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Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is the epitome of comfort in a bowl, blending rich flavors and textures that warm you from the inside out. With its creamy base, tender chicken, and a kick of spice from the tortillas and seasonings, this soup offers the perfect balance of comforting creaminess and bold flavor. The crispy tortilla strips and melty cheese add a delightful crunch and indulgence to each spoonful, making every bite as satisfying as the last.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (4 oz) green chilies (mild or hot, based on preference)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tortilla Strips

  • 4 corn tortillas
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste

Optional Toppings

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Sliced avocado
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

Prepare the Tortilla Strips

  1. Preheat the Oven – Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Slice the Tortillas – Cut the corn tortillas into thin strips.
  3. Coat and Bake – Toss the tortilla strips with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Set aside.

Cook the Chicken

  1. Sauté Chicken – In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Prepare the Soup Base

  1. Sauté Vegetables – In the same pot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  2. Add Tomatoes & Spices – Stir in the diced tomatoes, green chilies, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for another 2 minutes.
  3. Add Broth & Cream – Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.

Combine & Simmer

  1. Add Chicken & Simmer – Return the cooked chicken to the pot and simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  2. Adjust Seasoning – Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and spices as needed.

Serve & Garnish

  1. Serve – Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the homemade tortilla strips and your choice of optional toppings.
  2. Garnish & Enjoy – Add shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, fresh cilantro, or lime wedges for extra flavor and texture.

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