Oh, there’s just nothing like a big bowl of warm soup, is there? Especially when it’s chilly outside and you need something to just hug you from the inside out. That’s exactly what this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup does! And the best part? It’s *so* easy to throw together, but tastes like you’ve been slaving over it all day. Seriously, the flavor is just incredible!

I remember one particularly blustery day last winter – the kind where the wind just whips right through you? I was craving something comforting, but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I whipped up a batch of this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, and it was *exactly* what I needed. Plus, bonus points – it’s naturally gluten-free (just watch your tortilla toppings, of course!). You’re gonna love this one!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Okay, so why *this* Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup? Let me tell you! It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s unbelievably flavorful, and it’s totally customizable to your tastes. Oh, and did I mention it’s gluten-free friendly? What’s not to love?

Quick and Easy Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at under an hour. And most of that is just letting it simmer and do its thing! The prep is super simple – just chop a few veggies and toss everything in the pot. Couldn’t be easier, right?

Flavor Packed Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Wow, where do I even start? The spices, the Rotel, the creamy cheeses… it all just comes together in this amazing symphony of flavors. Every bite is like a party in your mouth! Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one bowl!

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Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup: 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 small yellow onion (diced, of course!), 1 jalapeno pepper (diced, remove the seeds if you don’t want it too spicy!), 3 cloves garlic (diced – I just love garlic!), 1 Tablespoon tomato paste, 1 (15 oz) can of corn (drained), 1 (10 oz) can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (don’t drain!), 1 (15 oz) can of black beans (drained and rinsed), 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz total), 1 pinch of Cayenne Pepper, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1-2 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce (I’m a Frank’s girl!), 1 (1 oz) packet of taco seasoning (about 3 Tbsp), 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and ⅓ cup of softened cream cheese. Got it all? Let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Okay, are you ready to make some magic? This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is seriously easy, I promise! Just follow these steps and you’ll have a pot of deliciousness in no time.

Sauté the Aromatics for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

First, melt the butter in a big pot over medium heat. Then, toss in your diced onions and jalapeno. Sauté those for about 5-6 minutes, until the onions start to look nice and translucent. That’s when you know they’re ready! Now, add the diced garlic and cook for just one more minute. You don’t want the garlic to burn!

Simmer the Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Next, add *everything* else (except the cheeses, of course!). That’s the corn, Rotel, black beans, chicken broth, chicken breasts, Cayenne Pepper, cumin, hot sauce, and taco seasoning. I usually start with about 2 Tbsp of the taco seasoning and then add more to taste later. Give it a good stir, then let the soup come to a gentle simmer, partially covered. We’re gonna let it bubble away happily!

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Shred Chicken and Add Cheese to Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

After about 20-25 minutes, the chicken should be cooked through. Take those chicken breasts out of the pot and shred them with two forks. Then, toss the shredded chicken back into the soup. Now, reduce the heat to low – this is important! Gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese, stirring until everything is smooth and creamy. Don’t rush this part! We don’t want any clumpy cheese!

Season and Serve Your Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Finally, give it a taste and add any extra seasonings you think it needs. Maybe a little more taco seasoning? A dash more hot sauce? It’s up to you! Now, load it up with your favorite toppings and serve! Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Okay, so you wanna make *amazing* Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, right? I’ve got a few little tricks up my sleeve to help you out. These are the things I’ve learned over the years that really take this soup from good to *WOW*!

Cheese Tips for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Seriously, don’t skip the softened cream cheese! It makes *all* the difference in the creaminess. And add the cheese gradually, stirring constantly, over low heat. Trust me, if the heat’s too high, the cheese will get all weird and clumpy, and nobody wants that!

Adjusting the Spice Level in Your Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Want to kick up the heat? Add more diced jalapeno (with the seeds!), a pinch more cayenne pepper, or a few extra dashes of hot sauce. Not a fan of spicy? Just reduce or omit those ingredients. It’s *your* soup, make it how you like it!

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Variations

Okay, so you’ve made the basic Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, and you’re loving it, right? But what if you want to mix things up a bit? No problem! This recipe is super versatile. You can totally play around with different proteins, veggies, and spices to create your own signature version!

Vegetarian Creamy Tortilla Soup

Want a meat-free version? Easy peasy! Just swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip the chicken. Add an extra can of black beans or some other veggies you love, like bell peppers or zucchini.

Spicy Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Feeling fiery? Crank up the heat! Add more diced jalapenos (leave those seeds in!), a bigger pinch of cayenne pepper, or go wild with the hot sauce. Just be careful, a little goes a long way!

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup ready to go… but what do you serve with it? I’m a big fan of some warm, crumbly cornbread on the side. Or, if you want something a little lighter, a simple salad works great! And of course, you can’t go wrong with some crispy tortilla chips for dipping!

Storing and Reheating Your Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is even better the next day. Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, or just zap it in the microwave. Easy peasy!

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked about this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup.

Can I make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Just toss everything in the slow cooker (except the cheeses!), cook on low for 6-8 hours, shred the chicken, and then stir in the cheeses at the end until melted. So easy, right? It’s perfect for a busy weeknight!

Can I freeze Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Yep! Let the soup cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat on the stovetop. Just be aware that the texture might change slightly after freezing.

What are some good toppings for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Ooh, the possibilities are endless! I love diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, some sliced jalapenos (if you’re feeling brave!), extra shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Crispy tortilla strips are always a winner, too!

Nutritional Information for Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Okay, so everyone always asks about the nutrition info… but honestly, it’s just an estimate! It totally depends on the exact brands and ingredients you use. So, take this with a grain of salt, okay? Just wanted to give you a heads up that I can’t guarantee these numbers are 100% spot on!

Enjoy Your Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup!

Alright, that’s it! I hope you love this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup as much as my family does! If you try it, be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe! And hey, if you’re feeling social, share a pic on Instagram and tag me! I love seeing your creations!