Cozy Chicken Tortilla Soup: From Weeknight Dinner to Fiesta Favourite
This Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is proper tasty! Easy enough for a weeknight, flavourful enough for a fiesta. Get the secret to crispy tortilla strips here!
- Recipe Introduction: Cozy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe : From Weeknight Dinner to Fiesta Fave
- Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown
- Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place
- Chicken Tortilla Soup: Step-by-Step
- Pro Tips for a Cracking Soup
- Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Frequently Asked Questions
Alright, let's get this show on the road!
Recipe Introduction: Cozy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe : From Weeknight Dinner to Fiesta Fave
Ever feel like you need a hug from the inside? honestly, this chicken tortilla soup recipe is exactly that. it's warm, comforting, and packed with flavour.
Think of it as sunshine in a bowl!
A Taste of Mexico
This soup is inspired by the amazing flavours of mexico. it's a simple, authentic chicken tortilla soup recipe that's perfect for a chilly evening.
It's proper easy and ready in under an hour. this recipe makes around 6 servings. ideal for a family dinner or a get-together with your mates.
Why You'll Love This Soup
One of the best things about this hearty chicken tortilla soup is that it's packed with good stuff. chicken is a great source of protein, keeping you full and satisfied.
Need a crowd-pleaser? this is your answer. it's also incredibly adaptable. i promise you, this recipe for tortilla soup will become a family staple.
You know?
What's In It?
Time to gather up the bits and bobs.
- For the Soup: Olive oil, onion, garlic, red bell pepper, jalapeno, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, black beans, corn, cooked shredded chicken, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- For the Tortilla Strips: Corn tortillas, olive oil, and salt.
- Toppings (Optional): Shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges.
Right, let’s get down to brass tacks with our chicken tortilla soup recipe . it's all about nailing the ingredients and having the right bits and bobs to hand.
Trust me, having everything prepped makes this hearty chicken tortilla soup an absolute doddle.
Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown
Alright, listen up, because this is where the magic happens. It's all about having the right ingredients to hand.
Main Players: The Ingredient Lineup
Okay, for the soul of this Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe we need:
2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil . It needs to be decent quality, not the cheap stuff.
1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup/150g) . Gets those flavours going.
2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 1 tablespoon/6g) . Don't skimp on the garlic, honestly.
1 red bell pepper, chopped (approx. 1 cup/150g) . Adds a bit of sweetness.
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional) (5g) . If you like a kick!
1 teaspoon (5 ml) chili powder . For that authentic taste.
1 teaspoon (5 ml) cumin . Adds warmth.
½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) smoked paprika . For a smoky depth.
¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) cayenne pepper (optional) . Extra heat, only if you're brave!
4 cups (950 ml) chicken broth . Low sodium is always a good shout.
1 (28 ounce) can (794g) crushed tomatoes . Proper crushed, not just chopped.
1 (15 ounce) can (425g) black beans, rinsed and drained . Essential.
1 (15 ounce) can (425g) corn, drained (frozen works too) . Adds a bit of sweetness and texture.
1 pound (450g) cooked chicken, shredded . Rotisserie chicken is the best shortcut ever.
Juice of 1 lime. Zesty and fresh.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper. To taste, obviously.
For those banging tortilla strips:
6 corn tortillas . The real deal.
2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil . For crispness.
Pinch of salt. To season.
Quality indicators: when it comes to chicken, if you're not using a rotisserie, make sure it's good quality chicken breast.
Free-range if you can. for the tomatoes, go for a brand you trust. it really does make a difference. this chicken tortilla soup for two (or more, if you’re sharing) is so much better with quality ingredients.
Seasoning Shenanigans: Spicing It Up
The chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika combo is a game-changer. don't be afraid to experiment! a pinch of oregano can also be lovely.
I sometimes add a bit of cocoa powder for a richer flavour. it sounds weird, but it works! for flavour enhancers, a bay leaf while simmering is top-notch.
If you haven't got something, you could sub smoked paprika with normal paprika.
Equipment Essentials: What You Need
Right, you'll need:
- A large pot or Dutch oven. A proper big one.
- A baking sheet. For those tortilla strips.
- A chef's knife and chopping board. Obvs.
- Tongs. Handy for everything.
Honestly, you can get away with using a normal saucepan if you don't have a dutch oven. and if you don't have a baking sheet, a frying pan will do for the tortillas.
So, there you have it! all the bits and bobs you need for a brilliant authentic chicken tortilla soup recipe .
Next up, let's get cooking! remember if you are short on time, you can always chuck it all in a chicken tortilla soup recipe crockpot too.
Alright, let's dive into making some top-notch grub, particularly our chicken tortilla soup recipe . it's proper comforting, and you'll be chuffed with how easy it is.
I have cooked a variant of it using crockpot, and it turns out just amazing.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place
Honestly, the key to a smooth cooking sesh is getting your ducks in a row first. mise en place , as they say.
This means chopping all your veggies and having your ingredients measured out before you even think about turning on the hob.
Essential Mise en Place
- Chop one medium yellow onion (about 1 cup).
- Mince two cloves of garlic (about 1 tablespoon).
- Chop one red bell pepper (about 1 cup).
- Mince one jalapeno pepper (optional, you control the heat, mate!).
- Shred one pound of cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken is the way to go!.
- Rinse and drain one can of black beans (425g).
- Drain one can of corn (425g).
This Authentic Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe can be a doddle.
Time-Saving Tips and a bit of organization, init?
Pre-chopped veggies from the supermarket? no shame in that game! also, using a rotisserie chicken saves time. prep all ingredients ahead of time.
Store them in separate containers. this will make your cooking experience easier.
Safety First, Always
Mind your fingers when you're chopping! a sharp knife is safer than a dull one, believe it or not. keep your cutting board stable and focus on what you are doing, no distractions.
Chicken Tortilla Soup: Step-by-Step
I always tell my mates that anyone can make a good Chicken Tortilla Soup For Two following a few simple steps. And I’m not even pulling your leg!
- Sauté: Heat 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeno (if using). Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Spice It Up: Stir in 1 teaspoon (5 ml) chili powder, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) cumin, ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute , until fragrant.
- Simmer: Pour in 4 cups (950 ml) chicken broth (low sodium recommended) and one (28 ounce) can (794g) crushed tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the Good Stuff: Stir in rinsed black beans, drained corn, and shredded chicken.
- Simmer, Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to let the flavours get to know each other. Stir in the juice of one lime and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Tortilla Time: Preheat oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Cut 6 corn tortillas into thin strips. Toss with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- Bake ‘Em Crisp: Spread tortilla strips on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 8- 10 minutes , or until golden brown and crispy. Watch them like a hawk; they burn quickly !
- Serve and Enjoy! Ladle the Hearty Chicken Tortilla Soup into bowls. Top with tortilla strips and your favourite toppings.
This recipe creates a yummy Chicken Soup Tortilla .
Pro Tips for a Cracking Soup
Want to elevate your Recipe For Tortilla Soup game? Here are a few tricks.
- Shortcut Alert: Rotisserie chicken is your best friend! It saves so much time.
- Flavour Boost: A squeeze of lime juice at the end brightens up all the flavours. Don't skip it!
- Common Mistake: Overcooking the tortilla strips! They go from crispy to burnt in seconds.
- Make-Ahead Magic: The soup base can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Talk about a win!
Now go on, give this Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipes Homemade a go! You'll be chuffed, I promise. It is also an amazing Easy Crop Pot Meals idea.
Right then, let's chat about the nitty-gritty bits for this absolutely belter of a Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe . Honestly, sometimes the small stuff makes the biggest difference. You know?
Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Chicken Tortilla Soup
These are my bits of advice. It helps ensure that your authentic chicken tortilla soup recipe turns out tip-top every single time!
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Presentation is everything, darling. ladle that hearty chicken tortilla soup into a rustic bowl. a dollop of sour cream? sprinkled with fresh coriander.
Go on, get fancy. a few crispy tortilla strips. bam. this is perfect for chicken tortilla soup for two .
Maybe serve with a side of cheesy quesadillas. a light mexican slaw would be lovely too! don't forget a wedge of lime for that extra zing.
Oh, and definitely have some ice-cold coronas on hand.
Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh
Right, so you've got leftovers. Lucky you! Pop that chicken soup tortilla magic into an airtight container. Into the fridge it goes, where it'll happily live for 3-4 days.
Freezing is a goer too! just let the recipe for tortilla soup cool completely. store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
When reheating, let it thaw overnight. then gently warm on the tortilla soup stove top or in the microwave. always make sure it's piping hot before serving.
Variations: Tweak It Your Way
Fancy a lighter version? swap full-fat sour cream for greek yogurt. ditch the cheese altogether. still tastes wicked! for a vegetarian version, skip the chicken.
Chuck in extra beans and some roasted sweet potatoes.
Got some butternut squash kicking about? Roast it up and add it for an autumnal twist. You know, seasonal vibes.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
This chicken tortilla soup recipe homemade is actually pretty decent for you. it’s packed with protein from the chicken and beans.
There's plenty of fibre too. the veggies contribute vitamins. you know, all the good stuff.
Just be mindful of the sodium content in your broth. Opt for low-sodium if you're watching your salt intake.
Honestly, this chicken tortilla soup recipe crockpot or stovetop, isn’t just delicious. it's also a proper comforting and nourishing meal.
So, what are you waiting for? get cooking! i promise you'll love this. it is perfect for easy crop pot meals or even a fancy dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this chicken tortilla soup recipe healthy?
Absolutely! This chicken tortilla soup recipe is packed with lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the beans and corn, and plenty of vitamins from the vegetables. It's a balanced meal that's good for you, though keep an eye on the sodium content of your broth. Using low-sodium broth and controlling your salt additions is key to a healthier bowl. And remember, portion control is always a good shout!
Can I make chicken tortilla soup ahead of time?
You certainly can! In fact, the flavours often meld together even better when the soup is made a day or two in advance. Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just remember to add the tortilla strips right before serving to keep them nice and crispy – nobody likes a soggy bottom!
What's the best way to store leftover chicken tortilla soup?
To properly store any leftover chicken tortilla soup, let it cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage – up to 2-3 months. When freezing, leave a little room in the container as the soup will expand. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How can I make this chicken tortilla soup recipe spicier?
Fancy turning up the heat a bit, do you? There are several ways to spice up this recipe. You can add more jalapeno (including the seeds for extra kick), increase the amount of cayenne pepper, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a smoky heat, try adding 1-2 finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Taste as you go and add more spice gradually until you reach your desired level of heat.
Can I use different types of beans or vegetables in my chicken tortilla soup?
Definitely! This chicken tortilla soup is really versatile. Feel free to swap out the black beans for pinto beans, kidney beans, or even cannellini beans. As for vegetables, you can add things like zucchini, carrots, bell peppers of different colours, or even sweet potatoes. It's all about using what you have on hand and what you enjoy – get creative and make it your own!
My tortilla strips got soggy! How do I keep them crispy?
Ah, the dreaded soggy tortilla strip! To ensure crispy tortilla strips, make sure they are spread in a single layer on the baking sheet and not overcrowded. Watch them closely while baking as they can burn quickly – they're ready when they're golden brown. Most importantly, add them to the soup right before serving. For a longer-lasting crisp, consider serving the tortilla strips on the side so everyone can add them to their own bowl.
Cozy Chicken Tortilla Soup: From Weeknight Dinner to Fiesta Favourite Recipe Card
