Hearty Chicken Tortilla Soup – Fiesta in a Bowl!
Craving a comforting sopa? This Chicken Tortilla Soup is packed with flavor! Tender chicken, vibrant tomatoes, and crispy tortillas – a Tex-Mex classic. Get the recipe now!
Right then, let's dive into something proper comforting, shall we? ever get that hankering for something warm, filling, and just… right ? if so, you’re in the right spot, because we are making a chicken tortilla soup quick recipe.
Fiesta in a Bowl: Why You Need This Chicken Tortilla Soup in Your Life
This isn’t just any recipe for chicken soup . it's a journey south of the border, right to your dinner table! broth chicken soup is a tex-mex staple.
This soup is all about warmth, spice, and satisfaction.
The Lowdown
This chicken tortilla soup is rooted in tex-mex cuisine, known for its bold flavors and use of fresh ingredients. it's a quick and easy way to get a flavorful meal on the table.
Ready in under an hour with just a bit of chopping and simmering! this beauty yields about 6 servings. perfect for a family dinner soups , or even better as sunday food with your mates.
Why You'll Love It
Honestly? it's like a hug in a bowl. plus, with lean chicken and plenty of veggies, it’s a surprisingly healthy and nutritious choice.
The perfect comforting food on a chilly evening. this the best soup for when you need that extra boost. this recipe is special because it's so adaptable.
It allows you to customize the flavors to your liking with chicken with potatoes recipes to enjoy.
Right, before we get started, a quick story. I remember once, I was feeling properly rubbish with a cold. I had the worst headache!. This soup was what my nan made.
Now, lets talk about the ingredients...
Right, let's get down to brass tacks! We're making Chicken Tortilla Soup , the best soup for a chilly evening. Honestly, this is proper Comforting Food .
Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty-Gritty
Right, so before we start, let's gather our bits and bobs. It's ever so much easier than scrambling about later. Trust me, I've been there!
Main Ingredients: Soup's On!
Okay, so, no faffing about, here's what you need for this chicken soup quick and delicious extravaganza. remember, good ingredients make a good soup! quality indicators are for the chicken and tomatoes, because with those items you can tell the quality by it's smell, color and texture.
- Olive Oil : 1 tablespoon (15 ml) – nothing too fancy will do
- Yellow Onion : 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup / 150g ) – nice firm ones, alright?
- Garlic : 2 cloves , minced (about 2 teaspoons / 6g ) – fresh is best, you know?
- Green Bell Pepper : 1 , chopped (about 1 cup / 150g ) – bright and shiny!
- Jalapeno Pepper : 1 , seeded and minced (optional, for heat) – only if you like a bit of a kick!
- Ground Cumin : 1 teaspoon (5 ml) – gives it that lovely warmth
- Chili Powder : 1 teaspoon (5 ml) – crucial for that proper flavour
- Smoked Paprika : 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) – adds a subtle smoky touch
- Chicken Broth : 4 cups (950 ml) , low sodium – get the good stuff, it makes a difference in your Broth Chicken Soup .
- Diced Tomatoes : 1 (14.5 ounce) can (411 g) , undrained – look for plump tomatoes! I have a friend that prepares this with her Potato And Chicken Soup .
- Black Beans : 1 (15 ounce) can (425g) , rinsed and drained – tinned is fine, saves a job!
- Cooked Chicken Breast : 1 pound (450g) , shredded – rotisserie chicken is your friend here. Or, use Chicken With Potatoes Recipes and shred from leftovers.
- Fresh Cilantro : 1/4 cup (1/4 cup / 5g) , chopped – don't skimp on this, it's a game-changer!
- Lime Juice : Juice of 1/2 lime – fresh is essential, yeah?
- Salt and Black Pepper : To taste – season like you mean it!
For the Recipe For Chicken Soup toppings:
- Corn Tortillas : 6 , cut into thin strips
- Vegetable Oil : About 1/2 cup (120 ml) , for frying
- Avocado : 1 , diced – ripe but firm!
- Sour Cream or Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup (115g) – for that creamy coolness
- Lime Wedges : Optional – for an extra squeeze!
Seasoning Notes: Spice it Up!
Right, so you wanna get that proper Sunday Food flavor, innit? It's all about the combo. The cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika are essential .
- Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want more heat! A dash of hot sauce works too.
- No smoked paprika? Regular paprika will do in a pinch, but try and grab some next time.
Equipment Needed: No Fancy Bits
You don't need a load of fancy kit for Dinner Soups , promise!
- Large Pot or Dutch oven – this is your main workhorse
- Small Saucepan – for frying them tortilla strips
- Slotted Spoon – to rescue the crispy bits!
- Cutting Board and Chef's Knife – obviously!
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – unless you're one of those chefs who can just feel it. I admire you!
Common Household Alternatives:
- Don't have a Dutch oven? A large saucepan works fine.
- No slotted spoon? A regular spoon and a bit of patience!
Right, let's dive into the world of chicken tortilla soup ! forget those bland ready meals. we are making something special here.
I will walk you through it. this is proper comforting food , perfect for a sunday food feast or when you're feeling a bit ropey.
Trust me.
Hearty Chicken Tortilla Soup: Fiesta in a Bowl!
This soup is more than just broth chicken soup . it's a flavor explosion! a tex-mex hug in a bowl! it’s easy enough for a weeknight but tastes like you slaved all day.
Honestly, this could easily be the best soup in your repertoire. i promise!
Prep Like a Pro
Alright, mise en place , yeah? get everything chopped. this recipe for chicken soup will go much quicker. chop 1 medium yellow onion and 1 green bell pepper.
Mince 2 cloves of garlic. seed and mince 1 jalapeno if you are brave. get your spices ready, and have the toppings prepped.
It will save you loads of time.
Step-by-Step: Soup Supreme
- Sauté Aromatics. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeno (if using). Cook them until they are soft.
- Add some Zing! Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Cook for about 1 minute , until you can smell those lovely spices.
- Simmer Time. Pour in 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth and a 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes (don't drain them!). Bring the soup to a simmer.
- Chicken and Beans. Add a 15 ounce can of drained black beans and 1 pound of shredded cooked chicken. Simmer for 15 minutes . This lets all the flavours get friendly.
- Fry those Tortillas! While the soup simmers, heat vegetable oil in a small saucepan. Fry corn tortilla strips in batches. They should be golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Finishing Touch. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and the juice of 1/2 lime. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, ladle it up!
Top Tips for the Best Soup Ever
Want a shortcut? use rotisserie chicken. it saves loads of time and tastes fantastic! for a real flavour boost, grill your chicken before shredding.
One common mistake? overcooking the chicken. it gets dry and sad. don't do that! also, don't skip the toppings! they make the soup.
Want to make it ahead? absolutely! the soup actually tastes better the next day. just hold off on the toppings until serving.
Right, there you have it. the quickest, most delicious chicken soup quick this side of the rio grande. it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken and makes for a hearty, dinner soups style meal.
Plus, this soup works wonders! so next time you are thinking chicken with potatoes recipes , why not try this? give it a go and let me know what you think! you will be surprised how easy it is to make this potato and chicken soup .
Alright, let's chat about those extra bits that make the best soup , even better!
Recipe Notes – Bits 'n' Bobs to Elevate Your Chicken Tortilla Soup
So, you've got the basics of this champion recipe for chicken soup down. now, let’s talk about making it extra special.
We're talking about taking this broth chicken soup to new heights of deliciousness. think of these as bonus points, yeah? little touches that'll have everyone saying, "oh my gosh, that's the best chicken tortilla soup i've ever had!"
Serving Suggestions – Plating Like a Pro
Presentation matters, doesn't it? ladle your chicken soup quick into bowls, then get creative. a swirl of sour cream is always a winner.
Think about scattering those crispy tortilla strips on top just before serving to keep them crunchy! fresh avocado adds a lovely creaminess, and a wedge of lime just brightens everything up.
Honestly, it's all about layering those flavours and textures. make it instagram-worthy!
And for the ultimate sunday food experience, serve it with warm cornbread on the side. seriously, it's a match made in heaven.
Or how about a simple green salad with a zingy lime dressing?
Storage Tips – Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? No worries! This Potato And Chicken Soup keeps brilliantly.
Refrigeration Guidelines: Allow the soup to cool completely. Then, pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Options: Yep, you can freeze it! Divide the soup into freezer-safe containers. It'll happily sit in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating instructions: to reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and gently heat it on the hob or in the microwave.
Quick tip: add a splash of broth chicken soup if it seems a bit thick after thawing.
Variations – Mix it Up!
Fancy a change? Let's tweak it!
Dietary Adaptations: Making it veggie? Sub in vegetable broth and add extra beans or sweetcorn. Easy peasy!
Seasonal Swaps: In autumn, chuck in some roasted butternut squash. Comforting food , innit? During summer, fresh, juicy tomatoes from the garden will knock your socks off!
Nutrition Basics – Goodness in Every Bowl
This recipe for chicken soup isn’t just tasty; it’s good for you too! it's packed with protein from the chicken and fibre from the beans.
Plus, all those veggies are brimming with vitamins. it is a great meal to serve with chicken with potatoes recipes .
A bowl of chicken tortilla soup offers approximately 450 kcal, 35g of protein, 20g of fat, 40g of carbohydrates, 10g of fiber, 5g of sugar and 800mg of sodium.
Give this version of dinner soups a go, and tell me what you think. share your personal tweaks and stories with me.
Cooking is all about having fun, and making it your own, isn't it? now, get in the kitchen and whip up some culinary magic!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "sopa" and is this Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe a true "sopa"?
Sopa simply means "soup" in Spanish, so Chicken Tortilla Soup definitely qualifies as a sopa! This recipe is inspired by traditional flavors, bringing a taste of Mexico to your kitchen. While family recipes vary, this hearty version offers a comforting and flavorful experience.
Can I make this Chicken Tortilla "sopa" vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely, you can! To make it vegetarian, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken, adding extra beans, corn, or zucchini. For a vegan version, in addition to the broth and chicken swap, ditch the sour cream topping and perhaps use a vegan alternative like cashew cream or avocado slices for richness.
How do I store leftovers of this soup, and how long will it last?
Leftover Chicken Tortilla Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It's best to store the tortilla strips separately to prevent them from getting soggy. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave; you might need to add a splash of broth to loosen it up.
My "sopa" is too spicy! How can I cool it down a bit?
Oops, a bit too much fire, eh? The easiest way to cool down a spicy soup is to add a dairy product, like a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream (if you’re not going for a vegan version). You can also add a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavour, or a touch of sweetness from a teaspoon of sugar to balance the spice.
Can I make this Chicken Tortilla Soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, you can indeed! For a slow cooker, sauté the aromatics (onion, garlic, peppers) as directed, then add everything else (except toppings) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to cook the aromatics, then add the remaining ingredients (except toppings) and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release of 10 minutes.
I'm watching my weight; what are the nutritional considerations of this soup?
Chicken Tortilla Soup can be a relatively healthy and balanced meal. It's packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans. To lower the calorie and fat content, use low-sodium broth, lean chicken breast, and reduce the amount of toppings like sour cream and fried tortilla strips. Load up on veggies to increase the nutritional value further. Everything in moderation, eh?
Hearty Chicken Tortilla Soup – Fiesta in a Bowl! Recipe Card
