Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup with Rotel: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bowl

Chicken tortilla soup is a classic comfort food, but this creamy version with Rotel tomatoes takes it to a whole new level. The addition of cream cheese creates a luxuriously smooth and rich texture, while the Rotel tomatoes add a delightful kick of heat and flavor. This recipe is easy to customize to your liking, whether you prefer a mild and comforting soup or a spicier, more vibrant one.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal because it uses rotisserie chicken, simplifying the cooking process immensely. It’s also a great option for meal prepping, as it tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld. Serve it with your favorite toppings like tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, and cilantro for a complete and satisfying meal.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Rotisserie Chicken:** Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken significantly reduces the cooking time, making this a quick and easy meal. Plus, it adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
* **Rotel Tomatoes:** These diced tomatoes with green chilies bring a delightful zesty flavor and a hint of spice to the soup. You can choose the mild, medium, or hot variety to adjust the heat level to your preference.
* **Cream Cheese:** Adding cream cheese creates a creamy and decadent texture that elevates this soup beyond the ordinary. It also adds a subtle tanginess that complements the other flavors perfectly.
* **Customizable:** This recipe is easily adaptable to your taste. You can adjust the amount of Rotel, add different vegetables, or use different toppings to create your own signature version.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious soup:

* **Rotisserie Chicken:** One whole rotisserie chicken, shredded (about 3-4 cups).
* **Rotel Tomatoes:** One (10-ounce) can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (choose your preferred heat level).
* **Chicken Broth:** 8 cups of chicken broth.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon olive oil.
* **Corn:** 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained.
* **Black Beans:** 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained.
* **Cream Cheese:** 4 ounces cream cheese, softened.
* **Chili Powder:** 1 tablespoon chili powder.
* **Cumin:** 1 teaspoon cumin.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Toppings:** Tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, shredded cheese, lime wedges.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own creamy chicken tortilla soup with Rotel:

**Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics**

* Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

**Step 2: Build the Soup Base**

* Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
* Add the Rotel tomatoes (undrained), corn, black beans, chili powder, and cumin.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.

**Step 3: Add the Chicken and Simmer**

* Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the pot.
* Reduce the heat to low and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld.

**Step 4: Make it Creamy**

* Reduce the heat to low.
* Add the softened cream cheese to the pot.
* Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**

* Ladle the soup into bowls.
* Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, and shredded cheese.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

* **Adjust the Heat:** If you prefer a milder soup, use mild Rotel tomatoes or reduce the amount of chili powder. For a spicier soup, use hot Rotel tomatoes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* **Soften the Cream Cheese:** Make sure the cream cheese is softened before adding it to the soup to ensure it melts smoothly and evenly.
* **Don’t Boil After Adding Cream Cheese:** Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cream cheese, as this can cause it to separate.
* **Use High-Quality Chicken Broth:** The quality of your chicken broth will greatly affect the flavor of the soup. Use a good-quality store-bought broth or homemade broth for the best results.
* **Customize Your Toppings:** Get creative with your toppings! Some other great options include chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, jalapenos, and a squeeze of lime juice.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more beans or vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to make it heartier.
* **Make it in a Slow Cooker:** This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients (except the cream cheese) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the softened cream cheese just before serving.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as diced bell peppers, zucchini, or celery. Add them along with the onion and garlic in Step 1.
* **Spice it Up with Different Peppers:** Experiment with different types of peppers to add a unique flavor to your soup. Consider adding diced jalapenos, poblano peppers, or even a touch of chipotle peppers for a smoky flavor.
* **Boost the Flavor with Lime:** A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end can really brighten up the flavors of the soup. Add it just before serving.

## Variations and Additions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

* **Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeno to the soup for extra heat.
* **Black Bean Chicken Tortilla Soup:** Increase the amount of black beans or add another can of beans, such as pinto beans, for a heartier soup.
* **Corn and Poblano Chicken Tortilla Soup:** Add roasted poblano peppers for a smoky and slightly sweet flavor.
* **Creamy White Chicken Tortilla Soup:** Use white beans instead of black beans and add a can of cannellini beans for a different flavor profile.
* **Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup:** Use an Instant Pot for a faster cooking time. Sauté the onion and garlic using the “Sauté” function, then add the remaining ingredients (except the cream cheese). Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Stir in the cream cheese before serving.

## Serving Suggestions

Creamy chicken tortilla soup is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Quesadillas:** Serve with cheese quesadillas or chicken quesadillas for a heartier meal.
* **Cornbread:** A slice of warm cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to this soup.
* **Salad:** A light salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy soup.
* **Chips and Salsa:** Serve with tortilla chips and your favorite salsa for a satisfying appetizer or side dish.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** While you *can* freeze this soup, the texture of the cream cheese may change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, it’s best to add the cream cheese after thawing and reheating. Store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.

## Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup with Rotel Recipe

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 30 minutes

### Ingredients:

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 8 cups chicken broth
* 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
* 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
* 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded (about 3-4 cups)
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

* **Optional toppings:** Tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, shredded cheese, lime wedges

### Equipment

* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Cutting board
* Knife

### Instructions

1. **Sauté the Aromatics:** Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
2. **Build the Soup Base:** Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the Rotel tomatoes (undrained), corn, black beans, chili powder, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. **Add the Chicken and Simmer:** Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld.
4. **Make it Creamy:** Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese to the pot. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
5. **Serve and Enjoy:** Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, and shredded cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Nutrition Information (approximate, per serving, without toppings)

* Calories: 350-400
* Protein: 30-35g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
* Fiber: 5-7g

**Note:** Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Enjoy this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup with Rotel! It’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of year. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and toppings to create your own unique version.