Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a warm and comforting Mexican-inspired dish perfect for chilly nights or any time you crave something flavorful and hearty. This soup is packed with tender shredded chicken, vegetables, and a touch of spice, all simmered in a savory broth. Topped with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and a squeeze of lime, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make yet incredibly satisfying. This recipe uses basic pantry ingredients and is ideal for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jalapeño seeded and diced
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- Juice of 1 lime
- Tortilla chips for serving
- Optional toppings: diced avocado shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeños
Instructions
Sauté the vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced jalapeño. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
Add tomatoes and spices:
- Stir in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, along with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to allow the spices to become fragrant.
Pour in the broth:
- Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the chicken and beans:
- Stir in the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn. Let the soup simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Finish with lime juice:
- Just before serving, stir in the juice of one lime. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve with toppings:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crushed tortilla chips. Garnish with diced avocado, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeños as desired.
Notes
Tips
- Rotisserie chicken hack: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s flavorful and easy to shred.
- Control the spice: If you prefer a milder soup, remove the seeds from the jalapeño or skip it altogether. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Homemade tortilla strips: For an authentic touch, cut corn tortillas into strips and fry them until crispy. They make an excellent garnish!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg