Introduction and Quick Summary

Chicken tortilla soup is a comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of tender chicken, zesty spices, and fresh vegetables. This delightful meal is not only hearty but also incredibly satisfying. Perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Picture a warm bowl of chicken tortilla soup topped with crispy tortilla strips, creamy avocado slices, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro—it’s pure comfort food! Plus, it comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making your own mouthwatering chicken tortilla soup from scratch. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a flavorful dish ready in no time. Let’s dive into why you will love this comforting classic!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken tortilla soup

Quick and Easy Preparation: You can whip up this chicken tortilla soup in under an hour. It requires minimal prep time and uses easily accessible ingredients.
Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a rich flavor profile that warms the soul and fills the belly.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand—add beans for extra protein or spice it up with jalapeños.

Ingredients for Chicken tortilla soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts for optimal flavor and texture; shredded chicken adds heartiness to the soup.
Olive Oil: A tablespoon of olive oil helps sauté the vegetables and enhances their flavors.
Onion: A medium onion provides a base flavor; chop it finely for even cooking.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives depth to the broth; use about three cloves for maximum flavor.
Bell Peppers: One red or green bell pepper adds sweetness; dice it into small pieces.
Diced Tomatoes: Use one can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes to add acidity; consider using fire-roasted tomatoes for more flavor.
Chicken Broth: About six cups of low-sodium chicken broth creates the perfect base; adjust salt accordingly based on your broth choice.
Tortilla Chips: Use these as garnish for crunch; they add texture to each bowl served.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Chicken tortilla soup

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the boneless skinless chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides (about five minutes per side). Remove from pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, add chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté until softened (about five minutes). Add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Pour in diced tomatoes along with their juice and add chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Seasoning

Season with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and any additional spices you prefer. Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to simmer.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

After simmering for about twenty minutes until flavors meld together, remove the chicken breasts again and shred them using two forks before returning them back into the pot.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Ladle hot chicken tortilla soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla chips, avocado slices, sour cream if desired, and freshly chopped cilantro for garnish.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker option, use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of raw breasts—just shred it before adding!
Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to include corn or zucchini for added nutrition without sacrificing taste.
Spice Level Adjustment: Tailor spice levels by adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper depending on your heat preference.

Mistakes to avoid

Using canned ingredients without rinsingOne common mistake in making chicken tortilla soup is using canned beans or corn without rinsing them first. Canned items often contain excess sodium and preservatives that can alter the flavor of your soup. Rinsing these ingredients helps remove some of the salt and ensures a fresher taste. This simple step can significantly enhance the overall flavor profile of your chicken tortilla soup, making it more enjoyable for everyone.
Overcooking the chickenAnother mistake is overcooking the chicken. If you let the chicken simmer for too long, it can become tough and dry, ruining your delicious soup. To avoid this, cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding or chopping it into pieces. This will keep your chicken tender and juicy, contributing to a delightful texture in your chicken tortilla soup.
Neglecting seasoning adjustmentsFailing to adjust seasonings after cooking is a frequent error. Many people add spices at the beginning but forget to taste and adjust later. Chicken tortilla soup benefits from a balance of flavors, so always sample your dish before serving. You might find that adding more salt, pepper, or spices enhances the taste significantly, making for a more satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken tortilla soup is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Crunchy Tortilla Chips: Serve with a side of crunchy tortilla chips for added texture. Dipping the chips into the soup enhances the overall experience.
Fresh Avocado Slices: Adding slices of fresh avocado provides a creamy contrast to the spiciness of the soup, making each spoonful delightful.
Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top melts beautifully and adds richness to your Chicken tortilla soup, elevating its flavor profile.

FAQs

What can I add to Chicken tortilla soup?

You can enhance Chicken tortilla soup by adding various ingredients. Consider including black beans for extra protein or corn for sweetness. Fresh cilantro can provide brightness, while lime juice adds acidity. You might also try different toppings like jalapeños for heat or sour cream for creaminess. These additions create a personalized dish that suits your taste preferences.

Can I make Chicken tortilla soup in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Chicken tortilla soup in advance. Make a large batch and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. The flavors will meld beautifully over time, making it even more delicious when served later.

Is Chicken tortilla soup healthy?

Chicken tortilla soup can be quite healthy! It is typically low in calories and high in protein, especially when made with lean chicken breast. Loaded with vegetables like tomatoes and peppers, it offers essential vitamins and minerals. To keep it even healthier, limit fatty toppings or opt for low-fat cheese options.

How do I store leftover Chicken tortilla soup?

Storing leftover Chicken tortilla soup is simple. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. If you freeze it, consider leaving out any crispy toppings until you’re ready to serve, as they may become soggy upon reheating.

Conclusion

In summary, Chicken tortilla soup is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Its rich blend of spices and fresh ingredients makes it enjoyable year-round. When serving this delightful meal, consider pairing it with crunchy tortilla chips or fresh avocado slices to elevate its taste further. Feel free to customize your recipe by adding beans or other vegetables to suit your preferences. With easy storage options and health benefits, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Author: Doorecipes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 6

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a bowl of comfort with this easy Chicken Tortilla Soup, where tender chicken meets a medley of vibrant spices and fresh vegetables. This delightful dish is perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings, serving up heartwarming flavors that everyone will love. Picture a steaming bowl topped with crispy tortilla strips, creamy avocado slices, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro—each spoonful is a hug in a bowl!

Ingredients

Scale

3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion
3 cloves garlic
1 bell pepper (red or green)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Tortilla chips for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté chopped onion and bell pepper until softened (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic during the last minute.
Return the chicken to the pot and add diced tomatoes with juice and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
Season with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and any additional spices you prefer. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer.
After about 20 minutes of simmering, shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the pot.
Serve hot with crispy tortilla chips, avocado slices, sour cream if desired, and fresh cilantro for garnish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 290
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 610mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For quicker prep, consider using rotisserie chicken. Enhance nutrition by adding corn or zucchini. Adjust spice levels by including jalapeños or cayenne pepper.