When you need a comforting, cozy meal that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort, Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is always a winning choice. This soup is warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying, blending tender chicken, savory spices, sweet corn, and black beans in a rich, creamy broth finished with cheddar and cream cheese.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd—especially when the weather turns chilly. Whether you make it on the stovetop or in the Crock Pot, this homemade chicken tortilla soup feels like a big hug in a bowl and quickly becomes a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, hearty, and full of bold Tex-Mex flavor
- Easy to make on the stovetop or in the slow cooker
- Great for using fresh, leftover, or rotisserie chicken
- Family-friendly and customizable with toppings
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
Ingredients
- Butter – Adds richness and helps build flavor at the base
- Yellow onion – Provides savory depth and sweetness
- Jalapeño pepper – Adds gentle heat (adjust to taste)
- Garlic – Enhances aroma and overall flavor
- Tomato paste – Intensifies the savory, tomato base
- Corn (canned, fresh, or frozen) – Adds sweetness and texture
- Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies – Brings tang and mild heat
- Black beans – Makes the soup hearty and filling
- Chicken broth – Forms the flavorful soup base
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or shredded chicken – Tender protein that absorbs the spices
- Cayenne pepper – Adds a subtle kick
- Cumin – Gives warm, earthy depth
- Hot sauce – Boosts flavor without overpowering
- Taco seasoning – Ties all the Tex-Mex flavors together
- Cheddar cheese – Adds creamy, cheesy richness
- Cream cheese – Creates a smooth, velvety texture
For Topping
- Corn or flour tortillas – Fried into crispy strips for crunch
How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Build the Flavor Base
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and jalapeño and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Add the Soup Ingredients
Stir in the tomato paste, corn, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, chicken broth, chicken, cayenne pepper, cumin, hot sauce, and taco seasoning. Start with part of the seasoning and adjust later to taste.
Simmer Gently
Bring the soup to a gentle bubble, partially covered. Avoid rapid boiling to keep the chicken tender. Simmer for about 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked.
Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return it to the soup and stir to combine.
Make It Creamy
Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve
Ladle into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips and your favorite garnishes.
Tips for Success
- Keep the soup at a gentle simmer to prevent tough chicken
- Let cheeses come close to room temperature before adding
- Add dairy over low heat to avoid a grainy texture
- Taste at the end and adjust spice and seasoning gradually
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt
Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Two forks for shredding chicken
- Skillet for frying tortilla strips (optional)
Recipe Variations
- Crock Pot Version: Soften onions, peppers, and garlic first, then cook on low for 6 hours
- Extra Spicy: Add more jalapeño, cayenne, or hot sauce
- Lighter Version: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and less cheddar
- Loaded Tortilla Soup: Add extra beans, corn, and toppings for a heartier bowl
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy chicken tortilla soup with a side of warm tortillas, cornbread, or a simple green salad. Top with diced avocado, sour cream, fresh cilantro, jalapeños, or extra shredded cheese for a restaurant-style finish.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?
Yes. Add about 2 cups shredded chicken and simmer for 15 minutes to blend flavors.
Can I freeze this soup?
Because of the dairy, freezing is not recommended. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
How long does it keep in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Can I make it less spicy?
Reduce jalapeño, cayenne, and hot sauce to suit your preference.
What tortillas work best for strips?
Both corn and flour tortillas work well—corn gives extra crunch.
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 13 cups
Description
This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is easy to make on the stovetop or in the Crock Pot. Made with tender chicken, black beans, corn, Rotel tomatoes, and finished with cheddar and cream cheese for a rich, comforting bowl of soup.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts or 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1 oz taco seasoning (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup cream cheese, softened
- Corn or flour tortillas, for topping
Instructions
- Heat butter over medium heat. Add onion and jalapeño and sauté for 5–6 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Add all remaining ingredients except cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and toppings. Bring to a gentle simmer, partially covered.
- Cook gently for 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken, shred, and return to soup.
- Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in cheddar cheese and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with tortilla strips and desired toppings before serving.
Notes
- Optional garnishes include avocado, sour cream, jalapeños, shredded cheese, and cilantro.
- Use rotisserie or leftover chicken if desired.
- Add cheese when soup is not too hot to prevent curdling.
- This soup can also be made in the slow cooker.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop or Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is rich, comforting, and packed with flavor in every spoonful. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, warms you from the inside out, and makes leftovers something to look forward to. Try it once, customize it with your favorite toppings, and enjoy a cozy, homemade classic that never disappoints.
