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Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

This creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup blends savory flavors with a velvety, cheesy base. Perfect for cozy nights, it’s a satisfying one-pot dish that combines spiciness, creaminess, and crunch in every bite!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps soften the onions and bloom the spices
  • 1 medium onion chopped – Builds the base flavor
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic – Adds aromatic depth
  • 2 14-ounce cans chicken broth – Forms the main broth
  • 1 10.5-ounce can condensed Cheddar cheese soup – Creates creaminess and body
  • 1 cup picante sauce – Adds mild heat and tangy brightness
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder – Warm earthy spice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Soft herbal note
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin – Classic tortilla-soup flavor
  • 1 teaspoon dried cilantro – Mild earthy background flavor
  • ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper – Gentle heat
  • 1 bay leaf – Adds depth while simmering
  • 1 pound cooked chicken shredded – Tender protein
  • ⅔ cup canned corn drained and rinsed – Sweetness and texture
  • ½ cup half-and-half – Makes the soup smooth and creamy

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Can opener
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Ladle (for serving)

Method
 

  1. Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
  3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Add chicken broth, cheddar cheese soup, and picante sauce. Stir until combined.
  5. Add chili powder, oregano, cumin, dried cilantro, white pepper, and the bay leaf.
  6. Stir in shredded chicken and corn.
  7. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes.
  8. Reduce heat and slowly stir in half-and-half.
  9. Let warm through without boiling.
  10. Remove bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning.
  11. Ladle into bowls and top with tortilla strips.

Notes

This soup thickens as it sits. Reheat gently and add a splash of broth if needed.
Dairy should always be added at low heat to keep the soup smooth and creamy.