Oh, let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chicken tortilla soup when the weather turns chilly or when you’re just in need of some comfort food! This hearty and flavorful chicken tortilla soup is my go-to for family gatherings or cozy nights in. I love how it fills the house with the most inviting aroma, and everyone gathers around, eager to dig in. The combination of tender chicken, zesty spices, and crunchy tortilla strips makes each spoonful a little piece of heaven. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, too!
Ingredients for Chicken Tortilla Soup
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this chicken tortilla soup a delicious success! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: You can use leftover roasted chicken or buy a rotisserie chicken for quick prep!
- 1 can black beans, drained: These add protein and a hearty texture; rinsing them helps reduce sodium.
- 1 can corn, drained: Sweet corn brings a wonderful sweetness and crunch to the soup.
- 1 can diced tomatoes: Use fire-roasted for an extra kick of flavor!
- 1 onion, chopped: The base of flavor! A medium onion works perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic takes this soup to the next level—don’t skimp on it!
- 4 cups chicken broth: Homemade is great, but store-bought works like a charm too. Low-sodium is my preference.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: This spice adds a warm, earthy flavor—so good!
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adjust based on how spicy you like it; this brings that classic Mexican flair.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out all the flavors!
- Tortilla strips for garnish: Crunchy and flavorful, these are a must for topping your soup.
- Fresh cilantro for garnish: Adds a burst of freshness that brightens the dish.
How to Prepare Chicken Tortilla Soup
Getting this chicken tortilla soup ready is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love how simple it is! Let’s dive into the steps to make this comforting dish:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Wow, the smell is amazing already!
- Next, add the shredded chicken, drained black beans, drained corn, and canned diced tomatoes to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, and stir in the cumin and chili powder. It’s coming together beautifully!
- Bring the mixture to a boil—this is where the magic starts! Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld together.
- After simmering, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. This is a great moment to adjust the spices if you want a little more kick!
- Finally, ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with crunchy tortilla strips and fresh cilantro. Trust me, the crunch adds so much texture. Enjoy every cozy spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken tortilla soup is not just tasty; it’s a total crowd-pleaser! Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:
- Incredible flavor: The combination of spices, tender chicken, and fresh ingredients creates a bowl of pure bliss.
- Super easy to make: With just a few steps, you can have a hearty meal ready in no time!
- Healthy ingredients: Packed with protein, fiber, and veggies, it’s wholesome without sacrificing taste.
- Endless versatility: Customize it by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting the spices to suit your taste.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this soup fits right in!
Tips for Success
To ensure your chicken tortilla soup turns out perfect every time, here are my best tips! First, don’t rush the sautéing step; letting the onion and garlic become fragrant enhances the flavor immensely. If you want a thicker soup, consider adding a tablespoon of cornmeal or masa harina during the simmering phase—it works wonders! Also, taste as you go—adjust the seasoning to suit your palate. If you’re using store-bought broth, low-sodium is preferred to control saltiness. Finally, don’t skip the garnishes; they add that delightful crunch and freshness that makes this soup a standout!
Nutritional Information for Chicken Tortilla Soup
Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for a serving of this hearty chicken tortilla soup. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this will give you a good idea:
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 25g
This chicken tortilla soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a great option for a wholesome meal!
FAQ About Chicken Tortilla Soup
Can I make chicken tortilla soup in advance?
Absolutely! You can make this chicken tortilla soup in advance, and it actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just prepare the soup as directed, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. If you’re making it even earlier, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just be sure to leave out the tortilla strips until you’re ready to serve!
What can I substitute for chicken?
If you’re looking for alternatives to chicken, I’ve got you covered! For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with hearty ingredients like diced sweet potatoes or extra beans for that protein punch. If you’re open to different meats, shredded beef or turkey can work well too! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose, especially if you’re using raw meat.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Feeling like you need a little more heat in your chicken tortilla soup? No problem! You can easily amp up the spice by adding more chili powder or tossing in some cayenne pepper to taste. If you really want to kick it up a notch, consider adding diced jalapeños or serrano peppers right after the onions and garlic are sautéed. Another fun trick is to include a splash of hot sauce or a spoonful of chipotle in adobo sauce for that smoky heat. Just remember to taste as you go, so it doesn’t become too fiery!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this delicious chicken tortilla soup is super easy! Once the soup has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months—just remember to leave out the tortilla strips until you’re ready to serve!
When it’s time to reheat, simply pour the soup into a pot and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. If it’s too thick after freezing, feel free to add a splash of chicken broth or water to get it to your desired consistency. Enjoy that comforting warmth again!
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Tortilla Soup
This chicken tortilla soup is deliciously versatile, and there are so many fun ways to serve it up! I love pairing it with a side of warm cornbread or crispy tortilla chips for that perfect crunch. A fresh avocado salad drizzled with lime dressing complements the flavors beautifully and adds a refreshing touch. If you want to really elevate your meal, consider serving it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco on top. And for those cozy nights, a side of cheesy quesadillas will make it feel like a fiesta in your kitchen!
For more delicious recipes, check out this paprika soup recipe or this traditional Polish grits soup recipe.
Z nadrukami
Chicken Tortilla Soup: 5 Comforting Steps to Blissful Flavor
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 6 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A hearty and flavorful chicken tortilla soup.
Składniki
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla strips for garnish
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instrukcje
- In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, cumin, and chili powder.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with tortilla strips and fresh cilantro.
Uwagi
- Adjust spice levels to your preference.
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Soup
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: Mexican
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 bowl
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 3g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 2g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 7g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 45g
- Włókno: 8g
- Białko: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Słowa kluczowe: chicken tortilla soup, soup, chicken soup, Mexican soup
