Ultimate Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Quick Flavorful

There’s something undeniably comforting about a simmering pot of soup on a chilly evening. It brings back memories of cozy nights spent wrapped in blankets, savoring warm meals with family. One dish that always fills my heart—and my home—with warmth is Chicken Tortilla Soup. Its vibrant flavors and rich textures evoke the essence of Mexican cuisine, and the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! The aromatic smells of spices and fresh ingredients wafting through the kitchen make it a recipes where you don’t just eat; you celebrate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy—perfect for busy weeknights.
• Bursting with comforting flavors that warm you from the inside out.
• Budget-friendly, using pantry staples and fresh ingredients.
• Customizable to your taste; add your favorite toppings!
• Great for meal prep; makes excellent leftovers.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a delicious pot of Chicken Tortilla Soup:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (substituting rotisserie chicken saves time!)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced (you can use powder in a pinch, but fresh adds such a punch!)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted if you can find them for extra flavor)
• 4 cups chicken broth (homemade adds depth, but store-bought is just fine)
• 1 cup corn (frozen works perfectly)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (this gives amazing depth)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for sautéing
• Tortilla chips, for serving
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Avocado, sliced, for garnish (optional but highly recommended)
• Lime wedges, for serving (the zesty kick is just perfect!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your mouthwatering Chicken Tortilla Soup:

1. Heat Things Up: In a large pot, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until translucent. The smell will start making your kitchen feel inviting!
2. Add in the Goodness: Stir in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for another 2 minutes, allowing those flavors to mingle and develop.
3. Chicken Time: Add the chicken breasts to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Bring it all to a gentle simmer. This is when the magic starts!
4. Simmer and Shred: Cover and let the chicken simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until totally cooked through. Once it’s done, carefully remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. Don’t let too much steam escape; we still want that lovely aroma enveloping us.
5. Add the Extras: Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing all the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
6. Serve it Up: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with crushed tortilla chips for crunch, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and slices of creamy avocado. Squeeze a lime wedge over the top for that irresistible zesty kick.

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you’ve got the basics down, here are some fun twists you can play with to make this Chicken Tortilla Soup your own:

• Spice Level: Want a kick? Throw in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a boost.
• Flavor Additions: Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess or a sprinkle of cheese on top for that gooey factor.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for more beans or add in diced zucchini and mushrooms for a veggie-packed option.
• Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like oregano or a dash of taco seasoning can elevate this dish beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Tortilla Soup is delightful on its own, but if you want to elevate your serving game, consider these cozy ideas:

• Pair it with some cornbread or a warm baguette for dunking.
• Serve it alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Enjoy it with a side of tortilla chips for added crunch and texture.
• Make a festive evening out of it by serving with margaritas or sparkling water with lime.

Storage Tips

Too much soup? Not a problem! Here’s how to store it without losing any of those hearty flavors:

• Refrigerating: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
• Freezing: If you want to save some for later, portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months! Just remember to label it.
• Reheating: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, adding a little water or broth if it’s too thick. You can also microwave it–just make sure to cover it to avoid splatters.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand makes this soup even quicker to prepare. Just shred it and add it in during the last few minutes of cooking to warm it through.

Is it possible to make Chicken Tortilla Soup in a slow cooker?

You bet! Just toss everything into the slow cooker (except for the toppings) and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken right before serving. Easy peasy!

What are some good toppings for Chicken Tortilla Soup?

There are so many delicious options! Try crumbled queso fresco, sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, or even a drizzle of hot sauce. The more, the merrier!

Can this soup be made gluten-free?

Yes, just make sure your chicken broth and tortilla chips are certified gluten-free. You can even skip the chips and serve it over rice for a different twist!

Conclusion

And there you have it—the ultimate Chicken Tortilla Soup to warm your heart and fill your belly! I hope you give this recipe a try and make it your own with your favorite twists and toppings. I’d love to hear how you enjoyed your bowl of joy—or if you added your unique spin! So please, drop a comment below and let’s chat about your tasty creations. Happy cooking, my friend!

Ultimate Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Quick Flavorful

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• Author: mery
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Delve into a quick flavorful Chicken Tortilla Soup that brings comfort and taste to your table Perfect for busy nights or gatherings

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup corn

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

Olive oil, for sautéing

Tortilla chips, for serving

Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Avocado, sliced, for garnish

Lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

In a large pot, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until translucent.

Stir in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for another 2 minutes.

Add the chicken breasts to the pot with chicken broth and spices. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Cover and let the chicken simmer until cooked through, then shred and return to the pot.

Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn. Season and simmer together.

Ladle soup into bowls and top with tortilla chips, cilantro, avocado, and lime.

Notes

A warm and comforting Chicken Tortilla Soup filled with vibrant flavors and rich textures, perfect for chilly evenings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 30g