Hearty Smoky Keto Chicken Tortilla Soup with Crispy Tortilla Strips

Smoky Keto Tortilla Soup

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:25 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil or Avocado Oil
• 1 large Yellow Onion, diced
• 1 medium Red Bell Pepper, diced
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Cumin, ground
• 1 tsp Oregano, dried
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1/2 to 1 tsp Chipotle Powder
• 4 oz can Diced Green Chiles, undrained
• 1 (14.5 oz) can Crushed Tomatoes, no sugar added
• 6 cups Chicken Broth, low sodium
• 3 cups Cooked Chicken Breast, shredded
• 2 Tbsp Lime Juice, freshly squeezed
• Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
• 6 Low-Carb Tortillas, cut into thin strips
• 2 Tbsp Avocado Oil or Coconut Oil (for crisping)
• Pinch of Salt (for crisping)

Instructions:

• Heat 2 Tbsp of oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until softened, about 6–8 minutes.
• Add minced garlic, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and chipotle powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
• Stir in the undrained canned green chiles and the crushed tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover slightly, and let it simmer for 15 minutes to deepen the flavour profile.
• Stir in the shredded cooked chicken. Heat through for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
• While the soup simmers, prepare the keto tortilla strips: Heat 2 Tbsp of oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tortilla strips in batches until golden brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels, and sprinkle immediately with salt.
• Remove the soup from the heat. Stir in the fresh lime juice just before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls, generously top with the crispy keto tortilla strips, and add your preferred fresh garnishes.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:1755 kcal

Protein:22.2 g

Fat:47.5 g

Carbs:80.5 g

Fiber:33.4 g

Sugar:0.0 g

Sodium:442 mg

Recipe Info

Category:Soup

Cuisine:Mexican-inspired

Unlocking the Comfort: Why This Keto Chicken Tortilla Soup Hits Different

There are certain meals that just feel like a warm embrace, and traditional Chicken Tortilla Soup is high on that list. But for those of us dedicated to a low-carb lifestyle, the classic versions—loaded with starchy broth thickeners and those delightful, fried corn strips—can feel completely off-limits. Enter this powerhouse recipe: a deeply flavourful Keto Chicken Tortilla Soup that refuses to compromise on texture or taste. We’ve managed to strip out the unwanted starches while amplifying the authentic Tex-Mex soul of this iconic dish. This isn't just a substitute; it’s an upgrade, delivering all the smoky, bright satisfaction you crave, perfectly aligned with your macros.

The Low-Carb Secret to Authentic Tex-Mex Flavor

Creating an exceptional Keto Tortilla Soup requires focusing intensely on building deep, layered flavour right from the first aromatic stir. Since we are omitting flour or corn thickeners, the broth needs to carry all the weight. That means leaning heavily on quality seasonings, slow simmering, and, most importantly, the bright finish of fresh citrus. This recipe is designed to be robust, ensuring that every spoonful feels hearty and entirely complete, even without traditional high-carb elements.

Beyond the Broth: Defining Our Keto Soup Experience

When you set out to make this Low Carb Tortilla Soup , understand that the goal is richness. We are aiming for a velvety mouthfeel achieved through slow cooking and the natural fats from the chicken and oil, rather than starch. We incorporate crushed tomatoes and plenty of well-developed aromatics to give the body of the soup its substance. This focus on quality broth components transforms what could be a simple chicken soup into something reminiscent of a proper sopa Azteca , just optimized for your eating plan.

Say Goodbye to Starch: A Truly Clean Tortilla Replacement Strategy

The real sticking point in any tortilla soup adaptation is, naturally, the tortilla strips. They provide necessary crunch and a textural contrast that is crucial to the enjoyment of the dish. Our strategy here involves using readily available low-carb wraps—the kind made with high fiber ingredients—which, when sliced thinly and properly fried or baked, transform into remarkably convincing, zero-guilt "tortilla" shreds. This innovation is key to nailing the authentic experience in this Keto Chicken Taco Soup variation.

A Hug in a Bowl: Setting Expectations for This Hearty Meal

Prepare yourself for a soup that feels substantial. We’re using a generous amount of shredded chicken breast, ensuring high protein content that keeps you satisfied for hours. This robust nature is what makes this recipe such a winner for meal prepping. Whether you are hunting for a quick weeknight dinner or planning ahead, this Keto Chicken Tortilla Soup Easy preparation method delivers comfort food that respects your dietary goals.

Assembling the Essential Components for Max Flavor Impact

To guide you through making this magnificent soup, let’s break down the required ingredients. We will need components for the flavour base, the hearty elements, and finally, the crucial crispy topping. Everything comes together relatively quickly, especially if you have pre-cooked chicken on hand.

Related Recipes Worth Trying

• Easy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs in Creamy Sauce Recipe — Get the romantic flavour of Marry Me Chicken in tender meatballs This easy recipe cooks quickly in a sundried tomato cream sauce Perfect with pasta or orzo
• Easy Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe Weeknight Comfort — Forget breading and frying This Easy Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup delivers all the creamy cheesy Italian flavour with minimal effort Perfect for a cozy...
• The Ultimate Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup Recipes — Upgrade your dinner with this velvety roasted garlic tomato soup An easy healthy soup recipe that beats the tinned stuff every time Find the full recipe here

Sourcing Smart: The Keto Chicken Foundation

For the base protein, we require about three cups of cooked, shredded chicken breast. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut here, saving significant prep time. If cooking raw chicken, simply poach or bake a pound and a half of breasts until fully cooked, then shred them using two forks or a stand mixer. High-quality, low-sodium chicken broth is non-negotiable; it’s the canvas upon which all our spice work will be painted.

The Spice Palette: Building Depth with Smoked Paprika and Cumin

The characteristic warmth of this soup comes directly from our spice blend. We rely on a fragrant trio: ground cumin and dried Mexican oregano provide that earthy backbone, while smoked paprika is our secret weapon. The smoked paprika offers a depth reminiscent of slow-cooked meats and chipotle peppers, lending a subtle smokiness that elevates this beyond a standard chicken soup. A half to a full teaspoon of chipotle powder introduces the necessary heat, which you should adjust carefully based on your preference for spice.

Mandatory Tools: What You Need Before You Begin Simmering

You’ll need a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed stockpot; this ensures even heat distribution during the sauté and simmering phases. Beyond that, a sharp knife for dicing, and importantly, a separate large skillet dedicated to preparing the crispy toppers. The process flows smoothly when you manage the soup base and the topping preparation concurrently during the cook time.

The Crispy Element: Ingredients for Zero-Carb 'Tortilla' Shreds

For our mock-crisps, you will need about six low-carb wraps (aiming for those under 5g net carbs per wrap). Slice these very thinly, about a quarter-inch wide. You’ll also need two tablespoons of a high-heat oil, like avocado or coconut oil, for crisping, plus a final pinch of salt to season them immediately after cooking.

The Step-by-Step Journey to Perfect Keto Chicken Tortilla Soup

This recipe lands firmly in the Easy difficulty category, requiring about 25 minutes of prep and roughly 35 minutes of active cooking time for a total of one hour. This is an incredibly efficient way to produce a restaurant-quality meal.

Mastering the Mock-Crisp: Creating Satisfying Toppers

While the soup base is developing its flavour, pivot to your crisps. Heat your oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in small batches (do not overcrowd the pan, or they will steam instead of crisp), toss the tortilla strips into the hot oil. Fry them until they achieve a beautiful golden brown colour—this usually takes 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to immediately transfer the cooked strips to a plate lined with paper towels to wick away excess oil, and sprinkle them lightly with salt while they are still hot.

Building the Aromatic Base: Sautéing and Simmering Technique

Begin by heating two tablespoons of olive or avocado oil in your Dutch oven over medium heat. Add one large diced yellow onion and one diced red bell pepper. Sauté them gently until they are translucent and soft, about 6 to 8 minutes. Next, introduce four minced cloves of garlic, the cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and chipotle powder. Cook this spice mixture for precisely one minute until it becomes intensely fragrant—this process, known as blooming, awakens the spices and significantly deepens the overall flavour of your Keto Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe .

Following the spice bloom, stir in the contents of one 14.5 oz can of no-sugar-added crushed tomatoes and one 4 oz can of undrained diced green chiles. Let this simmer uncovered for five minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down slightly and marry with the spices. Now, pour in six cups of quality chicken broth. Bring the liquid up to a low boil, then reduce the heat, cover partially, and allow the base to gently simmer for 15 minutes.

Shredding Secrets: How to Integrate the Chicken Perfectly

After the initial simmer has concentrated the broth’s flavour, stir in your three cups of pre-shredded cooked chicken. Allow the soup to heat through fully, which takes about five minutes. At this stage, taste the broth critically. Adjust salt and pepper, or add a touch more chipotle powder if you desire more punch. This is where you can truly customize the heat profile of your Keto Chicken Tortilla Soup Creamy texture if you opt to stir in a bit of cream later.

The Final Flash: Achieving Optimal Lime Zing Before Serving

The secret to a vibrant, authentic flavour profile that cuts through the richness is fresh acidity. Remove the entire pot from the heat source and immediately stir in two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice. Do not boil the soup after adding the lime; heating it too much will dull its brightness, which is essential for balancing the smoky elements.

Baking vs. Air-Frying Your Keto Tortilla Strips for Crunch

While pan-frying offers the best texture, if you prefer less oil, the strips can be baked. Toss the raw strips lightly with the oil and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 400° F ( 200° C) for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until crisp. Air-frying works beautifully too: place strips in the basket and cook at 375° F ( 190° C) for about 5– 7 minutes, shaking halfway.

Maximizing Enjoyment: Toppings, Storage, and Serving Suggestions

A bowl of Keto Chicken Tortilla Soup isn't truly complete until it’s adorned with fresh, keto-friendly garnishes that provide contrasting textures and added fats.

Customizing Your Bowl: Essential Toppings for Texture and Fat

The finishing touches are where you tailor the soup to your perfect texture. Absolutely essential are the homemade crispy strips! Beyond that, pile on diced avocado for healthy fats, a sprinkle of cilantro for freshness, and crumbled Cotija cheese (or a sharp feta as a substitute) for salty tang. A dollop of full-fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (if you are allowing a small amount of dairy carbs) adds a lovely cooling creaminess, making it taste even more decadent.

Freezing Fundamentals: Keeping Your Batch Fresh for Later

This recipe freezes exceptionally well, making it ideal for batch cooking. Once the soup has cooled completely, portion it into airtight, freezer-safe containers. It keeps beautifully for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop. Note: If you freeze the soup with the crispy strips mixed in, they will disintegrate; always prepare and add the crisps fresh upon serving.

Troubleshooting Common Issues in Keto Soup Making

If your broth seems too thin, simply remove the lid and let it simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes to allow some evaporation. If the flavour seems flat, it usually means you need more salt or a touch more lime juice. If the soup is too spicy, a swirl of heavy cream or sour cream (as mentioned above) will mellow the heat immediately. This simplicity makes it a fantastic Keto Chicken Tortilla Soup Instant Pot modification, too, if you use that appliance for the initial chicken cooking.

Tracking Macros: A Quick Look at Your Keto Chicken Tortilla Soup Fuel

When aiming for a strictly low-carb approach, the key variable is the wrap used for the crisps. Per serving (one-sixth of the recipe, excluding extra toppings), you can expect approximately 40g of protein, around 16g of fat, and generally between 8g to 10g of net carbs. This profile provides excellent fuel for sustained energy, fitting perfectly within a ketogenic structure. For those utilizing a Keto Chicken Tortilla Soup Slow Cooker method for the chicken, remember to factor in any extra oils or additions used during that slow-cook process.