There's nothing quite like a bowl of warm, hearty soup, especially when it's brimming with flavors like this Chicken Tortilla Soup. This dish is a delightful fusion of flavors, colors, and textures that brings together the earthy charm of chicken, the richly spiced broth, and the crunchy tortilla strips.
Whether you're looking for a comforting meal on a chilly day, or a tasty, nutritious dish for a weeknight dinner, this Chicken Tortilla Soup is a scrumptious, satisfying choice that will leave you reaching for seconds.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
Firstly, this Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is easy and adaptable. You can tailor it to your tastes, making it as spicy or mild as you'd like. You can also adjust the thickness, going for a hearty, chunky stew or a lighter, more brothy soup. This flexibility makes it a recipe that suits everyone's preferences. Plus, it's an excellent way to make use of leftover chicken. The ingredients are simple, readily available, and inexpensive, which makes it a good fit for your routine meals.
Secondly, this soup isn’t just a meal; it's an experience. Each spoonful gives you a burst of flavors: the tenderness of the chicken, the crunchiness of the tortilla strips, the tanginess of lime, and the aromatic spices all blend beautifully to provide a delicious, multi-layered taste. Not to mention, this Chicken Tortilla Soup is packed with proteins and veggies, making it a wholesome and balanced dish. It's a perfect choice for a family dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or a cozy night in. You can serve it with a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, diced avocado, or sour cream to elevate it even further. It's a dish that not only feeds the body but also satisfies the soul.
Ingredients
Chicken Breast - This is the main protein in the soup. It's lean, healthy, and absorbs the flavors of the soup well. You could also use chicken thighs for a richer taste, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Tortillas- These add a delightful crunch and a touch of corn flavor to the soup. If you don't have tortillas, you could use tortilla chips or even make your own from cornmeal.
Canned Tomatoesv- These offer a sweet tang to the soup, making it more robust. Fresh tomatoes can be used but the canned ones are a time-saver.
Black Beans- A great source of fiber and protein, they provide a nice texture and heartiness. Kidney beans or pinto beans can be used as an alternative.
Corn- It adds sweetness and a bit of crunch. Fresh, frozen, or canned corn can be used. No corn? No problem. You could use bell peppers for crunch instead.
Tips
- Don't rush the cooking process. Slow and steady is the key to a flavorful soup.
- If using chicken thighs, adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook than breasts.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of it and then add it back to the pot.
- Adjust the spices to your taste. If you like it spicy, add a little more chili powder or cayenne pepper.
- Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking. You can add cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or anything you like.
How to Serve
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful dish that works great as a Dinner. The combination of spices, protein, and vegetables makes it a balanced meal. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside a salad or a sandwich.
- Cheesy: Add a handful of shredded cheese on top, allowing it to melt from the heat of the soup.
- Loaded: Top the soup with diced avocados, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
- Hearty: Add cooked rice or quinoa into the soup to make it more filling.
Similar Recipes
Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 5 corn tortillas cut into strips
- 1 can 15 ounces diced tomatoes
- 1 can 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup of corn kernels
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 lime
- Optional toppings: avocado cilantro, cheese, sour cream
Instructions
- In a large pot, add the chicken, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked.
- Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
- Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and tortillas. Let it simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
- Squeeze the juice of one lime into the soup. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot with your preferred toppings.
Nutrition
Notes
- Don't rush the cooking process. Slow and steady is the key to a flavorful soup.
- If using chicken thighs, adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook than breasts.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of it and then add it back to the pot.
- Adjust the spices to your taste. If you like it spicy, add a little more chili powder or cayenne pepper.
- Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking. You can add cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or anything you like.