There’s just something so comforting about a warm bowl of soup, isn’t there? It wraps around you like a cozy blanket, making everything feel right with the world. My favorite has to be this *Mexican chicken tortilla soup*. The unique flavors of cumin, chili powder, and fresh lime come together to create a fiesta in your mouth! I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering. Everyone was raving about how hearty and delicious it was, and I couldn’t help but feel like a proud chef! Now, it’s a staple in my home, perfect for chilly evenings or when I just need a little taste of warmth and love. Trust me, you’re going to love it too!
Ingredients List
Gather these delicious ingredients to make your *Mexican chicken tortilla soup* shine:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or boil and shred your own. This adds a hearty protein punch!
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed: These beans not only boost the fiber content but also lend a creamy texture to the soup.
- 1 can corn, drained: Sweet corn gives a lovely pop of sweetness and balances the spices perfectly.
- 1 can diced tomatoes: Look for fire-roasted ones if you want an extra layer of flavor in your soup.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over the saltiness. Homemade broth is great if you have it!
- 1 onion, diced: A yellow onion works best here for its sweetness. Make sure it’s diced finely to blend into the soup.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with aromatic goodness. Don’t skimp on this!
- 1 teaspoon cumin: This spice adds that signature warm, earthy flavor. It’s essential for authentic taste!
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. It adds a nice kick!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always season to your liking; it can really make or break a dish.
- 1 cup tortilla chips: These will be your crunchy topping! Feel free to crush them for a fun texture.
- 1 avocado, diced: Creamy avocado adds richness and balances the spices beautifully.
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped: Fresh cilantro brightens up the soup and adds a burst of flavor.
- 1 lime, cut into wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving takes everything to the next level!
How to Prepare *Mexican Chicken Tortilla Soup*
Making this *Mexican chicken tortilla soup* is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with a bowl of pure deliciousness! Let’s dive right into the steps so you can enjoy this comforting dish in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. This will get everything warmed up and ready to go!
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Oh, the smell of garlic is heavenly!
- Next, stir in the cumin and chili powder. Cook for another minute, letting those spices mingle and release their aromas. Trust me, this is where the magic begins!
- Now, it’s time to add the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t boil over!
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to develop and come together beautifully.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a little taste test—adjusting seasoning here is key!
- Serve the soup hot, topping each bowl with crunchy tortilla chips, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro. Don’t forget to squeeze some lime juice over the top before diving in!
And there you have it! A comforting bowl of *Mexican chicken tortilla soup* that’s bursting with flavor and guaranteed to warm your soul.
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, it’s always nice to know what you’re putting into your body. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for one bowl of this delicious *Mexican chicken tortilla soup*:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 25g
These values can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose, especially if you’re using homemade broth or adjusting the toppings. But overall, this soup is a hearty, nutritious choice that warms you up from the inside out!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: This soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying meal that keeps you full for hours.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a delightful fiesta of flavors in every spoonful.
- Quick to Prepare: With just a little prep and a short cooking time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 45 minutes!
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it without worry!
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice levels and toppings to suit your taste. Add jalapeños for heat or cheese for creaminess!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: It stores well in the fridge and even tastes better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *Mexican chicken tortilla soup* turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my best tips and tricks:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh ingredients make a huge difference! Opt for ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs for the best flavor.
- Customize Your Spice: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, start with half the chili powder and taste as you go. You can always add more, but it’s tough to take it out!
- Don’t Skip the Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving brightens the flavors tremendously. It’s a game changer!
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap out the chicken for extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers, and use vegetable broth instead. It’ll still be delicious!
- Prep Ahead: Feel free to chop your veggies and shred the chicken ahead of time. This makes the cooking process even quicker!
- Texture Matters: For a creamier soup, blend a portion of it after cooking and then stir it back in. It adds a lovely richness!
- Garnish Generously: Don’t be shy with toppings! More cilantro, extra avocado, or even a sprinkle of cheese can elevate your soup to new heights.
- Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to making the most delicious *Mexican chicken tortilla soup* that impresses family and friends alike!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your *Mexican chicken tortilla soup*, there are plenty of delicious options to take your meal to the next level! Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions that will complement the flavors of the soup beautifully:
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or rustic bread is perfect for dipping into the soup. The combination of crunchy and creamy textures is simply divine!
- Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup. I love mixing arugula, cherry tomatoes, and avocado for a light side!
- Additional Toppings: Don’t hold back on the toppings! Shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream can add a wonderful creaminess and extra flavor.
- Guacamole: Pairing the soup with some homemade guacamole is a match made in heaven. The creamy avocado will enhance the experience!
- Rice or Quinoa: For a heartier meal, serve the soup over a scoop of rice or quinoa. It not only adds substance but also makes it even more filling!
- Beer or Margaritas: Enjoy a cold beer or a refreshing margarita alongside your soup. The drinks bring a festive vibe to the table!
With these serving suggestions, you’ll create a delightful dining experience that’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
FAQ Section
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! This *Mexican chicken tortilla soup* freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
What other toppings can I add?
Oh, the options are endless! Beyond the classic tortilla chips and avocado, you can try adding shredded cheese, sour cream, diced red onions, or even a sprinkle of queso fresco. If you like it spicy, jalapeños or hot sauce are fantastic additions too!
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Just toss all the ingredients (except for the toppings) into your slow cooker and cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. It’ll be a hands-off way to enjoy this flavorful soup!
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you want to amp up the heat, add more chili powder or toss in some diced jalapeños while cooking. You can also use diced green chiles or a splash of hot sauce to really bring the heat!
What if I don’t have cooked chicken?
No worries! You can poach chicken breasts in the broth while the soup simmers. Just add them in at the beginning and shred them once they’re cooked through. It’s a great way to ensure everything is infused with flavor!
Mexican Chicken Tortilla Soup: A Cozy 350-Calorie Delight
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A hearty and flavorful Mexican chicken tortilla soup.
Składniki
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup tortilla chips
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instrukcje
- Heat a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Stir in cumin and chili powder, cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, topped with tortilla chips, avocado, and cilantro.
- Squeeze lime juice on top before serving.
Uwagi
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Use fresh lime for better flavor.
- Add jalapeños for extra heat.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Soup
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: Mexican
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 bowl
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 4g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 2g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 7g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 40g
- Włókno: 10g
- Białko: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Słowa kluczowe: mexican chicken tortilla soup
