Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients :

1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed for seasoning

1 teaspoon paprika , sweet or smoked, plus more as needed for seasoning

black pepper, as needed for seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil , divided

1 cup chopped white onion, ¼-inch dice

1 tablespoon minced garlic

2 teaspoons cumin

1 teaspoon coriander

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 tablespoon chopped chipotle chilis in adobo sauce

1 tablespoon minced jalapenos

¼ cup tomato paste

¾ cup chopped red bell pepper, ¼-inch dice

1 cup corn kernels, fresh, canned or frozen

1 cup black beans, canned, rinsed and drained

14.5 ounce canned diced fire roasted tomatoes, plus juice

5 cups unsalted chicken stock

1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano

1 cup sliced corn tortilla strips, ¼-inch thick, 2-inch long strips

1 tablespoon lime juice

¼ cup cilantro leaves, for garnish.

Instructions :

Lightly season chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat large saute pan or dutch oven over medium heat.

Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, once hot cook the chicken on one side until lightly browned on the surface, 6 to 7 minutes.

Flip and cook on the other side until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), about 5 to 6 minutes.

Transfer chicken to a clean plate and shred into smaller pieces once cooled, reserve. In the same pot heat over medium heat, add in 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Once the oil is hot, add in the onions and garlic, saute for 1 minute. Add in the cumin, coriander, chili powder, and 1 teaspoon paprika, continuously stirring for 30 seconds.

Add chopped chipotle chilis and jalapenos, saute for 1 minute. Add in tomato paste and saute for 1 minute. Add in bell pepper and corn, saute for 1 minute.

Add in the black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken stock, oregano, salt, 1 cup tortilla strips, and shredded chicken, stir to combine.

Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer, cook until tortillas are softened about 15 minutes.

Stir in lime juice and cilantro leaves, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serve the soup with desired toppings.

Notes:

Versatile Protein Options: While the recipe suggests cooking and shredding chicken breasts, you can also use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.

Topping Suggestions: Enhance the soup with various toppings such as diced avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro. These toppings add both flavor and texture.

Vegetarian Variation: Transform this soup into a vegetarian-friendly dish by omitting the chicken and substituting vegetable broth for chicken stock. Additionally, consider adding extra vegetables or plant-based protein sources like tofu or tempeh.

Adjusting Spice Levels: Tailor the spiciness of the soup to your preference by adjusting the quantities of chipotle chilis in adobo sauce and minced jalapenos. For a milder version, reduce the amount or remove the seeds from the jalapenos.

Freezing Leftovers: Leftover soup can be frozen for future consumption. Ensure the soup is completely cooled before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Substitute for Chipotle Chilis: If chipotle chilis in adobo sauce are unavailable, you can use chipotle powder or smoked paprika to impart a smoky flavor to the soup. Alternatively, add a bit of hot sauce for heat.

Sodium Content Consideration: Opting for unsalted chicken stock provides better control over the soup’s sodium content. Adjust the seasoning accordingly if using regular chicken stock.

Tortilla Strips Options: While pre-packaged tortilla strips offer convenience, consider making your own by slicing corn tortillas and baking or frying them for a fresher, crunchier texture.

Preparation Convenience: Prepare the tortilla strips ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until needed. This saves time during soup assembly.

Balanced Nutrition: This soup offers a balance of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal option. Adjust ingredient quantities to meet specific dietary preferences or requirements.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken in this recipe instead of cooking chicken breasts from scratch?

Yes, using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can be a time-saving option. Simply shred the pre-cooked chicken and add it to the soup during the final stages of cooking to heat through.

What are some recommended toppings for Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Popular toppings include diced avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and extra lime wedges.

These toppings add texture and flavor to the soup.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

Additionally, consider adding extra vegetables or plant-based protein sources like tofu or tempeh.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?

Certainly! The level of spiciness can be adjusted by modifying the amounts of chipotle chilis in adobo sauce and minced jalapenos.

For a milder version, use less of these ingredients or remove the seeds from the jalapenos.

Can I freeze leftover soup?

Yes, you can freeze leftover Chicken Tortilla Soup. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags.

Leave some space for expansion as the soup freezes. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I use as a substitute for chipotle chilis in adobo sauce?

If you can’t find chipotle chilis in adobo sauce, you can use chipotle powder or a pinch of smoked paprika to add a smoky flavor to the soup.

Alternatively, use a bit of hot sauce to add heat.

Is it necessary to use unsalted chicken stock?

Using unsalted chicken stock gives you better control over the sodium content of the soup. If you’re using regular chicken stock, be mindful of the salt content in other ingredients and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Can I use pre-packaged tortilla strips for the soup?

Yes, you can use pre-packaged tortilla strips as a time-saving option.

However, making your own tortilla strips by slicing corn tortillas and baking or frying them can add a fresher, crunchier texture to the soup.

Can I prepare the tortilla strips ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the tortilla strips ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to use them.

This can save you time when assembling the soup.