Creamy Green Chilli Tortilla Soup
Roasted green chillies, sweet corn and shredded chicken in a creamy, lime-bright broth — with crispy tortilla strips on top.
In a nutshell: This authentic mexican-inspired creamy green chilli tortilla soup comes together in just 45 mins using simple whole ingredients. The chef's secret: it dissolves smoothly that way, while cream cheese added to a finished soup can stay in. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.
Creamy green chilli tortilla soup: roasted chillies, chicken and corn in a creamy broth, topped with crispy tortilla strips. A cosy soup night favourite.
Key Equipment
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- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Baking sheet
- Sharp knife
- Tongs
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Melt the cream cheese into the hot broth before adding the cream: it dissolves smoothly that way, while cream cheese added to a finished soup can stay in stubborn lumps.
- Bake the tortilla strips, do not buy them: fresh-baked strips stay crisp in the soup far longer than bagged ones, which go soft on contact.
- Finish with lime off the heat: lime juice stirred in at the end stays bright, while lime boiled in the soup turns flat and dull.
Ingredients
6
servings
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 yellow onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp chilli powder
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2 cans diced green chillies, 4 oz each, drained
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1 can diced tomatoes, 14.5 oz, undrained
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4 cups chicken broth, low-sodium
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1 ½ lbs chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
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1 ½ cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen
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1 can black beans, 15 oz, drained and rinsed
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1 cup heavy cream
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4 oz cream cheese, cubed
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1 lime, juiced
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1 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
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6 corn tortillas, cut into strips, for topping
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1 cup shredded Monterey Jack, for serving
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¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for serving
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Crisp the Tortilla Strips
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the tortilla strips with a drizzle of oil and a pinch of salt, spread on a baking sheet, and bake for 8-10 minutes until crisp and golden. Set aside.
Soften the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the onion for 5 minutes until soft, then stir in the garlic, cumin and chilli powder and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Simmer the Soup
Add the green chillies, tomatoes, broth and chicken. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 18-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Shred and Cream
Lift out the chicken and shred it with two forks. Stir the cream cheese into the hot soup until melted, then add the cream, corn, beans and shredded chicken. Simmer 5 minutes more.
Finish and Serve
Stir in the lime juice and salt to taste. Ladle into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, Monterey Jack and cilantro.
Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks
Kitchen EssentialsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack
Warp-resistant aluminum for even browning, from sheet-pan dinners to cookies.
View on AmazonVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef's Knife
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Teak spoons gentle on cookware and built for daily stirring.
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Silicone whisks safe for nonstick pans, in two sizes.
View on AmazonUltra Cuisine Stainless Cooling Rack Set of 2
Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.
View on AmazonUmite Chef Stainless Mixing Bowls with Lids, 8-Pc
Nesting stainless bowls with airtight lids, from prep to storage.
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Six speeds with a snap-on storage case for the beaters.
View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Mild to medium — canned diced green chillies are gentle. For more heat, add a diced jalapeño with the onion or a pinch of cayenne at the end.
Yes — combine everything except the cream, cream cheese, lime and toppings, and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Shred the chicken, stir in the dairy, and finish with lime.
Yes — skip the simmering step and add 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken with the corn and beans. Simmer just until heated through.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days, storing the tortilla strips separately so they stay crisp. The soup thickens when cold — loosen it with a splash of broth when reheating.