Chicken Tortilla Soup

If you’re looking for a dish that’s warm, flavorful, and feels like a hug in a bowl, look no further than Chicken Tortilla Soup. This soup is a fiesta of flavors, with tender chicken, a zesty broth, and crispy tortilla strips adding the perfect crunch. It’s got just the right balance of savory, spicy, and comforting that’ll have you coming back for more. Plus, it’s easy to make, and it’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell amazing as it simmers away.

Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner, as a starter to a Mexican-inspired meal, or simply as a delicious lunch, Chicken Tortilla Soup is the kind of dish everyone will love. Grab your favorite toppings, and let’s dive into this soul-warming soup!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Tortilla Soup

Bold and Flavorful

This soup is packed with bold, zesty flavors from the spices, tomatoes, and chicken. Every spoonful is a little burst of deliciousness, and it’s perfectly balanced with the savory broth and crunch from the tortillas.

Quick and Easy

Don’t let the layers of flavor fool you—this soup comes together in about 30 minutes! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Customizable

You can make this soup as mild or as spicy as you like. Add more chili powder for heat or make it extra cheesy with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Plus, it’s easy to tweak based on what you’ve got on hand.

Comforting and Filling

This soup is hearty enough to be a full meal. The chicken, broth, and toppings make it incredibly satisfying and will leave you feeling full and content.

Perfect for Meal Prep

If you’re looking for a soup that stores well, this is it! Make a big batch, and it’ll keep for days in the fridge—perfect for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Ingredients

• Chicken Breast or Thighs: The star of the soup. Tender and juicy chicken provides the base for this flavorful dish.
• Tortillas: Cut into strips, these get fried up to add the perfect crispy topping to your soup.
• Onion and Garlic: These two create the savory base that makes the soup rich and aromatic.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds a burst of freshness and a slightly sweet flavor to balance the spices.
• Chicken Broth: The flavorful base of the soup. Opt for low-sodium broth for more control over the seasoning.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, and Paprika: These spices add warmth and depth to the soup, giving it that perfect Tex-Mex flair.
• Black Beans: For added texture and a little extra protein.
• Corn: Sweet kernels of corn add a little pop of sweetness to balance the heat.
• Lime Juice: A squeeze of lime at the end brightens up all the flavors and adds a little zing.
• Toppings: Shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, and a few more tortilla strips to garnish and complete the dish.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on a 1.5-cup serving):

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 620mg
• Potassium: 570mg
• Calcium: 8% DV
• Iron: 10% DV

(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredient choices and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by heating a bit of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and cook them for about 5-7 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to rest. When it’s cool enough to handle, shred the chicken with two forks.

Step 2: Prepare the Tortilla Strips

While the chicken is cooking, cut the tortillas into strips. Heat some oil in a small pan and fry the tortilla strips until they’re crispy and golden brown. Remove them from the oil and set them aside on a paper towel to drain.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot used for the chicken, add a little more oil and sauté the diced onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Liquids and Spices

Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Add the Chicken and Beans

Return the shredded chicken to the pot, along with the black beans and corn. Stir to combine and let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes to heat everything through.

Step 6: Add Lime Juice

Squeeze the juice of one lime into the soup to add a bright, zesty finish. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes—crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro are all great choices!

How to Serve Chicken Tortilla Soup

As a Main Course

This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own as a main dish. Pair it with some warm cornbread or a side salad for a complete meal.

As a Starter

If you’re serving this as a starter, it pairs wonderfully with tacos, enchiladas, or a Mexican-themed feast.

For Meal Prep

This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store the tortilla strips separately to keep them crispy!

Add Extra Protein

For extra protein, you can add cooked chicken sausage, shrimp, or even a few slices of grilled steak for an added twist.

Additional Tips

Make it Spicy

Want more heat? Add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the soup to kick up the spice level.

Go Vegetarian

For a vegetarian version, leave out the chicken and add extra beans or veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. You can also replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a fully plant-based meal.

Spice Level Adjustments

If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount of chili powder and paprika, or opt for a mild salsa instead of diced tomatoes.

Add More Vegetables

Feel free to add more veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to bulk up the soup and add even more nutrition.

Make it Extra Creamy

Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer, creamier texture that adds a little indulgence to the soup.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A1: Yes, this soup is great for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q2: How can I make this soup spicier?
A2: To make the soup spicier, add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce. Adjust the spice to your taste!

Q3: Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of chicken breast?
A3: Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey would work wonderfully in this soup. Just cook it thoroughly before adding it to the broth.

Q4: Can I skip frying the tortilla strips?
A4: Yes, you can skip the frying step and use store-bought tortilla chips instead. Just crush them up and sprinkle them on top when serving.

Q5: Can I freeze Chicken Tortilla Soup?
A5: Yes, this soup freezes well! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Q6: Can I add cheese to the soup?
A6: Absolutely! Shredded cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija cheese is a perfect addition. Sprinkle it on top just before serving for a melty, cheesy finish.

Q7: What can I use instead of chicken broth?
A7: You can use vegetable broth or even water if you prefer, but chicken broth adds a rich, savory depth to the soup.

Q8: How can I make this soup vegetarian?
A8: To make it vegetarian, simply leave out the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more beans or veggies for protein.

Q9: Can I make this in the slow cooker?
A9: Yes! Simply add all the ingredients (except the tortilla strips) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Shred the chicken once it’s cooked, and top with crispy tortilla strips.

Q10: How can I store leftovers?
A10: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store the tortilla strips separately to keep them crispy.

Conclusion

Chicken Tortilla Soup is the perfect combination of comfort and flavor. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and full of bold, delicious ingredients that come together in a bowl of pure goodness. Whether you’re serving it for dinner tonight or making a big batch to enjoy throughout the week, this soup will quickly become a family favorite. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

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