Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: chicken tortilla soup! It’s the kind of dish that warms your soul and fills your belly. This soup is hearty, packed with flavor, and so easy to whip up, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner! I remember the first time I made it; I had a bunch of friends over for game night, and the aroma filled the whole house. Everyone kept asking, « What’s that amazing smell? » It was a hit! Trust me, once you taste the blend of tender chicken, zesty spices, and those crunchy tortilla strips, you’ll be hooked. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
Ingredients for Chicken Tortilla Soup
Let’s gather everything you need for this delicious chicken tortilla soup! You’ll want 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken—this is where you can use leftover chicken or even a rotisserie chicken for convenience. Next, grab a can of black beans (15 oz), rinsed and drained, to add some protein and fiber. You’ll also need a can of corn (15 oz), drained, and a can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) for that juicy flavor. Don’t forget 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to give it some aromatic goodness. For the broth, you’ll need 4 cups of chicken broth, along with 1 teaspoon each of cumin and chili powder for that spicy kick. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, and get ready to garnish with crispy tortilla strips, creamy avocado, and fresh chopped cilantro!
How to Prepare Chicken Tortilla Soup
Alright, let’s get cooking! Start by grabbing a large pot and heating it over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant—trust me, this is where the magic begins! Next, add in your cooked shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
Now, it’s time to pour in those 4 cups of chicken broth. This is where your soup starts to take shape! Stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the pot to a boil—this should take around 5-7 minutes. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This gives all those flavors a chance to meld beautifully. When the time’s up, it’s time to ladle that delicious soup into bowls. Don’t forget the best part: top it off with crispy tortilla strips, creamy avocado slices, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Enjoy every warm, comforting spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly quick and easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Packed with flavor; the combination of spices and fresh ingredients is just divine.
- Healthy and hearty, with chicken, beans, and veggies packed into every bowl.
- Great for meal prep; make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Customizable—add your favorite toppings or adjust spices to suit your taste.
- Comfort food at its finest, perfect for chilly days or cozy gatherings.
Tips for Success
To make your chicken tortilla soup truly shine, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, don’t skimp on the seasoning; taste as you go and adjust the spices to match your personal preference. If you like it spicy, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños for that extra kick. Also, using homemade chicken broth can elevate the flavor significantly—if you have the time, it’s worth it! Another little secret? Let the soup sit for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld even more. And remember, if you’re using rotisserie chicken, make sure to shred it finely so it mixes perfectly into the soup. Happy cooking!
Variations of Chicken Tortilla Soup
One of the best things about chicken tortilla soup is how adaptable it is! If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, try adding some chopped bell peppers or zucchini for an extra veggie boost. If you want to switch up the flavor profile, consider adding a splash of lime juice or some diced green chilies for a zesty twist. For a heartier version, you can even swap in ground turkey or lean beef instead of chicken. And let’s not forget about the toppings—feel free to get creative! Crumbled queso fresco, sliced radishes, or even a dollop of sour cream can take your soup to a whole new level. The possibilities are endless!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for a serving of this hearty chicken tortilla soup! Each cup packs in around 300 calories, making it a filling yet healthy option. You’ll get about 7 grams of fat, with 2 grams coming from saturated fats. It’s also a great source of protein, boasting about 25 grams per serving, thanks to the chicken and beans. With around 40 grams of carbs and 10 grams of fiber, it’s perfect for keeping you satisfied. Just keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients. Enjoy your delicious and nourishing bowl!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving chicken tortilla soup, I love to pair it with a few simple sides that really elevate the meal! A fresh side salad with crisp greens, tomatoes, and a zesty lime vinaigrette complements the soup beautifully. You can also serve it with warm, crusty bread or buttery cornbread for dipping—trust me, it’s heavenly! And if you want to take it up a notch, serve some cheesy quesadillas or nachos on the side for that extra crunch and gooey goodness. The combination of flavors and textures will make your meal unforgettable!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store your chicken tortilla soup, simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, perfect for those busy weekdays. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it for up to three months! Just make sure to leave a bit of space in the container, as it will expand when frozen.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s hot and bubbly. You might want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up a bit. Enjoy every delicious spoonful!
FAQ About Chicken Tortilla Soup
Can I use frozen chicken? Absolutely! Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before shredding. You can even toss in frozen chicken directly into the pot and let it cook in the broth for an extra flavorful base.
How spicy is this soup? The spice level is adjustable! If you prefer a milder flavor, start with just a teaspoon of chili powder and taste as you go. You can always add more if you like it spicy!
Can I make this soup vegetarian? Definitely! Swap the chicken for beans like kidney or pinto beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra veggies for more texture and flavor.
How can I thicken the soup? If you want a thicker consistency, try blending a portion of the soup and mixing it back in. Another option is to add some masa harina (corn flour) mixed with water to make a slurry.
Is this soup gluten-free? Yes! This chicken tortilla soup is naturally gluten-free, as long as you ensure that your tortilla strips are made from gluten-free ingredients. Enjoy without worry!
For more information on the health benefits of chicken soup, you can check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in other comforting soups, you might enjoy classic chicken noodle soup or creamy tomato basil soup.
Imprimer
Chicken Tortilla Soup: 6 Comforting Flavors to Love
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A hearty and flavorful chicken tortilla soup that is easy to make.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla strips for garnish
- Avocado for garnish
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine.
- Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with tortilla strips, avocado, and cilantro.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust spices according to your taste.
- This soup freezes well for up to three months.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Soup
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sucre: 4g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 7g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 10g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: chicken tortilla soup, soup recipe, Mexican soup
