Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner recipe, look no further than this Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup. Packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

This recipe uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, like chicken broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and spices. To make the soup, simply sauté onions, garlic, and jalapeño pepper in a large pot until they’re soft and fragrant. Then, add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, shredded chicken, black beans, corn, cumin, and chili powder. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

When serving, top the soup with tortilla strips, avocado, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for an extra kick of flavor. This Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick and satisfying.

About Chicken Tortilla Soup

A traditional Chicken Tortilla Soup usually starts with sautéing onions, garlic, and peppers in oil until they are softened and fragrant. Then, chicken broth or stock is added to the pot along with diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans. The chicken is either added to the broth raw and cooked until it is tender or cooked separately and shredded before being added to the soup. A variety of spices, such as cumin, chili powder, and oregano, are used to season the broth and give the soup its distinct flavor. The soup is typically simmered for a period of time to allow the flavors to meld together.

When it comes to serving Chicken Tortilla Soup, there are endless options for toppings and garnishes. Common toppings include shredded cheese, diced avocado, freshly chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Tortilla chips are often crumbled on top of the soup or served on the side for dipping. Some people also like to add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

The key ingredients you will need to make this delicious and flavorful chicken tortilla soup include:

• Chicken: You will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. They can be cooked and shredded, or you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
• Vegetables: Onion, garlic, bell peppers, and corn are essential vegetables for this soup.
• Tomatoes: You can use canned diced tomatoes or fresh tomatoes. If using canned, make sure to drain them before adding to the soup.
• Chicken broth: This is the base of the soup and provides the flavor. You can use store-bought chicken broth or make your own.
• Spices: Cumin, chili powder, and paprika are common spices used in chicken tortilla soup. Adjust the amount to your taste preferences.
• Tortilla chips: These crispy chips are used as a topping and add a crunchy texture to the soup.
• Cilantro and lime: Fresh cilantro leaves and lime juice are added at the end to enhance the flavors.

Note: You can also add additional ingredients like black beans, diced green chilies, or jalapeños for extra flavor and heat.

How to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can corn, drained
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and sour cream for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeno pepper and sauté until they are softened and fragrant.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool.
3. In the same pot, add the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
4. While the soup is simmering, shred the cooled chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
5. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and sour cream.

This Chicken Tortilla Soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends. Enjoy the comforting flavors and textures of this delicious homemade soup!

Serving Chicken Tortilla Soup

Serving Options:

• As a main course: Chicken Tortilla Soup can be served as a filling and satisfying main course. Serve it in a bowl and add toppings such as tortilla strips, avocado slices, shredded cheese, and sour cream to enhance the flavor and texture of the soup.
• As a starter: Chicken Tortilla Soup can also be served as a starter before a main meal. Serve it in small bowls or cups to give your guests a taste of the delicious flavors to come. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges to add a refreshing twist.

Garnish and Toppings:

Garnishing and adding toppings to Chicken Tortilla Soup can take it to the next level. Here are some popular options:

• Tortilla strips: Crispy tortilla strips add a crunchy texture to the soup. You can make your own by cutting corn tortillas into thin strips and frying them until crispy.
• Avocado slices: Creamy avocado slices add a rich and buttery flavor to the soup. They also provide a nice contrast to the acidity of the soup.
• Shredded cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, on top of the soup for a gooey and melty addition.
• Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a tangy and creamy element to the soup. It helps to balance out the heat and spices.
• Fresh cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness and a hint of citrus to the soup. It also adds a pop of vibrant green color.
• Lime wedges: Squeeze some fresh lime juice over the soup right before serving to enhance the flavors and add a bright citrusy note.

By serving Chicken Tortilla Soup with the right toppings and garnishes, you can enhance its flavors and make it a memorable and enjoyable dish for any occasion.