Chicken Tortilla Soup is a warm, comforting dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine right to your kitchen. This hearty soup is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. With tender shredded chicken, colorful vegetables, and a medley of spices, it’s a meal that everyone in your family will love. Perfect for any day of the week, this soup warms your heart and fills your belly, making it a go-to recipe for cozy nights in.
Why We Love This Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
This Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe stands out because of its delightful blend of flavors and its versatility. You can enjoy it as a simple lunch, a hearty dinner, or even as a party dish. The combination of ingredients delivers a satisfying and nutritious meal that checks all the boxes for taste, health, and ease of preparation. Plus, it can be customized to suit your taste preferences—whether you like it mild or with an extra kick! The addition of fresh toppings like tortilla strips and cilantro elevates this dish, creating a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Ingredients for Chicken Tortilla Soup
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla strips for topping
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
How to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup Directions
To start making your Chicken Tortilla Soup, heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing them until they become soft and fragrant. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Stir them occasionally to prevent burning, and let the aroma fill your kitchen.
Next, add the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn to the pot. These ingredients pack a punch of protein and flavor, creating a robust base for your soup. Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and stir everything together. The tomatoes will add a rich and tangy element to the dish.
Now it’s time to elevate the flavor with the chicken broth. Pour in 4 cups of it, allowing the soup to become more soupy and less chunky. As you mix everything together, add the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. These spices are the secret to that authentic flavor that makes Chicken Tortilla Soup so delightful. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes. This simmering time allows all the flavors to combine beautifully. You can cover it with a lid to help speed up the cooking process while retaining moisture and heat. Stir occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
While the soup is simmering, you can prepare your toppings. Slice your tortilla strips and chop up some fresh cilantro. These will add both crunch and freshness to each bowl of soup.
When the soup is done simmering, taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you want it spicier, add a bit more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce. Serve the soup hot in bowls and top each serving with crispy tortilla strips and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Enjoy your warm bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup!
How to Serve Chicken Tortilla Soup
Serving Chicken Tortilla Soup is all about enhancing its flavors with delicious toppings. Begin by ladling the hot soup into bowls. The presentation can make a big difference, so try to make each serving look appealing.
Add a generous handful of tortilla strips on top of each bowl to introduce texture and crunch. The crispy strips contrast beautifully with the warm, hearty soup. You might also consider a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices for added creaminess.
Fresh cilantro not only boosts color but also infuses a refreshing flavor. Sprinkle it on right before serving for the best culinary effect. If you have lime available, slice one up and offer wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime juice over the soup just before eating elevates the dish, bringing out all the ingredients’ flavors.
For a complete meal, serve the soup alongside warm crusty bread or a side salad. You can also prepare a small platter of other toppings like shredded cheese, jalapeños, or sliced radishes for a fun, customizable experience. This way, everyone at the table can personalize their soup to their liking.
Expert Tips for Chicken Tortilla Soup
When making Chicken Tortilla Soup, a few expert tips can help you achieve the best results. First, always use quality ingredients. Fresh, organic produce and high-quality chicken will greatly improve the flavor of your soup.
For timing, pre-cook your chicken ahead of time, especially if you want to cut down on meal prep. You can use leftover roasted chicken or even a store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience. Shredded chicken is also available at many grocery stores, which can save you time without sacrificing taste.
Spice level can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a milder soup, start with less chili powder and cumin, and add more if needed after tasting. For those who crave heat, consider including fresh jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Another great tip is to let the soup sit for 10 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to mingle and enhances the overall taste. If you have leftovers, the flavors continue to develop overnight.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings. Crumbled queso fresco, diced avocado, a drizzle of hot sauce, or even a sprinkle of lime zest can take your Chicken Tortilla Soup to the next level.
How to Store Chicken Tortilla Soup
Storing Chicken Tortilla Soup is easy and convenient. To keep it fresh, let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the soup in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within 3-4 days. Make sure to keep any toppings separate from the soup to maintain their texture until you’re ready to serve.
For longer storage, consider freezing your soup. Chicken Tortilla Soup freezes well due to its hearty ingredients. To do this, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion as it freezes. You can keep it frozen for up to 2-3 months.
When you are ready to eat, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems too thick after reheating. After thawing, consume the soup within 3-4 days for the best flavor and quality.
Variation of Chicken Tortilla Soup
One of the best aspects of Chicken Tortilla Soup is its versatility. You can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some popular variations you might enjoy:
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with a variety of beans, such as pinto or kidney beans, and add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. You can also include tofu for added protein.
- Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup: If you love heat, add diced jalapeños, hotter chili powder, or even a few dashes of hot sauce while cooking. You could also top the soup with spicy tortilla chips for an extra kick.
- Creamy Tortilla Soup: For a richer soup, stir in a cup of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end of cooking. This will create a luxurious and creamy texture that balances the spices well.
- Salsa Chicken Tortilla Soup: Use salsa in place of diced tomatoes for a zesty, flavorful twist. Choose your favorite variety—mild, medium, or hot—to control the heat level.
- Slow Cooker Version: If you prefer a hands-off approach, throw all the ingredients into a slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method will make your house smell amazing and give you a tasty meal with minimal effort.
- Corn and Zucchini Variation: Add additional corn and diced zucchini to the soup to make it heartier. This variation maximizes veggies while maintaining the delicious flavor.
Feel free to explore any of these variations to keep your Chicken Tortilla Soup exciting and aligned with your taste!
FAQ
What is Chicken Tortilla Soup made of?
Chicken Tortilla Soup is typically made with cooked shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and spices like chili powder and cumin. It’s topped with crispy tortilla strips and fresh cilantro.
Is Chicken Tortilla Soup spicy?
The spice level of Chicken Tortilla Soup can vary depending on the amount of chili powder and other spices you add. For a milder flavor, use less chili powder and opt for diced tomatoes without added spice.
Can I make Chicken Tortilla Soup in advance?
Yes! Chicken Tortilla Soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage. Just keep the toppings separate until you’re ready to serve.
Is Chicken Tortilla Soup healthy?
This soup can be quite healthy! It’s loaded with protein from the chicken and beans and contains various veggies, all while being low in fat and calories if you control your portion size and dressing.
What can I serve with Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Chicken Tortilla Soup pairs well with crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple side salad. You can also offer a platter of toppings for guests to customize their bowls.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken Can use rotisserie chicken.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes With juices.
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder Adjust based on spice preference.
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- to taste Salt and pepper
For Serving
- to taste Tortilla strips For topping.
- to taste Fresh cilantro For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes).
Cooking
- Add the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn to the pot. Stir in diced tomatoes with their juices.
- Pour in the chicken broth and mix well. Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Serving
- Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve hot, topped with tortilla strips and cilantro.
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