Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish packed with bold spices, tender shredded chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, and hearty black beans.
This Mexican-inspired soup is simmered to perfection with smoky chipotle, jalapeños, and crispy tortilla strips, creating a rich and satisfying broth.
The balance of heat, acidity from lime juice, and the crunch of tortilla strips make it an irresistible meal. Perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings, this soup is both nourishing and delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Bold & Smoky Flavor – The combination of chipotle chilis, fire-roasted tomatoes, and warm spices like cumin and chili powder gives this soup an irresistible depth of flavor.
Hearty & Satisfying – Packed with tender shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and crispy tortilla strips, this soup is a complete meal in a bowl.
Perfectly Balanced – The richness of the broth is complemented by the fresh tang of lime juice and the slight heat from jalapeños, creating a well-rounded taste.
Great for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests, this soup is both comforting and impressive.
Customizable Toppings – Garnish with avocado, cheese, sour cream, or extra tortilla strips to make each bowl unique and even more delicious.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a go-to recipe for a flavorful homemade soup without much effort.
Key Ingredients:
Chicken Breasts – Provides lean, tender protein for a hearty soup.
Fire-Roasted Tomatoes – Adds a smoky depth of flavor.
Chipotle Chilis in Adobo Sauce – Brings a rich, smoky heat.
Black Beans & Corn – Adds texture, fiber, and sweetness.
Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Chili Powder, Paprika) – Infuses the broth with bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
Corn Tortilla Strips – Thickens the soup slightly and adds a classic tortilla taste.
Lime Juice & Cilantro – Brightens up the flavors with a fresh, zesty touch.
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:
Calories: 330 kcal | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 37g | Dietary Fiber: 9g | Total Sugars: 10g | Total Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 900mg |
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.