Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup

Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup is a bold, flavorful take on a comforting classic. Packed with tender chicken, smoky chipotle peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a hint of lime, this soup brings a satisfying balance of heat and zest.

Topped with crispy tortilla chips, creamy avocado, and melted Monterey Jack cheese, it’s a hearty dish perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with friends.

This recipe blends rich, smoky flavors with a variety of textures, making it a must-try for soup lovers seeking a little spice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

People will love this Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup for its bold, smoky flavor and comforting heartiness.

The combination of tender chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, and chipotle peppers creates a deep, rich taste, while the crispy tortilla chips, creamy avocado, and melted Monterey Jack cheese add layers of texture.

The touch of lime juice brightens the dish, balancing the smoky heat with a refreshing citrus kick.

It’s the perfect blend of warmth, spice, and comfort, making it a crowd-pleaser for both chilly nights and lively gatherings.

Key Ingredients:

Chicken: Provides a hearty, protein-rich base for the soup.

Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: Adds a smoky, spicy depth to the broth.

Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Enhances the soup with a rich, slightly charred tomato flavor.

Poblano Peppers: Introduces a mild heat and earthy taste.

Bacon: Adds a crispy, smoky element to complement the chipotle.

Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully for a creamy, cheesy garnish.

Tortilla Chips: Adds a crunchy texture, perfect for dipping or topping.

Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients

4 slices Center-cut Bacon, Cut Into 1/4″ Pieces

1 whole Large Onion, Chopped

5 cloves Garlic, Chopped

2 whole Poblano Peppers, Seeded & Chopped

2 whole Chipotle Peppers In Adobo Sauce, Chopped

3 cups Cooked Chicken, Cooked & Chopped

2 cans (14 Oz Each) Fire-Roasted Tomatoes

1-½ cup Chicken Stock (more If Needed)

2 teaspoons Salt and Pepper (or To Taste)

2 whole Limes, Juiced

2 Tablespoons Heavy Cream

FOR GARNISHING:

1-½ cup Monterey Jack Cheese

1 whole Avocado, Peeled And Pitted

1 bunch Cilantro, Chopped

4 cups Tortilla Chips

Instructions:

Step 1:

Heat a stockpot to medium-high heat and cook bacon until crisp; remove with a slotted spoon.

Step 2:

Leave about 2 tbsp. bacon grease in the stockpot, discarding the remaining oil.

Cook the onions, garlic, and poblano peppers over medium heat until fragrant and the poblano is softened.

Add in chipotle peppers, chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken stock and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3:

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low for about 10 minutes until thickened.

Stir in bacon pieces, lime juice and heavy cream; heat through.

Step 4:

Zeppole di San Giuseppe

Old Fashioned Cornish Beef Pasties

Crispy Cheesy Hashbrowns

Serve garnished with tortilla chips, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, avocado and cilantro.

Enjoy!!

Notes:

Flavorful Ingredients: This soup boasts a rich and smoky flavor profile, thanks to ingredients like bacon, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, and poblano peppers. These ingredients combine to create a deliciously robust taste.

Texture and Garnishes: The soup offers a variety of textures, from the creamy broth to the tender chicken and crunchy tortilla chips. Garnishes like Monterey Jack cheese, avocado, and cilantro add freshness and complexity to each bite.

Bacon Infusion: Cooking the soup with bacon adds depth and savory richness to the broth. The rendered bacon fat enhances the overall flavor profile, infusing every spoonful with smoky goodness.

Customizable Heat: Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce provide a subtle heat to the soup, but you can adjust the spiciness according to your preference by adding more or fewer peppers. This flexibility allows you to tailor the soup to your taste.

Quick and Easy Preparation: With simple instructions and readily available ingredients, this soup is easy to prepare. It’s a great option for a comforting weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner.

Versatile Garnishes: The garnishes, including shredded Monterey Jack cheese, avocado, and cilantro, not only enhance the soup’s flavor but also add visual appeal. You can customize the garnishes based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Family-Friendly Meal: This soup is likely to be a hit with the whole family due to its familiar flavors and comforting nature. It’s a satisfying and hearty dish that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Make-Ahead Option: You can make a large batch of this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. Simply reheat and garnish when ready to serve, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

Balanced and Nutritious: While this soup is indulgent and flavorful, it also offers nutritional benefits. With lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the vegetables, and healthy fats from the avocado, it’s a well-rounded meal option.

Perfect for Entertaining: Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or a dinner party, this soup is an excellent choice. It’s easy to scale up to feed a crowd, and you can set up a garnish bar so guests can customize their bowls to their liking.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1 bowl

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use turkey bacon or a vegetarian alternative instead of center-cut bacon?

Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon or a vegetarian alternative for center-cut bacon if desired.

Adjust cooking time accordingly.

What can I substitute for poblano peppers if I can’t find them?

If you can’t find poblano peppers, you can use green bell peppers as a substitute.

However, keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different.

How spicy is the soup with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce? Can I adjust the heat level?

The soup will have a moderate level of spiciness due to the chipotle peppers.

You can adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers according to your preference.

Is there a low-fat alternative to heavy cream that I can use?

Yes, you can use a low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk as a substitute for heavy cream.

This will result in a lighter version of the soup.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned fire-roasted tomatoes?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned fire-roasted tomatoes.

Simply roast or grill the fresh tomatoes before adding them to the soup for a similar smoky flavor.

How do I adjust the thickness of the soup if it’s too thin or too thick?

If the soup is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for longer to reduce the liquid and thicken it.

If it’s too thick, you can add more chicken stock or water to achieve your desired consistency.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken separately?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a convenient option and can save time.

Simply shred the rotisserie chicken and add it to the soup during the final cooking stage.

What are some other garnish options besides Monterey Jack cheese, avocado, and cilantro?

Other garnish options include sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, or a dollop of salsa.

Can I freeze this soup for later consumption?

Yes, you can freeze the soup for later consumption.

Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags.

It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

How long does this soup last in the refrigerator, and how should I store leftovers?

The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Allow it to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.

Reheat individual portions as needed.