Creamy Tortilla Soup Recipe

Tortilla soup is one of those dishes that perfectly captures the essence of comfort food. It’s rich, savory, and with a hint of spice, it warms you from the inside out. When the weather turns a little chillier or when you just need a cozy meal to enjoy with loved ones, creamy tortilla soup is the answer. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and the creamy texture paired with the crunch of tortilla strips makes it a true crowd-pleaser.

But beyond just being a comfort dish, tortilla soup also has roots in Mexican cuisine, where it’s typically a light, brothy soup flavored with tomatoes, chiles, and often topped with crispy tortilla strips. The creamy version takes that same foundational recipe and adds a smooth, velvety texture that elevates it into something extra special. If you’re someone who loves bold flavors combined with creamy goodness, then this recipe is going to be a hit!

Creamy Tortilla Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• Chicken (shredded)
• Onion
• Garlic
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• Heavy cream (for the rich, creamy texture)
• Tortillas (corn or flour, cut into strips)
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime (for a zesty kick)
• Cheddar cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Avocado (sliced, to garnish)
• Jalapeños (for some heat, if desired)

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients Needed

The key to a stellar creamy tortilla soup lies in the ingredients you choose. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to bring all those delicious flavors together:

• Chicken: You can use cooked chicken breast or thighs for the soup. Shredding rotisserie chicken is an easy hack that adds extra flavor without the hassle.
• Onion: A medium onion is the foundation for a lot of soups, providing a savory base for the dish. Yellow or white onions work best.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will give the soup a deep, aromatic flavor. Don’t skimp on this!
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: These are essential for a tangy and sweet depth in the soup. You can also use fire-roasted tomatoes for an added smoky flavor.
• Chicken Broth: You can go for low-sodium chicken broth or homemade broth if you prefer a more flavorful base.
• Heavy Cream: The star of the show! This ingredient transforms the broth into a smooth, luscious soup that’ll have you spooning up every drop.
• Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional and have a delightful chewiness that complements the creamy broth. Cut them into strips and fry them to create crispy, golden tortilla strips for garnish.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is a must for that refreshing, herbal kick that cuts through the richness of the soup.
• Lime: A squeeze of lime brightens everything up, balancing the creaminess with a citrusy pop.
• Cheddar Cheese: While optional, shredded cheddar cheese adds extra creaminess and richness. You can also go for Mexican blends of cheese.
• Avocado: Sliced or diced, the creamy texture of avocado adds a cool contrast to the hot soup.
• Jalapeños: If you want to amp up the heat, jalapeños are the perfect addition. You can either chop them finely and stir them in or use them as a garnish for that extra spicy punch.

Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to bring all these ingredients together and create a creamy masterpiece that’ll have your taste buds dancing:

1. Prepare The Tortilla Strips

   • Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Cut your tortillas into thin strips (about 1/2 inch wide).
   • Fry the strips in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel. Set aside.

2. Cook The Base

   • In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Build The Soup

   • Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Add The Cream

   • Once the soup has simmered, reduce the heat to low.
   • Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to make the soup rich and velvety. Allow it to heat through but don’t let it come to a boil to prevent curdling.

5. Shred The Chicken

   • If you haven’t already, shred your cooked chicken and add it to the pot. Stir it in so that it absorbs all those delicious flavors.

6. Finish The Soup

   • Season the soup with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice to taste. You can also add fresh chopped cilantro at this point for an extra burst of flavor.

7. Serve And Garnish

   • Ladle the soup into bowls.
   • Top with crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. For extra heat, garnish with jalapeño slices.

Ingredient Insights

• Heavy Cream: This is what truly differentiates a creamy tortilla soup from a traditional brothy version. It helps create a smooth texture and binds all the ingredients together, creating a rich and satisfying dish. You can experiment with half-and-half for a lighter version, but heavy cream definitely gives that signature velvety richness.
• Tortillas: The tortilla strips not only provide crunch but also flavor. When fried, they absorb some of the broth and become soft yet crisp at the same time. If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can bake the strips instead of frying them.
• Cilantro: This herb can be polarizing, but it’s an essential element in Mexican dishes. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can skip it or substitute with fresh parsley for a less earthy taste.

Expert Tips

• Customize the Heat: If you want a mild version of this soup, you can omit the jalapeños or use just a small amount. For those who love spice, consider adding a few dashes of hot sauce or some chipotle peppers for a smoky heat.
• Make it Vegetarian: You can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more beans or corn for a hearty, plant-based alternative.
• Double the Recipe: This soup reheats wonderfully, so making a larger batch is a great idea if you want leftovers. It’s a perfect dish to make in advance and enjoy over several days.
• Tortilla Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of tortillas-whole wheat, spinach, or even flavored tortillas. Each will give the soup a unique twist!

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Tortilla Soup: Add more jalapeños or even a few slices of serrano peppers for an extra kick. You can also use a spicier variety of salsa when making the broth.
• Cheesy Tortilla Soup: If you’re really into creamy, cheesy soups, stir in some shredded cheese into the soup before serving. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix of Mexican cheeses all work well.
• Shrimp Tortilla Soup: For a seafood twist, add shrimp instead of chicken. Cook the shrimp separately and stir them in just before serving for a quick, flavorful change.
• Vegan Tortilla Soup: Skip the cream and chicken. Use coconut milk or cashew cream to add richness and swap out the cheese for a vegan alternative. You can also add beans, sweet potatoes, or even mushrooms for texture.

Final Words

Creamy tortilla soup is the kind of recipe that never disappoints. It’s full of vibrant flavors, can be customized to suit your preferences, and is super satisfying on a cold day. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this soup is bound to impress. The combination of creamy broth, crispy tortilla strips, and fresh toppings is an irresistible combo. The best part? It’s versatile enough to be adjusted to your liking, meaning you’ll never tire of it!