Indulge in the rich and hearty flavors of this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup. Blending tender shredded chicken, smoky spices, and a velvety cream base, this soup is topped with crispy tortilla strips for added texture. Perfect for cozy nights, this soup is packed with southwestern flair, making it a delightful, warming meal for any season.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Tortilla strips or chips, for topping
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, avocado, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro
Instructions:
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, red and green bell peppers, and jalapeño. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the spices: Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder, cooking for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
- Simmer the soup: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and add the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Make it creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and sour cream, mixing until the soup becomes rich and smooth. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Season and finish: Add the lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips or chips. Garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, jalapeños, and cilantro.
Enjoy this hearty and creamy chicken tortilla soup with a side of cornbread or a fresh salad for the perfect meal!