingredients soften just so.

Step 6: Stir in the Cream

The magic moment arrives when you stir in the heavy cream. This step transforms your soup into that dreamy, silky texture you’re aiming for with this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as you go, making it just perfect.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

A white pot is filled with a deep red soup base. On top of the soup, there are four layered ingredients placed in separate sections: shredded light beige chicken on the left, bright yellow corn kernels at the top center, bright red chopped tomatoes on the top right, and black beans in the bottom right section. The pot has two handles and sits on a white marbled surface. The colors and textures of the ingredients contrast clearly in the pot, creating a vibrant mix. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t skip the toppings—they’re what take this soup from delicious to unforgettable. Crunchy tortilla strips add texture, a dollop of sour cream provides cool creaminess, fresh cilantro brings herbal brightness, and sliced green onions add a subtle sharpness. Each garnish plays its own role in making your bowl pop.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, think about pairing it with warm cornbread, a crisp side salad, or even some buttery garlic bread. These sides complement the spicy, creamy flavors perfectly without overwhelming your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress at your next dinner? Serve the soup in rustic bread bowls or mini cast iron skillets for a cozy, charming vibe. Drizzle a bit of extra cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top for that gourmet touch that’s sure to delight friends and family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep your soup in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy a quick lunch or dinner without much effort.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully, but since it has cream, it’s best to freeze it before adding the heavy cream for best texture. Freeze in portion-sized containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and stirring in fresh cream.

Reheating

When you’re ready to eat your stored soup, warm it gently over low heat, stirring often. If needed, add a splash of vegetable juice or broth to loosen the texture. Stir in heavy cream at the end to revive that creamy richness just as if it were freshly made.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of the rotisserie chicken addition. You can add extra beans or some sautéed mushrooms for added protein and texture.

What if I don’t have enchilada sauce?

You can substitute with salsa or a mix of tomato sauce and chili powder to mimic that tangy, slightly spicy profile. Adjust seasoning as you go for balance.

Is there a way to make this soup less spicy?

Yes! Use mild diced tomatoes instead of Rotel and reduce or omit the taco seasoning. Adding a bit more cream can also mellow out any heat.

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?

Definitely! Cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs before adding them in. Just be sure they’re cooked through and tender to get that perfect texture.

How can I make the soup thicker?

To thicken the soup, you can simmer it uncovered a bit longer or puree a portion of the soup and stir it back in. Adding a bit more tomato paste also helps boost thickness and richness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe that makes it an absolute joy to make and savor. It’s fast, flavorful, and flexible, perfect for cozy nights or when you want to impress without stress. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation—because this kind of comforting goodness deserves to be shared again and again.