Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup: Fall in a Bowl
If you’re looking for comfort in a bowl, this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is the answer. It’s cozy, creamy, spicy, and soul-warming—the perfect dish for cool nights or lazy weekends. The richness of cream cheese and cheddar balances beautifully with the heat of jalapeños, Rotel tomatoes, taco seasoning, and hot sauce. And don’t worry—it’s super easy to whip up.
Creator @cheesecakeheaven_ brings the heat and the comfort with this flavorful, protein-packed soup that will make you ditch store-bought versions forever. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this one-pot wonder is guaranteed to be a hit.
Ingredients List
For the Soup Base
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 jalapeño peppers, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 (15 oz.) cans corn, drained
- 2 (10 oz.) cans Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 2 (15 oz.) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups cooked shredded chicken)
Seasonings & Creamy Add-Ins
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 2 (1 oz.) packets taco seasoning
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- ⅓ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
Steps: How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
1. Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and jalapeños, and sauté for 5 minutes, then stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
2. Add the Bulk Ingredients
- Add corn, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, tomato paste, chicken broth, chicken breasts, cayenne, cumin, hot sauce, and taco seasoning.
- Stir well to combine.
3. Simmer Low & Slow
- Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, partially covered.
- Avoid boiling hard—this keeps the chicken juicy, not tough.
4. Shred the Chicken
- After about 20–25 minutes, remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return it to the pot.
5. Make It Creamy
- Lower the heat, then gradually add shredded cheddar, softened cream cheese, and heavy whipping cream.
- Stir until everything is melted, smooth, and creamy.
6. Taste & Serve
- Adjust seasoning if needed, garnish with your favorites (tortilla strips, cheese, avocado, sour cream, or cilantro), and serve hot.
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Cook the chicken gently — a low simmer keeps it tender and juicy.
- Rotisserie chicken hack — save time by using pre-cooked shredded chicken.
- Add toppings! Tortilla strips, lime juice, sour cream, and avocado take it over the top.
- Double the batch — this soup stores beautifully for lunch or freezing.
About the Creator
This recipe is by Heaven, the cozy comfort food queen behind @cheesecakeheaven_. Known for indulgent, soul-warming dishes, Heaven blends easy prep with big flavor—perfect for home cooks who want maximum payoff with minimal effort.
Heaven | @cheesecakeheaven_