Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Rich, cheesy deliciousness. What else needs to be said about this recipe for cheesy tortilla soup? Well, for starters, it’s super easy to make and comes together in less than 30 minutes. But that’s not all. This creamy, savory comfort-in-a-bowl is Tex-Mex cuisine at its finest. Packed with bright spices, tender chicken and a blend of melty cheeses, it’ll have everyone lining up for a soul-warming serving of this creamy take on classic tortilla soup.

Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Soup Ingredients

• Chicken fajita seasoning
• Boneless chicken breast halves
• Canola oil
• Onion
• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Chicken broth
• Canned diced tomatoes with chiles
• Velveeta
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Half-and-half cream
• Cheddar cheese
• Guacamole and tortilla chips

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Prepare the fajita mix according to the package directions. Add the chicken, and marinate as directed. In a large skillet, cook the chicken in oil until it’s no longer pink. Remove it from the skillet and allow it to cool slightly. Using two forks, shred the chicken, then set it aside.

Step 2: Start the soup

In a large saucepan, sauté the onion in butter until tender. Stir in the flour until blended, then gradually stir in the broth. Bring it to a boil, then cook for two minutes, stirring continuously, until it’s thickened and bubbly. Add the tomatoes, Velveeta and 1 cup of the Monterey Jack. Cook and stir until the cheese is melted.

Step 3: Finish the soup

Stir in the half-and-half and the reserved chicken. Heat the soup through, but don’t bring it to a boil.

Step 4: Garnish and serve

Sprinkle the soup with the cheddar and the remaining Jack cheese. Ladle it into bowls and top it with guacamole and tortilla chips.

How to Store Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Once cooled, leftovers can be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s heated through. We don’t recommend freezing cheesy tortilla soup due to the dairy ingredients, which can separate upon thawing.

Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Soup Tips

Can I cook cheesy chicken tortilla soup in my slow cooker?

Absolutely. This recipe can be adapted for slow-cooker tortilla soup by first sautéing the chicken and making a roux on the stovetop, then transferring everything to the slow cooker to finish. You can also skip sautéing and add the chicken directly to the slow cooker for convenience, but sautéing helps to lock in the flavors of the fajita seasoning.

How can I spice up cheesy tortilla soup?

To bring some classic Tex-Mex fire to the soup, add diced chiles for extra heat and depth. Different varieties of chile peppers have unique flavor profiles that can enhance the taste and a touch of tang that balances the richness of the cheese.

What other ingredients can I add to cheese tortilla soup?

To make cheesy tortilla soup even more robust, add a can of good black beans or pinto beans. For toppings, go beyond the guacamole and dress the finished soup with shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro and sliced radishes for added color and crunch.