Name: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 yellow onion, diced; 1 4oz. can of diced green chili; 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 2 1/2 cups of cooked chicken breast, shredded; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 28oz. can of diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed; 1 15oz. can of black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup of yellow corn, frozen; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 2 teaspoons cumin; 2 teaspoons paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon oregano; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 5 cups of chicken broth; Crispy corn tortilla strips; Shredded Mexican cheese; 1 jalapeño, sliced; 1 avocado, sliced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, minced; 3 lime wedges

Why Make This Recipe

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or when entertaining friends. This soup is not just delicious; it’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of juicy chicken, zesty lime, and the crunch of tortilla strips makes it an enjoyable meal for all.

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How to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
1 4oz. can of diced green chili
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 1/2 cups of cooked chicken breast, shredded
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 28oz. can of diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed
1 15oz. can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup of yellow corn, frozen
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon pepper
5 cups of chicken broth
Crispy corn tortilla strips
Shredded Mexican cheese
1 jalapeño, sliced
1 avocado, sliced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, minced
3 lime wedges

Directions:

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Lower the heat to medium, then add the green chilies and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes.
Mix in the shredded chicken and lime juice, stirring to combine.
Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn.
In a small bowl, mix all the seasonings and sprinkle them over the soup.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Boil for 5 minutes, then reduce to a simmer on low heat.
Cover and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
Let the soup cool uncovered before serving and add your favorite toppings like tortilla strips, cheese, jalapeños, avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges.

How to Serve Chicken Tortilla Soup

Serve Chicken Tortilla Soup in large bowls. Top with crispy corn tortilla strips, a generous sprinkle of shredded Mexican cheese, sliced jalapeños, avocado slices, and minced cilantro. Don’t forget to add a lime wedge on the side for extra zest!

How to Store Chicken Tortilla Soup

Store leftover Chicken Tortilla Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup for about 2-3 months. Just make sure to leave out the toppings until you are ready to serve.

Tips to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup

Make sure to shred the chicken breast finely for better texture.
Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer jalapeños.
Fresh herbs like cilantro can elevate the flavor, so don’t skip them!

Variation

For a vegetarian version, you can use vegetable broth and replace chicken with more beans and vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You might also add quinoa for an extra boost of protein.

FAQs

1. Can I use a rotisserie chicken?
Yes, using a rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even easier. Just shred the meat and add it directly to the soup.

2. What can I use instead of chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or even water if that’s what you have on hand, although broth adds more flavor.

3. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you ensure the tortilla strips and any toppings you use are gluten-free, the soup itself is gluten-free.

Enjoy making your Chicken Tortilla Soup! It’s a delightful meal that everyone will love.