Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that warms your heart and satisfies your hunger. With its rich broth, tender chicken, and crunchy tortilla strips, it’s perfect for any day of the week. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough to impress your guests.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make Chicken Tortilla Soup for several reasons. First, it’s quick and easy to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. Second, it’s a great way to use leftover chicken, making it economical and practical. Finally, you can customize the toppings based on your preferences, adding a personal touch to every bowl.
How to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup corn
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla strips, for serving
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Avocado, for topping
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Stir in the bell pepper, chili powder, and cumin, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, corn, and shredded chicken.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Season with lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Serve hot, topped with tortilla strips, cilantro, and avocado.
How to Serve Chicken Tortilla Soup
Serve Chicken Tortilla Soup hot. Ladle the soup into bowls and add a generous amount of tortilla strips on top. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and add slices of avocado for a creamy finish. You can also provide lime wedges on the side for those who enjoy an extra burst of citrus flavor.
How to Store Chicken Tortilla Soup
If you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra broth if needed. Avoid freezing the soup, as the texture of the ingredients may change upon thawing.
Tips to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh jalapeños or diced green chilies.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chili powder.
- Top with cheese for a richer taste if desired.
Variation
For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with black beans or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add more vegetables such as zucchini or spinach.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the soup.
2. Is it possible to make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can make it in advance and reheat it. The flavors will develop even more overnight.
3. What can I do with leftover soup?
You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for future meals. Just make sure to separate it into portions for easy reheating.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
A comforting and flavorful Chicken Tortilla Soup with tender chicken, rich broth, and crunchy tortilla strips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup corn
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla strips, for serving
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Avocado, for topping
Instructions
- Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Stir in bell pepper, chili powder, and cumin; cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, corn, and shredded chicken.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Season with lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Serve hot, topped with tortilla strips, cilantro, and avocado.
Notes
For extra flavor, add jalapeños or diced green chilies. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
