chicken tortilla soup

Have you ever craved a dish that warms you from the inside out? Picture a steaming bowl of chicken tortilla soup filled with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and zesty spices. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. This comforting dish is not only delicious but also brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy nights spent together.

this recipe

Chicken tortilla soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich flavors and satisfying textures. Each spoonful delivers a delightful mix of shredded chicken, hearty beans, and crunchy tortilla strips topped with fresh cilantro and avocado. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at your next gathering, this recipe promises to impress your family and friends with its vibrant taste.

Why You’ll Love This chicken tortilla soup

• Quick and Easy Preparation: This chicken tortilla soup comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables like tomatoes, corn, and bell peppers, this recipe offers a healthy balance of nutrients while still being incredibly flavorful.
• Customizable Toppings: One of the best parts about this soup is how easily you can tailor it to your taste. Add toppings like avocado, cheese, or sour cream to create your perfect bowl.

Ingredients for chicken tortilla soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 medium-sized breasts work well; they provide lean protein that shreds beautifully after cooking.
• Olive Oil: A couple of tablespoons are essential for sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the broth.
• Onion: One medium onion adds depth of flavor; choose a yellow onion for sweetness.
• Garlic Cloves: Use three to four cloves for a robust aroma that enhances the overall taste of the soup.

For the Broth:

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels; about six cups provide a flavorful base for the soup.
• Diced Tomatoes: A can (14 oz) gives acidity and sweetness; opt for fire-roasted tomatoes if you prefer a smoky flavor.

For Toppings:

• Crispy Tortilla Strips: These add texture; you can buy them pre-made or fry your own from corn tortillas.
• Fresh Cilantro: A handful provides freshness; chop it finely before sprinkling on top just before serving.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make chicken tortilla soup

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Once heated, place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the pot. Season with salt and pepper on both sides. Sauté until golden brown on each side (about five minutes per side). Remove from pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot with remaining oil, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about three minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Add Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in six cups of low-sodium chicken broth along with one can of diced tomatoes (with juice). Stir well to combine all flavors.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

Once cooled slightly, shred the cooked chicken using two forks. Return shredded chicken back into the pot.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Lower heat to simmer for about twenty minutes so flavors meld together.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle into bowls while hot. Top each serving with crispy tortilla strips and fresh cilantro for an added crunch.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken on hand, feel free to use it instead of cooking fresh breasts; just shred it right into the pot!
• Add More Spice: For those who enjoy heat, consider adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper during cooking; adjust according to your preference.
• Make It Ahead: This soup stores well in an airtight container in the fridge; reheat gently before serving again within three days.

Mistakes to avoid

• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: One common mistake people make when preparing chicken tortilla soup is opting for low-quality ingredients. Fresh, high-quality chicken, ripe tomatoes, and authentic spices significantly enhance the flavor of your soup. If you use canned tomatoes or pre-packaged spice mixes, you may miss out on the rich taste that homemade chicken tortilla soup should have. Always choose fresh produce and quality meats to achieve a delicious soup.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Overcooking the chicken can ruin your chicken tortilla soup. When you cook chicken for too long, it becomes dry and tough, which detracts from the overall texture of your dish. To avoid this mistake, cook your chicken just until it’s no longer pink in the center. You can shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces after cooking for the best results.
• Skipping the Broth: Some cooks mistakenly think they can skip using broth in their chicken tortilla soup by relying solely on water. This will lead to a bland soup with little flavor. Broth adds depth and richness to your dish, so always use either homemade or high-quality store-bought broth. This simple step elevates your soup from ordinary to extraordinary.

Ingredients

To make a delicious chicken tortilla soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

– 2 cups shredded cooked chicken

– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

– 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained

– 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

– 4 cups chicken broth

– 1 medium onion, chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 teaspoon ground cumin

– 1 teaspoon chili powder

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Tortilla strips for topping

– Fresh cilantro for garnish

– Avocado slices for serving

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your chicken tortilla soup:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.

2. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Sauté for an additional minute.

3. Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and shredded chicken. Bring everything to a boil.

4. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.

6. Serve hot topped with tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and avocado slices.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken tortilla soup is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Crusty bread: Enjoy it with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
• Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top for a creamy texture.
• Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime enhances the flavor beautifully.

FAQs

What can I use instead of chicken in chicken tortilla soup?

If you’re looking to replace chicken in your chicken tortilla soup, consider using shredded turkey or a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. Both options can absorb flavors well. You could also opt for beans like chickpeas or lentils to maintain a hearty texture while keeping it vegetarian or vegan-friendly.

Can I make chicken tortilla soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! Chicken tortilla soup is perfect for meal prep. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove until warmed through. For best results, store toppings like tortilla strips separately until serving.

Is chicken tortilla soup spicy?

The spiciness of your chicken tortilla soup depends on your personal preference and how much chili powder you use. If you prefer mild flavors, you can reduce the chili powder or omit any additional spicy ingredients like jalapeños. Conversely, if you enjoy heat, feel free to add extra spices or fresh peppers.

Can I freeze chicken tortilla soup?

Yes! Freezing chicken tortilla soup is an excellent way to store leftovers for later enjoyment. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.

Conclusion for chicken tortilla soup

In summary, this flavorful chicken tortilla soup is a comforting dish that brings warmth to any meal. With simple ingredients like shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and tomatoes simmered together in a rich broth, it’s easy to prepare yet satisfying enough for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. Adjusting spice levels allows everyone at your table to enjoy their perfect bowl of comfort food. So why not gather your ingredients today and whip up this delightful dish? Your taste buds will thank you!

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Chicken Tortilla Soup

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Warm up with this easy and flavorful chicken tortilla soup that brings together tender shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and a medley of zesty spices. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, each bowl is adorned with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and creamy avocado slices for an irresistible touch. This comforting dish is not only quick to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy the rich flavors packed in this Mexican-inspired soup that promises to become a favorite in your household.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortilla strips for topping
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Avocado slices for serving

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Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
2. Stir in minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder; cook for an additional minute.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and add diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and shredded chicken. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
6. Serve hot topped with tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and avocado slices.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 345g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 660mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: - Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.- Adjust spiciness by adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper during cooking.- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days or freeze for up to three months.