As a food enthusiast, I often find myself in the kitchen, experimenting with various flavors and ingredients. One dish that has captured my heart (and stomach) is Chicken Tortilla Soup. This vibrant and hearty soup has a way of warming you up from the inside out. It’s a dish that’s perfect for cozy nights in or gathering with friends on a chilly evening.
When I think of what pairs beautifully with Chicken Tortilla Soup, I can’t help but suggest a side of crispy tortilla chips and a refreshing avocado salsa.
The crunch of the chips and the creamy avocado create a delightful contrast to the soup’s texture. Now, let’s dive into this culinary experience together.
What is Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delicious Mexican-inspired dish. It features shredded chicken simmered in a flavorful broth, enriched with fire-roasted tomatoes, beans, and corn, and finished with crispy tortilla strips as a topping.
It’s a melody of flavors and textures in every spoonful. Imagine a blend of spices that dances on your palate, while the comforting broth wraps you in a warm embrace. When made right, this soup can truly lift your spirits, making it a go-to comfort food.
The Ingredients
Let’s gather our ingredients. A well-stocked kitchen makes all the difference. Here’s what you need to whip up a pot of Chicken Tortilla Soup:
Soup Base:
1 (14-ounce) can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes with green chilies
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
¾ cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
¾ cup sweet frozen corn kernels
1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken breast
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
3 to 4 cloves fresh garlic, coarsely minced
1 jalapeño chili, deseeded and roughly chopped
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
¼ teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon smoked chipotle powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
Toppings:
2 small corn tortillas, sliced into thin strips and toasted
fresh cilantro leaves
ripe avocado, diced into cubes
shredded cheese of choice — Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack
fresh jalapeño slices
fresh lime wedges, quartered
sliced green onions
How to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup
Let’s get cooking! Making Chicken Tortilla Soup is straightforward. Grab your ingredients and prepare for a culinary adventure. Here’s the process.
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil glistens, toss in the chopped onion and let it sweat for about 5 minutes until it turns translucent.
Then, add the minced garlic and chopped jalapeño. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant. This step builds a solid foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Simmer
Next, pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in the rinsed black beans and sweet corn kernels. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, chipotle powder, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Incorporate the Chicken
After the soup has simmered, add the shredded rotisserie chicken and fresh lime juice. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes. The chicken will absorb the flavors, making each bite delicious.
Step 4: Prepare the Tortilla Strips
While the soup is finishing up, spread the sliced corn tortillas on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy. These strips will add texture.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Bowls ready? Ladle the soup into bowls and top it with your choice of crispy tortilla strips, cilantro, avocado, cheese, fresh jalapeño slices, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Notes
Here are some tips to ensure your Chicken Tortilla Soup turns out perfect every time:
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for optimal flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños based on your heat preference.
- Shred your chicken small enough for easy mixing but not too fine, so it maintains a nice texture.
- Garnish generously. The toppings play a significant role in flavor and presentation, making your soup visually appealing.
- Experiment! Don’t hesitate to add other vegetables or spices – this is your soup.
Storage Tips
If you make a big batch (and you totally should), here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerate the soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just ensure to leave out the toppings until ready to serve to keep them fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some delightful serving ideas to accompany your Chicken Tortilla Soup:
- Crispy Tortilla Chips
Perfect for scooping up your soup or just munching on the side. Their crunch amplifies the soup’s heartiness. - Avocado Salsa
This can be a quick mix of diced avocado, tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of salt. It adds a refreshing twist! - Cornbread Muffins
Think of cornbread muffins with a bit of sweet and savory flavor. They’re perfect for dipping. - Mexican Street Corn
Elote, or Mexican street corn, lends a yummy grilled flavor. Its creaminess complements the soup brilliantly. - Simple Green Salad
A side salad with a zesty vinaigrette can provide freshness and balance to the meal.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Chicken Tortilla Soup?
If you’ve got specific dietary needs or just want to switch things up, here are some substitutes:
- Shredded Turkey
Perfect for post-Thanksgiving soup! It provides a similar texture and taste. - Vegetable Broth
Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. - Chickpeas
Instead of chicken, use canned chickpeas for a plant-based protein option. They work surprisingly well! - Zucchini
Add chopped zucchini for more veggies without altering the flavor. - Quinoa
For a grainy substitute, cook some quinoa separately and add it in for texture and protein.
Conclusion
There you have it! A comforting, easy-to-make Chicken Tortilla Soup that warms your heart and delights your palate. This dish embodies the essence of home cooking. With just a few ingredients, it transforms into a flavorful masterpiece.
Plus, making it your own with various toppings and side dishes ensures that it never gets old.
Next time you’re looking for a meal that’s sure to impress, warm your friends and family, or simply indulge in cozy self-care, reach for this recipe. Happy cooking!
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Chicken Tortilla Soup – Delicious Meal Ideas
Description
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delicious Mexican-inspired dish. It features shredded chicken simmered in a flavorful broth, enriched with fire-roasted tomatoes, beans, and corn, and finished with crispy tortilla strips as a topping.
Ingredients
Soup Base:
Toppings:
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
-
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil glistens, toss in the chopped onion and let it sweat for about 5 minutes until it turns translucent.
Then, add the minced garlic and chopped jalapeño. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant. This step builds a solid foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Simmer
-
Next, pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in the rinsed black beans and sweet corn kernels. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, chipotle powder, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Incorporate the Chicken
-
After the soup has simmered, add the shredded rotisserie chicken and fresh lime juice. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes. The chicken will absorb the flavors, making each bite delicious.
Step 4: Prepare the Tortilla Strips
-
While the soup is finishing up, spread the sliced corn tortillas on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy. These strips will add texture.
Step 5: Serve It Up
-
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Bowls ready? Ladle the soup into bowls and top it with your choice of crispy tortilla strips, cilantro, avocado, cheese, fresh jalapeño slices, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 273kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 9.5g15%
- Saturated Fat 1.7g9%
- Cholesterol 14mg5%
- Sodium 455mg19%
- Total Carbohydrate 36g12%
- Dietary Fiber 9g36%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 16g32%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for optimal flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños based on your heat preference.
- Shred your chicken small enough for easy mixing but not too fine, so it maintains a nice texture.
- Garnish generously. The toppings play a significant role in flavor and presentation, making your soup visually appealing.
- Experiment! Don’t hesitate to add other vegetables or spices – this is your soup.
