The aroma of Chicken Tortilla Soup wafts through the air, filling your kitchen with a comforting warmth that makes you feel like you’ve been wrapped in a cozy blanket. Comforting Cabbage Soup Each spoonful is a delightful blend of tender chicken, spicy chilies, and crisp tortilla strips, creating a fiesta for your taste buds that begs for seconds.
Imagine this: it’s a chilly evening, and you’re huddled under a blanket, ready to dive into a big bowl of this soul-soothing soup. That’s the magic of Chicken Tortilla Soup; it’s not just food; it’s an experience that warms you from the inside out, making it the perfect dish for family gatherings or lazy weekends. Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup. For more inspiration, check out this Cozy Chicken and Rice Soup recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Tortilla Soup is easy to whip up, even on the busiest nights
- With its rich flavors and vibrant colors, it’s a feast for both the eyes and palate
- Versatile enough for any occasion, whether casual or fancy, this soup can easily become your go-to comfort food
Sharing this soup at dinner was an instant hit; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Opt for 3-4 chicken breasts based on serving size; they cook quickly and soak up all the flavors.
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Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it adds richness to the soup.
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Onion: A medium onion diced finely enhances sweetness when sautéed, adding depth to the flavor.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves minced will give you that aromatic kick that’s simply irresistible.
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Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant bell peppers; they add color and sweetness while cooking.
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Canned Tomatoes: Fire-roasted canned tomatoes work wonders here, infusing a smoky flavor into the broth.
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Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth ensures you control salt levels while delivering robust flavor.
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Corn Kernels: Frozen or fresh corn adds sweetness and pops of texture throughout every bite.
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Taco Seasoning: A mix of spices that brings authentic Mexican flavors; homemade or store-bought works perfectly!
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Cilantro and Lime Juice: Fresh cilantro and a splash of lime brighten up the entire dish at serving time.
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Tortilla Strips: Crunchy tortilla strips are essential as they provide texture contrast in every spoonful.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Chicken: Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and season them lightly with salt. Cook until browned on each side.
Sauté Aromatics: Remove cooked chicken from pot and set aside. In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent—about 5 minutes is perfect. Honey Garlic Chicken Pairing.
Add Veggies & Spices : Toss in diced bell peppers along with taco seasoning. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until peppers soften slightly. The aroma will be heavenly!
Pour in Tomatoes & Broth : Stir in canned tomatoes along with their juices and chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer while scraping any tasty bits off the bottom of the pot.
Add Corn & Chicken Back : Mix in corn kernels after about 10 minutes simmering. Return the seared chicken to the pot so it can absorb all those delightful flavors together.
Finish with Cilantro & Lime : Just before serving, stir in chopped cilantro with fresh lime juice for an extra zing! Ladle into bowls and top with crunchy tortilla strips before diving in!
This Chicken Tortilla Soup is sure to become your new favorite comfort dish! Enjoy every spoonful filled with laughter and memories shared around your table. For more inspiration, check out this Crockpot Chicken and Rice Soup recipe.
You Must Know
- This Chicken Tortilla Soup is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl
- With vibrant flavors and textures, you can easily tweak the ingredients based on your pantry
- The aroma alone will have everyone asking for seconds, making it perfect for chilly evenings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add chicken to sear. Pour in broth and spices, letting it all simmer to perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap black beans for kidney beans or add corn for sweetness. Top with avocado or cheese for extra indulgence.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Chicken Tortilla Soup is outstanding, remember to use fresh spices for maximum flavor impact
- Avoid overcooking chicken; it should be tender but not dry
- Garnish generously with cilantro and lime for a burst of freshness that makes all the difference
The first time I made this soup, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it, turning a simple dinner into an unforgettable gathering filled with laughter and good food.
FAQ
Can I make Chicken Tortilla Soup in advance?
Yes, preparing in advance enhances flavors; just store without toppings until serving.
What can I use instead of chicken?
Try shredded jackfruit or tofu for a delicious vegetarian version of Chicken Tortilla Soup. Crockpot Cheesy Pasta.
Is this soup spicy?
You control the heat; adjust chili powder and spices based on your preference!
Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the delightful warmth of Chicken Tortilla Soup, a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and crispy tortilla strips in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this easy-to-make soup is sure to become your go-to comfort food. With its enticing aroma and satisfying taste, each spoonful is like a warm hug that brings everyone together.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 cups tortilla strips
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and season lightly with salt. Cook until browned on both sides; remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add diced bell peppers and taco seasoning; cook for another 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in canned tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer while scraping up any browned bits from the pot.
- After about 10 minutes of simmering, add corn kernels and return the seared chicken to the pot.
- Just before serving, mix in cilantro and lime juice. Ladle into bowls and top with tortilla strips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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