This Weight Watchers Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a lightened-up version of a classic comfort food that’s perfect for anyone trying to stay on track with their health goals while still enjoying a satisfying, flavorful meal. With tender chicken, a rich and creamy broth, and all the flavors of a traditional tortilla soup—without the extra calories—this recipe is a great choice for a cozy lunch or dinner. The addition of creamy ingredients like Greek yogurt or light cream cheese makes this soup rich and velvety, while still keeping the points low.
The soup is built around a simple base of chicken breast, onions, garlic, and spices, giving it a hearty, savory flavor. To keep it lower in points, we use low-sodium chicken broth, and the “creamy” factor comes from Greek yogurt or light cream cheese rather than heavy cream, cutting back on fat while still offering a rich, satisfying texture. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds brightness, and a sprinkle of cilantro gives the soup a fresh, flavorful finish.
For the tortilla element, instead of adding traditional fried tortilla strips, you can opt for baked tortilla chips or use a small amount of crushed tortilla chips as a garnish. This way, you get the crunchy texture without adding too many extra points. The soup is easily customizable, so you can adjust the level of spice to your liking, adding more jalapeños or hot sauce if you like it extra spicy.
Weight Watchers Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs, if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (4 oz) can green chilies, undrained
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or light cream cheese)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup crushed baked tortilla chips (optional, for garnish)
- Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, avocado, lime wedges, chopped green onions, or additional cilantro
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to rest.
- Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it using two forks. Set aside.
- Prepare the Soup Base:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the Chicken:
- Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir to combine. Continue simmering for another 5 minutes to warm the chicken through.
- Make it Creamy:
- Lower the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt (or light cream cheese) and lime juice. Stir until the soup becomes creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice to your liking.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips, and any other toppings you like (such as shredded cheese, avocado, or green onions).
- Enjoy:
- Serve the soup hot, and enjoy this creamy, comforting, yet light version of chicken tortilla soup!
Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 6 servings):
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Total Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Net Carbs: 8g
- Sugar: 4g
- WW SmartPoints: 4 (per serving, for those following Weight Watchers)
This Weight Watchers Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a fantastic option for those following a balanced diet or Weight Watchers program. With lean chicken, lots of flavor, and a creamy texture, it feels indulgent while still being light enough to keep you on track with your health goals. It’s also a versatile recipe, so feel free to adjust the toppings and seasoning to suit your tastes. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dinner for the family or a meal prep option for the week, this soup is sure to become a staple in your rotation!
