Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Introduction
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful twist on traditional tortilla soup. This comforting dish combines the rich flavors of chicken, cream, and spices, resulting in a hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Full of textures and flavors, this soup is a delightful blend of creamy and savory, enriched with fresh toppings that elevate the overall experience.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chicken breasts – 1 pound, cooked and shredded
Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
Onion – 1 medium, diced
Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
Red bell pepper – 1, diced
Green chili – 1 can (4 ounces), diced
Chicken broth – 4 cups
Canned diced tomatoes – 1 can (14.5 ounces)
Corn – 1 cup, frozen or canned
Heavy cream – 1 cup
Tortilla chips – for serving
Cheddar cheese – 1 cup, shredded
Fresh cilantro – for garnish
Lime wedges – for serving
Salt and pepper – to taste
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 6-8 people
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook it for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Sauté the vegetables
In the same pot, add diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Add liquids and spices
Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), corn, black beans, and taco seasoning. Stir well to combine.
Return the chicken
Shred the cooked chicken using two forks. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir to mix everything together.
Simmer the soup
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
Make it creamy
Stir in the cream cheese and continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup, making it creamy.
Garnish and serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla chips, avocado slices, chopped cilantro, and shredded cheese as desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Substitutions
You can use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts to save time.
Adjusting spiciness
Adjust the amount of taco seasoning or add a diced jalapeño if you want a spicier soup.
Storage recommendations
This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Freezing tips
For freezing, leave out the cream cheese and add it when reheating; the texture of cream cheese can change when frozen.
Serving suggestions
Serve with lime wedges on the side to add brightness to the soup flavor.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is an essential technique for cooking the chicken and vegetables in this creamy chicken tortilla soup. By cooking at a high heat with a small amount of oil, you can achieve a flavorful and slightly caramelized result.
Simmering
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together in the soup. After adding the broth and other ingredients, cooking gently at a low temperature will enhance the taste of the dish.
Blending
Blending is used to achieve the desired creamy texture of the soup. Using an immersion blender can create a smooth consistency while keeping some chunks for added texture.
Garnishing
Garnishing is a finishing technique. Adding toppings like avocado, cheese, and tortilla strips enhances both the presentation and flavor of the soup, making it more appealing.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey or even cooked beans for a vegetarian option.
How do I make the soup spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Absolutely! The flavor often improves after a day in the fridge, so feel free to make it ahead of time.
Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?
You can use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative instead of heavy cream to keep it dairy-free.
What do I serve with the soup?
Serve it with tortilla chips, crusty bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Creamy chicken tortilla soup is a delightful dish that combines flavors and textures for a comforting meal. With its rich and creamy base, combined with tender chicken and crispy tortilla strips, it’s perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. This soup not only warms the soul but is also a versatile recipe that can be easily adjusted to suit personal tastes.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Black Bean Soup
A robust and hearty option, this soup offers a delightful blend of spice and creaminess, perfect for those who enjoy a little kick in their meals.
Chicken Enchiladas
Using similar ingredients, these enchiladas can be a great follow-up dish that pairs well with the flavors of the tortilla soup while providing a different culinary experience.
Vegetable Tortilla Soup
For a vegetarian twist, try substituting chicken with an assortment of vibrant vegetables. This soup maintains the same comforting essence of the original.
Guacamole and Chips
Serve a side of fresh guacamole with tortilla chips for a delightful appetizer that complements the creamy chicken tortilla soup perfectly.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
This fresh and zesty salad is an excellent side dish that enhances the flavors of the soup while adding a refreshing crunch.
Queso Fundido
This cheesy dip served with warm tortillas or chips makes for a rich, indulgent side that can elevate your tortilla soup experience.
Easy Taco Salad
A light and refreshing option, taco salad can serve as a great side salad, balancing the richness of the creamy soup while still reflecting those classic Mexican flavors.
