Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup (Printable)

Hearty soup with tender chicken, black beans, corn, and creamy cheddar. Quick stovetop or slow cooker prep.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 cups cooked shredded chicken

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
05 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
06 - 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies

→ Liquids

07 - 4 cups low sodium chicken broth

→ Dairy

08 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
09 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed

→ Spices & Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
12 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
14 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Garnishes

15 - Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
16 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
17 - Lime wedges
18 - Extra cheddar cheese
19 - Sliced jalapeños

# Directions:

01 - Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
02 - Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add corn, black beans, Rotel tomatoes, chicken broth, and shredded chicken. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
04 - Stir in cream cheese cubes until completely melted and fully incorporated throughout soup.
05 - Add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
06 - Ladle soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips, cilantro, lime wedges, extra cheese, or jalapeños as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Requires only 15 minutes of preparation time.
  • Can be made on the stovetop in 30 minutes or in a Crock Pot for a hands-off approach.
  • Naturally gluten-free if using certified broth and tortilla chips.
  • Rich and creamy texture thanks to the addition of cream cheese and cheddar.
02 -
  • Soften the cream cheese before adding it to ensure it melts smoothly without leaving lumps.
  • If using a Crock Pot, ensure you stir well after adding the cheeses to fully emulsify the sauce.
  • Always check labels on broth and toppings if you are preparing this for someone with a gluten sensitivity.
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