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This creamy chicken tortilla soup has become a staple in my weekly dinner rotation because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, smoky spices, and velvety cream creates a comforting bowl that satisfies even the pickiest eaters in my household.
This soup saved my sanity during a particularly busy month when I was juggling work deadlines and family commitments. I prepped a double batch on Sunday and we enjoyed it throughout the week with different toppings each night to keep things interesting.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: provides the perfect base for sautéing onions without overpowering the flavor profile
- Onion: creates the aromatic foundation that every good soup needs
- Crushed tomatoes: give body and thickness without requiring hours of simmering
- Rotel tomatoes with green chilies: add authentic Southwestern flavor and a gentle heat
- Chicken broth: enhances the savory notes while keeping the soup from being too thick
- Garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder: create a depth of flavor without requiring multiple fresh ingredients
- Canned corn: brings natural sweetness and pleasing texture contrast
- Black beans: contribute heartiness, fiber, and protein making the soup more satisfying
- Heavy cream: transforms the soup from a basic tomato base to a luxurious creamy experience
- Rotisserie chicken: saves tremendous time while adding tender juicy protein
- Toppings: like tortilla strips, avocado, and cheese allow for customization and textural interest
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Onions:
- Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium high heat until it shimmers then add chopped onion. Cook for a full 5 to 7 minutes until the edges begin to brown which develops a sweet caramelized flavor that forms the foundation of the soup. Resist the urge to rush this step as properly cooked onions make a significant difference.
- Build the Base:
- Add the crushed tomatoes Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies and chicken broth to the pot stirring to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. These flavorful bits contain concentrated flavor that will enhance the entire soup. Immediately follow with garlic powder smoked paprika and chili powder stirring well to ensure even distribution of the spices.
- Add Texture Elements:
- Stir in the drained corn and rinsed black beans which provide contrasting textures and colors. The corn offers pops of sweetness while the beans add hearty substance making the soup more filling. Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat stirring occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.
- Simmer and Develop Flavors:
- Once boiling reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cover partially with the lid. Let the soup bubble gently for 5 minutes which allows the flavors to meld while the vegetables soften slightly but still maintain their integrity. During this time prepare your desired toppings so they're ready when the soup is finished.
- Enrich with Cream and Chicken:
- Pour in the heavy cream in a slow steady stream while stirring constantly to prevent any possibility of curdling. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken immediately after and stir gently to incorporate. Allow the soup to warm through for 3 to 5 minutes which gives the chicken time to absorb some of the flavorful broth without becoming tough.
- Season and Serve:
- Taste the soup and adjust with salt and pepper according to your preference. The amount needed will vary depending on the sodium content of your broth and tomatoes so always taste before adding. Ladle into bowls and invite everyone to customize with toppings like crispy tortilla strips creamy avocado cooling sour cream or melty cheese.
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My family particularly loves the smoked paprika in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power years ago when a Spanish friend insisted I replace regular paprika in my cooking. Now I keep two varieties in my pantry at all times because it adds such a distinctive smoky depth that makes this soup taste like it simmered all day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I substitute the heavy cream?
It is not recommended to substitute heavy cream with lower-fat alternatives as they might curdle due to the tomatoes in the recipe.
- → What toppings work well with this soup?
Optional toppings include tortilla strips, avocado slices, shredded Tex-Mex cheese, sour cream, or chopped fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture.
- → How can I make this soup spicier?
For added spice, you can include extra chili powder, diced jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste.
- → Can I use leftover roasted chicken?
Yes, leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this soup. Just shred or cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- → How do I store and reheat this soup?
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals, adding water or broth if needed to adjust thickness.