If you're in the mood for a warming, flavorful, and satisfying dish, look no further than chicken tortilla soup. This Mexican-inspired dish is a perfect blend of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and bold spices, all brought together in a rich, slightly tangy broth. With its contrasting textures and fresh toppings, it’s hard not to fall in love with this hearty soup. Even better? It’s incredibly easy to make, so whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned chef, this recipe is ideal for you.
Let's jump into how you can whip up this comfort-packed soup in your very own kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this incredibly flavorful soup:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional for some extra heat)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tortilla Strips:
- 3 small corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Topping Ideas (Optional but Highly Recommended!):
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sliced avocado
- Crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Extra lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Tortilla Strips
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the tortilla strips with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, then spread them out on a baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until they’re crispy but not burnt. Keep an eye on them, as they can cook quickly! Set them aside to cool.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic, jalapeño, and red bell pepper, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Build the Flavor
Sprinkle the cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika over the sautéed veggies. Give them a good stir to coat everything evenly. This step wakes up those spices and adds depth to your soup.
4. Add the Liquid Ingredients
Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, black beans, and corn. Stir everything together, raise the heat to medium-high, and allow the soup to come to a simmer.
5. Add the Chicken
Once the soup is simmering, stir in your shredded cooked chicken. Reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This gives all the flavors time to meld together beautifully.
6. Finish with Lime and Seasoning
Right before serving, squeeze the juice of one lime into the soup and give it a final taste-adjust for salt and pepper.
7. Serve and Garnish
Ladle your chicken tortilla soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. Don’t forget to add those crispy tortilla strips for the perfect crunch with every bite!
Tips for Customizing Your Chicken Tortilla Soup
One of the best things about this easy chicken tortilla soup recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a few slices of fresh jalapeño, or even a splash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Go vegetarian: Swap the chicken for more beans or diced sweet potatoes and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Experiment with toppings: Besides the classics listed above, try roasted pumpkin seeds, pickled red onions, or even crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
- Use fresh tomatoes: If you’ve got fresh tomatoes to spare, dice them up and roast for a homemade twist.
- Add rice or quinoa: For a heartier soup, stir in some cooked rice or quinoa at the end.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken tortilla soup is a complete meal on its own, but a side of warm, buttery cornbread or crispy quesadillas makes it extra special. Hosting friends or family? Set up a toppings bar with all the fixings and watch everyone customize their perfect bowl.
Final Thoughts
Chicken tortilla soup is more than just a dish; it’s a cozy bowl of happiness with layers of flavor and texture. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough to serve guests. Plus, with its vibrant colors and bold flavors, it’ll transport your taste buds to sunny Mexico. Try this easy chicken tortilla soup recipe for your next meal, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular part of your dinner rotation. Bon appétit, or as they say in Mexico, ¡Buen provecho!
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