Martina McBride's Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Hits All the Right Notes

The country singer's recipe uses three types of dairy and two kinds of beans for a cozy, comforting dish.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Parade food writer Jessica Wrubel tried Martina McBride's creamy chicken tortilla soup recipe and was pleasantly surprised by the balance of flavors and unique thickening method using masa harina or ground corn tortillas. The soup is hearty without being too heavy, with just the right amount of spice.

Why it matters

McBride's recipe offers a twist on classic chicken tortilla soup, incorporating unexpected ingredients like sour cream and multiple dairy products to create a creamy, comforting dish that's perfect for cold winter months.

The details

The recipe features boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chicken broth, onion, jalapeño, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, canned tomatoes with green chiles, masa harina or ground corn tortillas, milk, black beans, pinto beans, corn, heavy cream, and sour cream. The chicken is cooked in the oven with broth, then shredded and added to the soup pot along with the other ingredients. Masa or ground tortillas mixed with milk are used as a thickener, giving the soup a unique texture.

  • Wrubel made the soup for lunch one day and went back for seconds, then had it again for dinner the next night.

The players

Martina McBride

A country music star who shared the creamy chicken tortilla soup recipe in her cookbook, Martina's Kitchen Mix.

Jessica Wrubel

A food writer for Parade who tried the recipe in her kitchen and was pleasantly surprised by the balance of flavors and unique thickening method.

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What they’re saying

“I love a good chicken soup with all the toppings, and this one hits in the very best way. It's hearty without being too heavy, and just spicy enough that you can enjoy it without needing a glass of milk on the side (after all, this is dinner, not an episode of Hot Ones).”

— Jessica Wrubel, Food Writer (Parade)

The takeaway

Martina McBride's creamy chicken tortilla soup is a cozy, comforting dish that offers a unique twist on a classic, with its use of multiple dairy products and masa harina or ground tortillas as a thickener. The recipe is a keeper for those looking for a hearty, flavorful soup to enjoy during the colder months.