Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup (Printable Version)

Rich Tex-Mex style soup with salsa verde, tender chicken, peppers, and creamy toppings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
02 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
05 - 2 poblano peppers, seeded and diced
06 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Soup Base

08 - 1 1/2 cups salsa verde
09 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Creamy Elements

13 - 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed and softened
14 - 1/2 cup heavy cream

→ Toppings

15 - 1 ripe avocado, diced
16 - 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
17 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - 1 lime, cut into wedges

# Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, poblano, and jalapeño. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Pour in chicken broth and salsa verde. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
04 - Add chicken breasts to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 15 to 18 minutes until fully cooked.
05 - Remove chicken breasts and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese, stirring until melted and fully incorporated.
07 - Stir in heavy cream and simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Ladle soup into bowls. Top each serving with diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Bold Flavor: The combination of salsa verde, poblano peppers, and smoked paprika creates a complex and smoky flavor profile.
  • Easy to Prepare: With a total time of just 45 minutes, it is perfect for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner.
  • Texture Contrast: The creamy soup base pairs beautifully with the crunch of tortilla chips and fresh avocado.
02 -
  • Spice Level: Leave the seeds in the jalapeño if you prefer a spicier soup, or remove them entirely for a milder heat.
  • Smooth Integration: Make sure the cream cheese is well-softened at room temperature before adding it to the pot to ensure it melts smoothly without lumps.
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