Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: chicken tortilla soup! It’s a warm, hearty bowl of goodness that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and textures. Whenever I make this soup, it transports me back to cozy family dinners and the comforting aroma wafting through the kitchen. I love how easy it is to whip up and how it always leaves everyone asking for seconds. Seriously, you won’t believe how simple it is to create such a delicious meal! The combination of tender shredded chicken, zesty spices, and fresh toppings like crispy tortilla strips and cilantro makes every spoonful a delight. Trust me, once you try my chicken tortilla soup, it’ll become a staple in your home too!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla strips for garnish
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
How to Prepare Chicken Tortilla Soup
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making chicken tortilla soup! It’s really straightforward, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with a big, hearty bowl of flavor. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
First things first, grab a large pot and heat it up over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil, then toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-5 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. You want to make sure not to rush this step because this is where all that lovely flavor begins to develop. Yum!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Now, it’s time to layer in all those tasty ingredients! Add the diced tomatoes (juice and all), rinsed black beans, corn, and your shredded chicken right into the pot. Don’t forget to sprinkle in your cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together really well – trust me, this ensures all those flavors marry perfectly!
Step 3: Bring to a Boil
Next up, pour in the chicken broth. This is where the magic happens! Bring the mixture to a boil, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Boiling the soup helps to intensify the flavors, so keep an eye on it!
Step 4: Simmer
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes. This gives it time to thicken a bit and lets all those lovely spices infuse into the broth. Don’t forget to give it a little stir now and then! You’ll know it’s ready when it’s hot and bubbly, and your kitchen smells amazing.
Step 5: Serve
Finally, it’s time to serve up your chicken tortilla soup! Ladle it into bowls while it’s hot and top it off with crispy tortilla strips and fresh cilantro for that perfect finishing touch. Seriously, the colors and textures make it look so inviting! Trust me, everyone will be diving in for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: Each bowl is a fiesta of vibrant spices and fresh ingredients that will awaken your taste buds!
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of steps, you can whip up this delicious soup in about 45 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Nutritious and Hearty: Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans, it’s a filling meal that feels good to eat.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spices or add your favorite toppings; the possibilities are endless!
- Great for Meal Prep: You can make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze some for later—super convenient!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting soup, making it a hit at any table!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your chicken tortilla soup turns out absolutely perfect every time. Here are my top tips to help you nail it!
- Cook the Chicken Right: If you can, use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook your chicken in advance. It saves time and adds incredible flavor!
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a kick, feel free to add more chili powder or even a splash of hot sauce. If you prefer milder flavors, just dial back on the spices. You can always adjust to taste!
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh garlic and onions makes a world of difference in flavor. They really elevate your soup from good to amazing!
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to sneak in other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and color. Just chop them up and toss them in during the sauté step!
- Storage Tips: This soup keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just store it in an airtight container. And if you want to freeze it, let the soup cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags—leave some room for expansion!
- Reheat with Care: When reheating, do it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This will keep the flavors fresh and prevent it from becoming too thick.
With these tips, you’re on your way to making a chicken tortilla soup that’s not just good, but downright legendary! Enjoy every comforting bowl!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note: the nutritional information provided for this chicken tortilla soup is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Factors like the type of chicken, broth, and any extras you add can all influence the final numbers. So, while I’ve done my best to give you a good idea of what to expect, always remember that these values for calories, fat, protein, and carbs are approximate. Enjoy your cooking and eating journey, and don’t stress too much about the numbers—focus on the delicious flavors instead!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen chicken works just fine, but I recommend thawing it first for even cooking. You can cook it directly in the soup too—just make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What can I add to make it spicier?
If you’re looking to crank up the heat in your chicken tortilla soup, consider adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. You could also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Definitely! Just swap the chicken for your favorite plant-based protein, like chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still get that hearty, satisfying vibe!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, it freezes beautifully! Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags.
What toppings do you recommend?
I love topping my chicken tortilla soup with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Avocado, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream also make fantastic additions!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to properly store your delicious chicken tortilla soup so you can enjoy it later! First off, once you’ve finished enjoying your meal, let any leftovers cool down to room temperature. This is super important because putting hot soup directly into the fridge can raise the temperature inside, which isn’t ideal for food safety.
Once cooled, transfer your soup into an airtight container. I like to use glass containers because they keep everything fresh and make reheating a breeze! You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, this soup freezes like a dream! Just pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion (trust me, it’s worth it!). It’ll stay good in the freezer for about 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, there are a couple of ways to reheat chicken tortilla soup. If you’ve got time, the stovetop is my favorite method. Just pour the soup into a pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until it’s heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave it! Pop it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely (to avoid splatters), and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until it’s steaming hot.
And voila! You’re all set to savor that hearty goodness again. Enjoy every last spoonful of your chicken tortilla soup!
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Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup in 5 Simple Steps!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty chicken tortilla soup with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla strips for garnish
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chicken, and spices. Stir well.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with tortilla strips and cilantro.
Notes
- Adjust spice level to your preference.
- Can be made in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Freezes well for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: chicken tortilla soup, hearty soup, Mexican soup
