Name: Creamy Green Chili Tortilla Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 yellow onion, diced; 1 poblano, chopped; 2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped; 2 tsp cumin; 2-3 tsp taco seasoning; kosher salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 3 cups salsa verde; 2 cans diced green chiles; 3-4 cups chicken broth; 6 oz cream cheese, melted; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; lime zest and juice; lots of salted tortilla chips; yogurt, avocado, and green onion, for serving

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 11 reviews

If you’re craving a zesty, comforting meal packed with Southwest flair and a luxurious creamy finish, look no further than Creamy Green Chili Tortilla Soup. This one-pot wonder combines tender chicken, a medley of vibrant peppers, tangy salsa verde, and velvety cream cheese for a soup that delivers bold flavor in every spoonful. Hearty, satisfying, and perfect for cozy nights or lively get-togethers, this soup has just the right balance of spice, creaminess, and crunch—truly a bowl you’ll want to dive into again and again!

Creamy Green Chili Tortilla Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Creamy Green Chili Tortilla Soup couldn’t be easier! Each element in this soup has a purpose—from the smoky poblano and piquant jalapeños to the lush cream cheese and crunchy tortilla chips, every bite bursts with color, flavor, and satisfying texture.

Yellow onion, diced: The aromatic backbone that softens and flavors the broth from the start.
Poblano, chopped: Adds a subtle smokiness and a gentle heat without overpowering the soup.
Jalapeños, seeded and chopped: Brings just the right bite—feel free to add an extra for more heat!
Cumin: Warm and earthy, cumin enhances the overall depth of the soup.
Taco seasoning: A quick way to layer in South-of-the-border spices for rich, complex flavors.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Classic seasonings that tie everything together.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for extra juiciness, or breasts for leaner protein—the chicken soaks up every ounce of flavor.
Salsa verde: Tangy and vibrant, this gives the soup its signature kick and green hue.
Canned diced green chiles: For an extra layer of smoky, mild chili flavor and a pop of color.
Chicken broth: Forms the savory base—use low-sodium if you want more control over the saltiness.
Cream cheese, melted: Makes the soup deliciously creamy and slightly tangy.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts right in for an ultra-smooth, cheesy finish.
Fresh cilantro, chopped: A burst of freshness and color swirled in just before serving.
Lime zest and juice: Adds brightness to cut through the richness and wake up your taste buds.
Salted tortilla chips: The salty, crunchy topper you never want to skip—crush them over each bowl!
Yogurt, avocado, and green onion (for serving): Bring creamy, cool, and zesty garnishes that make every bite pop.

How to Make Creamy Green Chili Tortilla Soup

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Start by heating olive oil in a big soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and let it cook until it’s soft and smells irresistible—about 5 minutes should do the trick. Toss in the poblano, jalapeños, cumin, taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let those cook for another 5 to 10 minutes to release their wonderful aromas and let all the flavors mingle.

Step 2: Add Protein and Sauce

Now’s the time to nestle in your chicken (breasts or thighs), pour in the salsa verde and canned green chiles, then add 3 to 4 cups of chicken broth. Season again with a pinch of salt and pepper, then partially cover the pot. Let it all gently simmer over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, just until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 3: Make It Creamy

While your soup simmers away, soften the cream cheese in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds until it’s ready to stir in. When the chicken is finished, lift it out of the pot and shred it using two forks. Blend the melted cream cheese into the soup base—stir until it’s silky and smooth. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, then mix in the shredded cheddar cheese. Let it all simmer together for another 5 minutes so the cheese melts perfectly.

Step 4: Brighten and Finish

Remove your pot from the heat and stir in lots of fresh cilantro, plus the lime zest and juice. This really perks up the Creamy Green Chili Tortilla Soup, adding freshness and tang that keeps every spoonful exciting.

Step 5: Serve and Top

Ladle the soup into bowls and pile on the crushed salted tortilla chips—don’t be shy! Finish with dollops of tangy yogurt, creamy avocado, green onions, and extra cilantro if you love herbs. Dig in and enjoy the ultimate bowl of warmth and flavor.

How to Serve Creamy Green Chili Tortilla Soup

Garnishes

Toppings make each bowl of Creamy Green Chili Tortilla Soup extra special. I love starting with a handful of salted tortilla chips for crunch, then adding dollops of creamy yogurt, sliced ripe avocado, a sprinkle of green onions, and a little more chopped cilantro. Want even more zing? Try a dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of fresh lime juice right at the table.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to shine on its own, but you can make it a complete meal by serving with warm cornbread, a simple mixed greens salad, or some crisp jicama sticks for a refreshing side. If you’re hosting, set out bowls of extra chips and salsa to keep everyone snacking happily!

Creative Ways to Present

For fun serving ideas, try pouring Creamy Green Chili Tortilla Soup into wide mugs for a cozy, casual meal. Or set up a toppings bar so everyone can dress their bowls just the way they like—great for family nights or dinner parties. Individual mini soup shooters also make a festive appetizer for gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Creamy Green Chili Tortilla Soup to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it perfect for busy weeks or meal prep.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this soup! Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just note that the texture may change slightly due to the cream cheese, but a gentle reheat will bring it right back to life.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If it has thickened up, splash in a bit of chicken broth or water to loosen it to your desired consistency. You can also microwave individual portions—just cover and stir halfway through heating for even results.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Green Chili Tortilla Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap in canned chickpeas or white beans for the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still get all those fantastic flavors and a wonderfully creamy texture.

What if I don’t have salsa verde?

No problem—you can substitute with mild green taco sauce or even make your own by blending roasted tomatillos, garlic, and cilantro. The soup will still taste fabulous with either option.

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Simply add shredded cooked chicken during Step 3, when you return the chicken to the pot. Since it’s already cooked, you can skip simmering it in Step 2 and go straight to adding the cream cheese and cheddar.

How spicy is this soup?

This recipe has a moderate kick, thanks to the poblano and jalapeños, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. For more heat, leave in the jalapeño seeds or add some hot sauce. For less, use just one jalapeño or substitute with a milder pepper.

Does this soup thicken as it cools?

Yes, the Creamy Green Chili Tortilla Soup will thicken up slightly as it sits, especially in the fridge. If you prefer a looser consistency when reheating, just stir in some extra broth or water until it’s just right.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, you’ll fall in love with every spoonful of Creamy Green Chili Tortilla Soup. It’s the kind of dish friends and family will request again and again, whether you serve it for a casual weeknight or a festive gathering. Go ahead—gather your favorite toppings, dig in, and enjoy the magic of a truly comforting, flavor-packed soup!