Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a rich, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful spices, and a creamy broth with the crunch of tortilla strips. This soup is a perfect blend of Tex-Mex flavors, with hints of cumin, chili, and garlic, paired with the freshness of tomatoes, corn, and cilantro. Topped with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and a sprinkle of cheese, every spoonful offers a satisfying mix of textures and bold flavors. This hearty, one-pot meal is great for a cozy family dinner and can be easily customized with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 6 small corn tortillas, cut into strips and fried until crispy (or use store-bought tortilla chips)

For topping:

• Sliced avocado
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add the spices: Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute to release their flavors.
3. Add the broth and tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Add the chicken and corn: Stir in the shredded chicken and corn, and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Make it creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese (if using), and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the soup is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, avocado, and your choice of additional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or lime wedges.

This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is the perfect balance of creamy richness and spicy warmth, with a satisfying crunch from the tortilla strips—making it a hearty, flavorful meal for any night of the week!