The Creamy Tortilla Soup Recipe You've Been Searching For
The Creamy Tortilla Soup Recipe You've Been Searching For is a medium Mexican-American recipe that serves 4. 380 calories per serving. Recipe by All Wings Everything on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 42 min | Total: 1 hr 7 min
Cost: $13.85 total, $3.46 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Boneless Chicken Breasts (about 1 lb total, skinless)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth (low‑sodium preferred)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (room‑temperature for faster melting)
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (softened, cut into cubes)
- 1 medium Onion (finely diced)
- 2 pieces Jalapeño Peppers (stemmed, seeded, finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (unsalted)
- 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste (concentrated)
- 1 can Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies (10 oz, drained)
- 1 can Black Beans (15 oz, rinsed and drained)
- 1 can Corn Kernels (15 oz, drained)
- 1 tablespoon Taco Seasoning (store‑bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin (ground)
- 1 teaspoon Hot Sauce (adjust to heat preference)
- 4 pieces Corn Tortillas (cut into strips for chips)
- 1 cup Vegetable Oil (for frying tortilla strips)
Instructions
Make Tortilla Chips
Cut each corn tortilla into thin strips, heat vegetable oil in a skillet until shimmering, add the strips and fry for 20‑30 seconds until crisp, then remove with tongs and drain on paper towels.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium‑high heat
Sauté Aromatics
Melt 2 Tbsp butter in the saucepot over medium heat, add the diced onion and chopped jalapeños, sauté 3‑4 minutes until softened.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: Medium
Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium
Combine Main Ingredients
Add the drained Rotel, black beans, corn, taco seasoning, cumin, tomato paste, and hot sauce. Stir well to combine.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium
Add Broth and Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth, then nestle the two chicken breasts into the liquid. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer (small bubbles) over medium‑low heat; do not let it boil rapidly.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: Medium‑low
Shred Chicken
Remove the chicken breasts with tongs, place on a cutting board and shred using two forks or your hands. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Time: PT5M
Final Simmer
Let the soup simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes so the shredded chicken absorbs the flavors.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium-low
Incorporate Cheeses
Stir in the cream cheese cubes and the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the soup becomes creamy.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls, top with a handful of the homemade tortilla chips, and enjoy while hot.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 380
- Protein
- 25 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 18 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, High protein, Can be made gluten‑free with gluten‑free broth, Nut‑free
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten (if broth contains wheat)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Boneless Chicken Breasts: Shredded rotisserie chicken, Cooked turkey breast
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth, Water with bouillon cube
- Instead of Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Mexican blend cheese
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Neufchâtel cheese, Greek yogurt (for lighter version)
- Instead of Onion: Shallots, Leeks
- Instead of Jalapeño Peppers: Serrano pepper, Fresh green chilies
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Butter: Olive oil, Margarine
- Instead of Tomato Paste: Crushed tomatoes (½ cup)
- Instead of Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies: Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies
- Instead of Black Beans: Pinto beans, Kidney beans
- Instead of Corn Kernels: Frozen corn (½ cup)
- Instead of Taco Seasoning: Chili powder + cumin
- Instead of Ground Cumin: Coriander
- Instead of Hot Sauce: Red pepper flakes, Chipotle sauce
- Instead of Corn Tortillas: Flour tortillas (will affect gluten content)
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Peanut oil
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan
- Medium Saucepot
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Can Opener
- Colander
- Measuring Spoons
- Cheese Grater
- Ladle
- Tongs (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Frying tortilla strips until crisp but not burnt
- Simmering chicken gently without a hard boil
- Shredding the chicken while still warm
- Melting the cheeses without overheating
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika with the taco seasoning
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving brightens the broth
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or avocado slices for added texture
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thick after adding cheese
Thin with a splash of extra chicken broth or water until desired consistency is reached
Tortilla chips are soggy
Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding strips and fry only 20‑30 seconds; drain immediately on paper towels
Chicken turns dry
Do not let the broth boil vigorously; keep it at a gentle simmer and shred the chicken while still warm
Storage
Refrigerator: Store soup in an airtight container for 3‑4 days; keep tortilla chips separate to stay crunchy
Freezer: Freeze soup (without cheese) in freezer‑safe bags for up to 2 months; reheat and stir in fresh cheese before serving
Room temperature: Tortilla chips can be kept at room temperature in a sealed bag for up to 5 days
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the soup base (broth, beans, corn, Rotel, seasonings) up to step 4 and refrigerate for up to 2 days; add chicken and cheese when ready to serve
- Fry tortilla chips a day ahead and store in an airtight container; re‑heat briefly in a dry skillet before serving
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of creamy tortilla soup in Mexican‑American cuisine?
Creamy tortilla soup is a modern twist on traditional Mexican tortilla soup, which originally featured a clear broth, shredded chicken, and fried tortilla strips. The addition of cream cheese and cheddar reflects American comfort‑food influences, making it a popular dish for chilly evenings in the Southwest United States.
What are the traditional regional variations of tortilla soup in Mexico and how does this creamy version differ?
In Mexico, tortilla soup (sopa de tortilla) is usually tomato‑based, spiced with chilies, and topped with avocado, cheese, and crispy tortilla strips. The creamy version from All Wings Everything adds dairy (cream cheese, cheddar) and uses taco seasoning for a richer, milder flavor profile, catering to a broader American palate.
How is creamy tortilla soup traditionally served in Mexican‑American households?
It is typically served hot in deep bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, avocado cubes, and a handful of crunchy tortilla chips on top. Some families also add a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
During what occasions or celebrations is creamy tortilla soup commonly enjoyed in Mexican‑American culture?
It is a favorite comfort dish for fall and winter family gatherings, football game nights, and casual dinner parties. Its quick preparation and hearty nature make it ideal for pot‑luck events and holiday leftovers.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional tortilla soup and which are acceptable substitutes in this creamy version?
Core ingredients include chicken broth, shredded chicken, corn tortillas, tomatoes, chilies, and black beans. In this creamy version, cream cheese and cheddar are added for richness; you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or omit the cheese for a lighter broth.
What other Mexican‑American dishes pair well with creamy tortilla soup from All Wings Everything?
Serve alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple avocado‑lime salad. For a full meal, pair with grilled fajitas, quesadillas, or a side of guacamole and pico de gallo.
What makes creamy tortilla soup special or unique in Mexican‑American cuisine?
The soup blends the bright, spicy flavors of classic tortilla soup with the velvety texture of cream cheese and melted cheddar, creating a comforting, indulgent bowl that stands out from the more broth‑light traditional versions.
How has tortilla soup evolved over time in the United States?
Originally a clear, tomato‑based soup, American adaptations introduced dairy, thicker bases, and convenience ingredients like canned Rotel and pre‑shredded cheese. This evolution reflects the American love for richer, heartier comfort foods while still honoring the original flavors.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making creamy tortilla soup from All Wings Everything?
Over‑boiling the chicken makes it tough, under‑frying the tortilla strips leaves them soggy, and adding cheese over high heat can cause a grainy texture. Follow the gentle simmer step and melt cheese on low heat for best results.
Why does this creamy tortilla soup recipe use a gentle simmer instead of a rolling boil when cooking the chicken?
A gentle simmer cooks the chicken slowly, keeping the meat moist and easy to shred. A rapid boil would tighten the protein fibers, resulting in a dry, tough chicken that doesn’t absorb the soup’s flavors.
Can I make creamy tortilla soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare the soup base up to step 4 and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Add the chicken and cheeses when reheating; keep tortilla chips separate and add just before serving to retain crunch.
What does the YouTube channel All Wings Everything specialize in?
All Wings Everything focuses on approachable, home‑cooked comfort food with a strong emphasis on chicken dishes, sauces, and quick weeknight meals. The channel blends classic American flavors with occasional international twists, always presented in a friendly, no‑fuss style.
How does the YouTube channel All Wings Everything's approach to Mexican‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
All Wings Everything keeps recipes simple, using pantry staples like canned Rotel, taco seasoning, and pre‑made cheese, while still delivering authentic flavor. Unlike more technique‑heavy channels, the host prioritizes speed, accessibility, and a relaxed “cook, not chef” attitude.
Last updated: August 25, 2026
