Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup 🌮🍲

This creamy chicken tortilla soup is a comforting bowl of goodness that's perfect for chilly nights or anytime you crave a cozy meal. Infused with spices and topped with crunchy tortilla strips and creamy avocado, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Pair it with your favorite corn chips or a slice of warm cornbread to soak up all the deliciousness! 🥖🌽

Ingredients

For the soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for extra heat)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter option)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lime

For the toppings

• Tortilla strips (store-bought or homemade)
• Sliced avocado
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• Sour cream (optional)
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using), cooking for another 2-3 minutes.

2. Add spices: Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, stirring well to combine. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Combine the soup: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, and let it cook for about 10 minutes.

4. Stir in chicken and corn: Add the shredded chicken and corn kernels to the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 5 minutes.

5. Make it creamy: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let the soup simmer for another few minutes to heat through. Season with salt, pepper, and lime juice to taste.

🌶️ Feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeño according to your spice preference. You can also add more chili powder or some cayenne pepper for an extra kick!

6. Serve and top: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime juice.

🍋 Adding lime juice not only enhances the flavor but also adds a refreshing brightness to the rich creaminess of the soup.

Variations

• Spicy: Increase the amount of jalapeño or add some hot sauce to make the soup spicier.
• Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for black beans and increase the vegetable content by adding diced zucchini or mushrooms.
• Low-carb: Omit the corn and tortillas and add some diced cauliflower or zucchini for added bulk without the carbs.
• Slow cooker: Combine everything (except the cream) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in the cream just before serving.

Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this creamy chicken tortilla soup anytime you need a delightful and filling meal! 🍽️✨