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The Creamy Tortilla Soup Recipe You've Been Searching For

Recipe by All Wings Everything

A rich, creamy Mexican‑style tortilla soup packed with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and melted cheddar, finished with homemade fried tortilla strips for crunch. Perfect for cool evenings, this comforting bowl balances heat from jalapeños and hot sauce with the smoothness of cream cheese.

MediumMexican-AmericanServes 4

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Source Video
14m
Prep
40m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 4m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$13.85
Total cost
$3.46
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • 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

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns – use a splatter guard when frying tortilla strips
  • Soup will be very hot; handle pot with oven mitts
  • Chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) for safety

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of creamy tortilla soup in Mexican‑American cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of tortilla soup in Mexico and how does this creamy version differ?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is creamy tortilla soup traditionally served in Mexican‑American households?

A

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.

cultural
Q

During what occasions or celebrations is creamy tortilla soup commonly enjoyed in Mexican‑American culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional tortilla soup and which are acceptable substitutes in this creamy version?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican‑American dishes pair well with creamy tortilla soup from All Wings Everything?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What makes creamy tortilla soup special or unique in Mexican‑American cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How has tortilla soup evolved over time in the United States?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making creamy tortilla soup from All Wings Everything?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this creamy tortilla soup recipe use a gentle simmer instead of a rolling boil when cooking the chicken?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make creamy tortilla soup ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel All Wings Everything specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel All Wings Everything's approach to Mexican‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

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.

channel

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