If you’re craving a soup that feels like a warm hug on a cool day, then the Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup with Black Beans Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender, shredded chicken with hearty black beans and sweet corn, all swimming in a rich, creamy broth that’s perfectly spiced with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. It’s a fantastic bowl of comfort that tastes like it took hours to prepare but actually comes together quickly and effortlessly. Whether you’re serving it on a weeknight or for a cozy weekend dinner, this soup brings a burst of flavor and satisfying texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients, each adding a vital element to the final dish. From the savory shredded chicken that creates a hearty base to the creamy touch from heavy cream, every component plays a delicious role in making this soup unforgettable.
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded): Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for quick and flavorful shredded meat.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained: Adds creaminess, protein, and a lovely earthy taste.
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained: For bursts of sweetness and a pop of color in every bite.
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped): Creates a savory, aromatic foundation for the soup.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Intensifies flavor with just the right amount of pungency.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties all ingredients together.
- ¾ cup heavy cream: Adds indulgent creaminess and softens the spice.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Brings a subtle heat and depth.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Offers earthiness and warmth.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a smoky note that elevates the soup.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to balance flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing onions and garlic to perfection.
- Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips: Crispy toppings that add texture and crunch.
- Fresh cilantro (chopped): Brightens the soup with a herbaceous freshness.
- Lime wedges: A zesty squeeze cuts through the creaminess beautifully.
- Avocado slices or a spoon of sour cream: Optional creamy garnishes that further enhance richness.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup with Black Beans Recipe
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and let it cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until it becomes soft and lightly golden. Then add the minced garlic, stirring for just 30 seconds until its wonderful aroma fills the kitchen. This soft, fragrant base is what makes the soup truly inviting right from the start.
Step 2: Toast the Spices
Next, sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together for about 30 seconds to gently toast the spices and release their full flavors. This step is crucial—it transforms the blend from ordinary to extraordinary, creating that signature warmth and depth that this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup with Black Beans Recipe is famous for.
Step 3: Add the Main Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring in the hearty stars of the soup. Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, rinsed black beans, and drained corn. Pour in the chicken broth, which will bring all these rich flavors together. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper to start building a balanced seasoning profile. It’s exciting to see this colorful mix come alive in the pot!
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes so all the flavors meld beautifully. This simmering is where the magic really happens as the broth absorbs essence from the chicken, beans, and spices, making every spoonful a delight.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Lower the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream. Be careful not to let it boil once the cream is added; you want to gently warm it through to keep the texture silky and luxurious. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. This final creamy touch is what sets this recipe apart and gives it that restaurant-quality richness that’s hard to beat.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the comforting soup into bowls and finish with crispy tortilla strips, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a bright squeeze of lime. These final touches add crunch, freshness, and a zesty lift to every bite, making the Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup with Black Beans Recipe feel as special as it tastes.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup with Black Beans Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like fresh cilantro, crispy tortilla strips, lime wedges, and creamy avocado slices or sour cream can truly transform this soup. They bring an explosion of textures and layers of flavor that keep each spoonful exciting and vibrant. Don’t be shy with the lime juice—it brightens up the creaminess beautifully and balances the warmth beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with simple sides like warm cornbread, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad. These companions help round out the meal without overshadowing the soup’s complex flavors, offering a satisfying mix of crunchy or soft sides to complement the creamy bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup with Black Beans Recipe in colorful bowls or rustic mugs for a cozy vibe. You can also set up a toppings bar with extra cilantro, avocado, sour cream, lime wedges, and tortilla chips so everyone can customize their bowl to their heart’s content. This adds a fun and interactive element to your gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even further overnight, making the next day’s meal taste even better. Just give it a good stir before heating, as natural separation might occur.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months by transferring it to freezer-safe containers, leaving some room at the top for expansion. Because of the cream, the texture might slightly change after freezing, but reheating gently and stirring well restores it nicely.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from separating. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to adjust the consistency. A quick microwave reheat works too, but stir midway for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! You can poach or roast fresh chicken breasts or thighs, then shred them before adding to the soup. Rotisserie chicken speeds up the prep, but fresh chicken gives you full control over seasoning and cooking.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth. Add extra beans or roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for heartiness, and be sure to boost spices and seasonings to keep the soup flavorful and satisfying.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a coconut milk alternative for dairy-free creaminess. Just note that the flavor and richness will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make this soup spicier?
Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños during the sauté step for added heat. Adjust the chili powder amount or include a hot sauce drizzle when serving to ramp up the spice level to your liking.
What’s the best way to crush tortilla chips for topping?
Place them in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. This method gives you control over the chip size, making each bite crunchy and satisfying without overwhelming the soup.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup with Black Beans Recipe in your meal rotation. It’s quick enough for busy evenings, yet rich and comforting enough to make you feel like you’re dining out at your favorite Mexican restaurant. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become a beloved staple that’s both family-friendly and crowd-pleasing. Happy cooking!
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This creamy chicken tortilla soup with black beans is a comforting and flavorful dish that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant. Combining tender shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and a rich blend of spices, this soup is both hearty and satisfying. Finished with a splash of heavy cream and garnished with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges, it makes for a perfect weeknight meal or a cozy lunch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works perfectly)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnishes
- Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Avocado slices or a spoon of sour cream
Instructions
- Build the flavor base: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast the spices: Add the chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds to toast the spices and bring out their full flavor.
- Add the main ingredients: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, rinsed black beans, drained corn, and chicken broth. Lightly season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and develop fully.
- Make it creamy: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream gently, heating it through without allowing the soup to boil. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crunchy tortilla strips or crushed chips, a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, and a generous squeeze of lime. Optionally, add avocado slices or a spoonful of sour cream for extra creaminess.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
- For a spicier soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid curdling the cream.
