Description
This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup with Black Beans is a comforting and flavorful recipe that tastes like it’s from a restaurant. Combining tender shredded chicken, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and a blend of warm spices, it’s simmered to perfection and enriched with creamy heavy cream. Garnished with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges, this soup is a delightful meal that comes together quickly and easily in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken 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 tablespoon olive oil
Spices & Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnishes
- Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Avocado slices or a spoon of sour cream (optional)
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 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 allow the spices to release their aroma and flavor.
- Add the main ingredients: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, rinsed black beans, corn, and chicken broth. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Make it creamy: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Warm the soup gently without letting it boil. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips, freshly 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 speeds up preparation and adds flavor.
- Carefully toast spices to avoid burning and bring out their best flavor.
- Do not boil the soup after adding heavy cream to prevent curdling.
- Customize garnishes according to preference for added texture and freshness.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
