Ingredients
2 lbs chicken breast
1 cup tomatoes, chopped
1 tbsp garlic, minced
2 tbsp guajillo chilies, chopped
1 cup white onion, chopped
2 Tbsp chicken base
6 cups water
2 tbsp Mexican red chile powder
1 bag of frozen corn
1 lime
¼ tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1 Tbsp caldo de pollo
1 tsp salt
1 package Cheddar Cheese
Optional: fried tortilla strips, mexican crema, avocado slices
Instructions:
To start, place chicken, tomatoes, garlic, guajillo chiles, onion, and chicken base in your pot along with water and Mexican red chile powder. Cook for 20 minutes on medium to low heat.
Remove the chicken and shred.
Blend the remaining ingredients in your pot and then pour back into the pot along with your shredded chicken and frozen corn.
Add lime juice, cumin, and caldo de pollo and simmer for 10 minutes.
Top with Cheddar Cheese and serve!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast if you prefer.
Adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked, and you can shred it easily.
What is Mexican red chile powder, and can I use regular chili powder as a substitute?
Mexican red chile powder has a distinct flavor, but if unavailable, you can use regular chili powder as a substitute.
However, the flavor profile may differ slightly, so adjust the quantity to your taste.
Are there alternatives to guajillo chilies if I can’t find them?
If guajillo chilies are not available, you can use other dried red chilies like ancho or pasilla.
Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference, as different chilies have varying heat levels.
Can I make this soup in advance and reheat it later?
Yes, you can make Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Soup in advance and reheat it.
Allow it to cool before storing it in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Top with cheese just before serving.
What can I use as a substitute for Mexican crema if I don’t have it?
If Mexican crema is unavailable, you can use sour cream as a substitute.
Alternatively, you can mix regular heavy cream with a bit of lime juice to achieve a similar tangy flavor.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breast?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time.
Add the shredded cooked chicken when the recipe calls for the shredded chicken, and reduce the cooking time accordingly.
What is the purpose of caldo de pollo in the recipe, and can I skip it?
Caldo de pollo is a type of chicken bouillon, and it adds depth of flavor to the soup.
If you don’t have it, you can use regular chicken bouillon or chicken broth as a substitute.
Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences.
Is Mexican red chile powder very spicy, and can I adjust the spice level?
Mexican red chile powder can vary in spiciness.
Start with the recommended quantity and adjust based on your spice tolerance.
You can always add more later, but it’s challenging to reduce spice once it’s added.
Can I make this soup vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth?
Absolutely! You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken base.
Add extra vegetables or beans to enhance the flavor and texture.
What are some creative toppings I can add to enhance the soup?
You can enhance the soup with various toppings such as fried tortilla strips (for added crunch), Mexican crema or sour cream, avocado slices, and even a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Customize the toppings based on your preferences.