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Dorothy Thomas

Cafe Rio Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

A creamy, flavorful, and slightly spicy soup inspired by Cafe Rio’s famous version. Packed with tender chicken, black beans, corn, and topped with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and cheese for a satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 6
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 lb Boneless chicken breasts
  • 4 cups Chicken broth
  • 1 (14 oz) can Canned diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can Canned black beans, rinsed
  • 1 cup Frozen corn
  • 1 (4 oz) can Green chiles, diced
  • 1 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Chili powder
  • ½ tsp Paprika
  • To taste Salt & pepper
  • ½ cup Heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 1 tbsp Lime juice

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Blender or immersion blender
  • Cutting board & knife
  • Measuring cups/spoons

Method
 

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Cook Chicken: Add chicken breasts, broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, green chiles, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
  3. Shred Chicken: Remove chicken, shred with forks, and return to the pot.
  4. Blend (Optional): For a creamier texture, blend 2 cups of the soup (avoiding chicken) and return to the pot.
  5. Finish Soup: Stir in heavy cream and lime juice. Simmer for 5 more minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with tortilla strips, cheese, avocado, cilantro, and sour cream.

Notes

  • For Spicier Soup: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
  • Slow Cooker Option: Combine all ingredients (except cream/lime) and cook on LOW for 6 hours. Shred chicken, then stir in cream and lime before serving.
  • Vegetarian Version: Omit chicken, use vegetable broth, and add extra beans or tofu.