Let me tell you about this. Okay, let me start by telling you that this is aChicken Tortilla Soup:Is it soup? Is that the kind of soup that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside? I swear, this recipe has saved me on so many busy weeknights when I just need something comforting. Is easy to whip up. If you love a good chili, but want something lighter and brighter, this is absolutely the best chili. What is the best recipe for you? What is a good way to use up leftover chicken? Is it the best?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
What is Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Chicken Tortilla Soup, at its heart, is a comforting and flavorful soup featuring shredded chicken in tomato-based sauce. What are some of the best southwestern flavors? Think of it as a warm, brothy embrace with little bit of kick! What is chicken soup? What is the name of a place What is the beauty of heat setting? How do you make your own toppings? Is it a crowd pleaser?
Why do I love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to love this movie?Chicken Tortilla Soup: recipe, but let me just give you my top picks. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. We’re talking layers of smoky, savory, and slightly spicy goodness that just explodes in your mouth. What I love most about this is how simple it is. Seriously, don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list – most of them are pantry staples. Throw everything in a pot, let it simmer, and you’re practically done! Another huge plus? It’s budget-friendly. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, canned tomatoes, and inexpensive spices to create a restaurant-worthy meal. I always seem to have most of this stuff on hand!
And did I mention versatility? You can serve it as a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or even as a starter for a festive Mexican-themed meal. It’s also easily adaptable to different dietary needs. For example, you could make this vegetarian by swapping out the chicken broth for veggie broth and adding beans. If you’re a fan of easy and delicious soups like my Creamy Tomato Soup, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this one too. It’s a family favorite, and I guarantee it’ll become one of yours as well!
How do I make chicken Tortilla soup?
Quick Overview
Making this Chicken Tortilla Soup:Is it easier than you think? What’s the best way to sauté veggies, add your spices and broth, then toss in your chicken and serve. How do I simmer it all together until the flavors meld. What happens when you add toppings? What’s a good combination of crispy tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, and lime? What is the best way to create the perfect bite? Is the aroma worth the effort?
Ingredients
For the Soup:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 jalapeo, seeded and minced (optional, for heat! ), 1 t
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (this adds a smoky flavor)
* 6 cups chicken broth (I prefer low-sodium)
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained.
* 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
* 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver!)
* Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings: What is
* Tortilla strips (store-bought or homemade)
* Avocado, diced
* Sour cream or Greek yogurt
* Lime wedges
* Fresh cilantro, chopped
* Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeno (if using) and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. I always make sure the onions are translucent before moving on – that’s when you know they’re ready!
Step 2: Add the Spices
Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Set aside. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This step is crucial – it helps to bloom the spices and release their full flavor potential.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
What is the recipe for chicken broth and crushed tomatoes? What is the best way to cook black beans, corn, and chicken? Season with salt and pepper to taste. I always start with a little salt and pepper and then adjust as needed. Remember, you can always add more, but you cannot take it away!
Step 4: Let It Simmer
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, or up to an hour, to allow the liquid to evaporate. What are the flavors that meld? The longer it simmers, the better it tastes! I usually let it go for at least 30 minutes when I have the time.
Step 5: Prepare the Toppings
While the soup is simmering, prepare your toppings. Dice the avocado, chop the cilantro, shred the cheese, and get your tortilla strips ready. I love toasting tortilla strips in the oven for extra crunch – just spread them on a baking sheet. and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
How do you serve soup? A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheese, handful of tortilla strips, and squeeze of lime. What are my go-to’s Don’t forget the fresh cilantro! Serve immediately and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
This Chicken Tortilla Soup:Isn’t it great on its own, but when paired with the right accompaniments? If you’re looking to make it a full meal, consider serving it with warm cornbread. How does cornbread flavor soup?For a Casual Lunch: Serve with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad balances out the richness of the soup.
For a Dinner Party: Offer a variety of toppings in separate bowls so guests can customize their own soup. Think different types of cheese, hot sauces, and pickled onions. This is always a fun and interactive way to serve it.
For a Mexican Fiesta: Pair it with other classic dishes like tacos, enchiladas, or guacamole and chips. It’s the perfect way to start a festive and flavorful meal. My family loves when I make a big spread with all the fixings – it’s always a hit!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Tortilla Soup
Alright, let me share some of my insider tips for making the *absolute best* Chicken Tortilla Soup. First off, don’t skimp on the spices! The chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are what give this soup its signature flavor, so use good quality spices and don’t be afraid to experiment with the amounts.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeno to control the heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, remove the seeds and membranes before mincing the jalapeno. For a milder flavor, you can even skip it altogether. On the other hand, if you like it hot, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Broth Quality: The quality of your chicken broth will also impact the flavor of the soup. I always recommend using a good quality, low-sodium chicken broth. If you have homemade chicken broth, even better! If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth, but it won’t have the same rich flavor.
Chicken Choice: Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option, but you can also use leftover cooked chicken or even poach chicken breasts specifically for this recipe. If poaching, simply simmer the chicken breasts in the broth until cooked through, then shred with two forks.
Topping Technique: Don’t add the tortilla strips until just before serving, or they’ll get soggy. Toasting them in the oven beforehand helps them stay crisp longer. And don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! I’ve tried everything from roasted corn to crumbled bacon to pickled jalapenos – the possibilities are endless!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Chicken Tortilla Soup is fantastic for meal prepping because it stores so well. To store, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigerator: You can store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld and improve over time, so it’s even better the next day!
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to use a freezer-safe container or bag to prevent freezer burn. When freezing, I recommend leaving out the toppings, as they don’t freeze well. Add them fresh when you reheat the soup.
Reheating: To reheat, simply transfer the soup to a pot and heat over medium heat until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it occasionally to ensure even heating. If the soup has thickened too much during storage, add a little chicken broth or water to thin it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Tortilla Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl. It’s a dish that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion, this is it! And if you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other soup recipes for more delicious inspiration. Now go ahead and give it a try – I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to share your own variations. Happy cooking!
