Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful and satisfying Mexican dish, ideal for any meal. Prepared in a single pot, this recipe combines tender chicken breast, nourishing beans, sweet corn, ripe tomatoes, and a rich broth with traditional seasonings and aromatics. Enhanced with homemade tortilla strips, creamy avocado, and zesty lime wedges, it's a versatile choice for lunch, dinner or as a hit at parties.
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Packed with proteins and fibers, this soup is not only delectable but also nutritious, making it a great choice for health-conscious meals. Whether you're warming up on a chilly day or looking for a delightful option for family dinners or Mexican-themed gatherings, this easy-to-make soup is a delightful choice.
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
The ingredients you will need for this Chicken Tortilla Soup are basic Mexican pantry staples that can easily be found in most supermarkets. Let's see what they are:
- Chicken: Choose from various options like chicken breast, leftover rotisserie chicken, baked chicken, air fryer chicken, or even a whole roasted chicken for added depth.
- Broth: Use low-sodium bone broth for richness or substitute with low-sodium chicken broth or stock for a similar flavor profile.
- Tomatoes: Opt for diced or crushed tomatoes as per your preference.
- Black Beans and Corn: Canned corn and black beans are convenient, or you can use fresh ones that have been soaked and boiled.
- Tortilla Strips: Homemade fried tortilla strips are ideal, but store-bought chips or strips are a great time-saver.
- Seasoning Powders: Utilize basic spices like cumin, black pepper, chili powder, and salt, or use chili or taco seasoning for extra zest.
- Aromatics: Onions and garlic are essential for a warm, sweet, and garlicky flavor.
- Jalapeno: Add this for a spicy kick, or replace it with regular green chili for a milder heat.
- Avocado: A creamy topping for the soup.
- Cilantro/Coriander Leaves: Fresh herbs to elevate the soup's taste.
- Lime: Squeeze some lime for a tangy, citrusy note, balancing the soup's flavors.
How to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup at Home?
Start your culinary journey with our step-by-step guide, featuring photos and video, to prepare homemade tortilla strips and then the wholesome Chicken Tortilla Soup. This visual aid makes the cooking process engaging and easy to follow.
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Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients
- 6 Corn Tortilla, for making tortilla strips or adjust as needed or readymade strips
- ¼ cup Oil , for frying + 2 tbsp for sauteing
- 1 Onion, medium size, chopped
- 2 tbsp Garlic, chopped
- 2 Jalapeno, chopped
- ¾ tsp Cumin Powder
- ¾ tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Chili Powder, or paprika for less heat
- Salt, to taste
- 0.7 lb Chicken Breast
- 14 oz Diced Tomato
- 8 oz Corn
- 14 oz Black Beans
- 6 cup Bone Broth, reduced sodium
- ½ Lime's juice, and few wedges for garnishing
- Coriander/Cilantro Leaves, for garnishing
- Avocado, for topping
Instructions
To prepare Homemade Tortilla Strips (skip this step if using store-bought)
- Gather 6 soft yellow corn tortillas and place them on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut the tortillas into thin strips.
- In a pan over medium heat, add enough oil to cover the bottom. Once the oil is hot, carefully add a few tortilla strips, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the strips until they become crispy and turn a golden brown color, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the crispy tortilla strips from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat the frying process until all the tortilla strips have been fried.
To make Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and jalapeno. Sauté until aromatic.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin powder, ground black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
- Add chicken breast and combine it with the onion and seasoning mixture.
- Incorporate corn, drained and rinsed black beans, and diced tomatoes. Mix well. Pour in 6 cups of bone broth and stir. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken breast from the soup mixture and shred it using a fork.
- Return the shredded chicken to the soup and mix it in. Simmer for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
- Finish by squeezing in lime juice and garnishing with cilantro leaves. Remove the soup from the heat, and it's now ready to be enjoyed.
To Serve
- To serve, ladle the Chicken Tortilla Soup into bowls, and generously top each serving with a handful of homemade tortilla strips. Offer sliced avocado, lime wedges, and diced jalapeno pepper on the side to enhance flavor and texture.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Tortilla Strips: Opt for soft corn tortillas when making homemade strips, cutting them into thin slices and frying until crispy. If you're short on time, store-bought tortilla chips or strips are a convenient alternative.
- Chicken: Cooking chicken breast within the soup and shredding it afterwards enriches the soup’s flavor. Alternatively, repurpose leftovers like rotisserie, baked, air fryer, or roasted chicken for convenience and taste.
- Seasonings: The recipe's spices and seasonings are carefully balanced, but don't hesitate to adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Bone Broth: Incorporating low-sodium bone broth significantly enhances the soup’s depth of flavor, making it a recommended choice.
- For a Thicker Soup: If you prefer a richer soup, consider adding 4 ounces of cream cheese or a cornstarch slurry. The original recipe yields a lighter soup, but these additions can offer a more substantial texture.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We’re not nutrition experts. Nutritional info is estimated and should be used as a guide. For precise details, consult a professional.
Explore our collection of comforting chicken soup recipes, satisfying comfort food, and authentic Mexican dishes. Indulge in rich flavors and hearty textures with these warm, comforting culinary treasures.
Storage Suggestions
Prepare Chicken Tortilla Soup in bulk for convenient weekday meals. It stays fresh for 2 to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. For even more convenience, freeze individual portions. Thaw in the fridge, reheat, and top with your favorites for a quick and delicious meal anytime.
Serving Suggestions
When serving Chicken Tortilla Soup, fill each bowl generously and garnish with crispy homemade tortilla strips. Accompany the soup with sliced avocado, lime wedges, and diced jalapeno for extra flavor and texture. For a complete Mexican dining experience, consider serving it alongside dinner rolls, guacamole, Mexican rice, and a refreshing glass of horchata.
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