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A hearty and flavorful soup combining tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and bold spices in a creamy broth. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and customizable with your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Soup Base

2 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 jalapeño pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
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)

Seasonings

1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
1-2 teaspoons hot sauce
1 oz. packet taco seasoning (about 3 tablespoons)

Cheeses

1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1/3 cup cream cheese, softened

For Topping

Corn or flour tortillas (see notes)
Optional garnishes: sour cream, avocado slices, cilantro, lime wedges, or crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

Preparing the Base

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and jalapeño pepper, sautéing for 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Stir in the tomato paste, followed by the corn, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, and chicken broth.

Adding Chicken and Seasonings

Place the chicken breasts into the pot along with the cayenne pepper, cumin, hot sauce, and 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Stir to combine.
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, partially covering the pot. Avoid boiling rapidly to keep the chicken tender.

Shredding the Chicken

After 20-25 minutes, check if the chicken is cooked through (the timing will depend on the thickness of the breasts). Remove the chicken, shred it using two forks, and return it to the soup.

Making it Creamy

Reduce the heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add the remaining taco seasoning if desired.

Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. Serve immediately with crispy tortilla strips or warm tortillas on the side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy: Perfectly balanced with creamy textures and bold, savory flavors.
Customizable: Tailor the spice level and toppings to suit your taste.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients.
Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

Tips

Cook Chicken Slowly: Gentle simmering ensures the chicken remains juicy and tender.
Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Soften cream cheese beforehand to prevent lumps.
Taco Seasoning: Adjust the quantity to match your preferred spice level.
Shredding Chicken: Use a hand mixer for quick shredding if you’re short on time.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with extra beans, diced zucchini, or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Spice Levels: Add more cayenne or hot sauce for extra heat, or omit for a milder flavor.
Cheese Alternatives: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different flavor.
Tortilla Options: Use store-bought tortilla strips or make your own by frying thinly sliced tortillas.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the soup up to the point of adding cheese. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat and add the cheeses before serving.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Allow the soup to cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently on the stovetop.

What’s the best way to reheat this soup?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad or a side of guacamole and chips.
Serve with warm tortillas or homemade cornbread for a hearty meal.
Top with freshly chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.

This creamy chicken tortilla soup is comforting, flavorful, and easy to customize. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, it’s a dish you’ll come back to time and time again!