Description
Transform your weeknight dinner into a cozy celebration with this velvety, rich chicken tortilla soup. By blending traditional Tex-Mex spices with a decadent base of cream cheese and sharp cheddar, this soup offers a smooth, indulgent texture that coats every spoonful. Packed with protein-rich chicken, black beans, and sweet corn, it is a hearty and deeply flavorful meal that feels like a comforting hug in a bowl, perfect for families and beginners alike.
Ingredients
2 Tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 jalapeno pepper, diced (remove seeds for less heat)
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 cooked chicken)
1 pinch Cayenne Pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1–2 teaspoons hot sauce
1 oz. packet taco seasoning
1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1/3 cup cream cheese, softened
Optional: Corn or flour tortillas for serving
Instructions
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the onion and jalapeno, sautéing until soft.
Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Add the chicken broth, taco seasoning, cumin, cayenne, and hot sauce.
If using raw chicken breasts, add them now and simmer for 15-20 minutes until cooked through, then remove and shred.
Add the drained corn, black beans, and Rotel tomatoes to the soup.
Stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar until completely melted and smooth.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and heat through.
Serve hot, optionally garnished with crispy tortilla strips.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to save time; simply stir it in during the final stage of simmering. Adjust the hot sauce and jalapeno seeds based on your family’s heat tolerance. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop simmering
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg