Fiesta in a Bowl: Easy & Authentic Chicken Tortilla Soup

Easy chicken tortilla soup recipe for a weeknight fiesta! This authentic chicken tortilla soup is packed with flavor & ready in under an hour. Get the recipe now!

Alright, let's dive into the world of chicken tortilla soup recipe ! ever get that craving for something warm, comforting, and bursting with flavour? honestly, i do, like, every other week.

This soup hits the spot every time. it's basically a fiesta in a bowl, and who doesn't love a good fiesta?

Comfort in a Bowl: Why This Chicken Tortilla Soup Rocks

This soup isn’t just any old soup; it's basically a hug in a bowl. originating from mexico, it's traditionally a hearty and flavourful way to use leftover chicken and tortillas.

This particular recipe is super easy, only takes about an hour from start to finish, and makes enough to feed about six hungry people.

Perfect for a family dinner or a cosy night in.

Hearty Chicken Tortilla Soup Benefits

Why should you make this chicken tortilla soup recipe tonight? well, besides being incredibly delicious, it’s packed with protein and fibre, thanks to the chicken and beans.

Plus, all those veggies are good for you, right? it’s honestly the perfect recipe for tortilla soup if you're feeling a bit under the weather, or just want something satisfying and relatively healthy.

Plus, it is one of the easy crop pot meals recipes for you to create.

What makes this soup special? it's all about the combination of flavours and textures. the tender chicken, the slightly spicy broth, the creamy avocado, and those crunchy tortilla strips – it's a symphony in your mouth! i promise, once you try this authentic chicken tortilla soup recipe , you'll be hooked.

Let’s move on to the key players in this soup symphony – the ingredients!

Alright, let's talk ingredients and kit for this banging chicken tortilla soup recipe . I want to make this easy peasy for everyone. No stress, just good food.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

We're going for flavour town, so don't skimp!

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . For sautéing, nothing fancy needed.
• Onion: 1 large (200g) , chopped. Yellow or white, whatever you have.
• Garlic: 2 cloves (6g) , minced. Fresh is best, always.
• Bell Pepper: 1 red (150g) , chopped. Adds a touch of sweetness.
• Jalapeño: To taste. Start small, you can always add more heat.
• Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . A good all-rounder.
• Cumin: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) . Earthy goodness.
• Smoked Paprika: ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) . For a hint of smokiness.
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups (950 ml) . Low sodium is ideal.
• Crushed Tomatoes: 28 oz can (794g) . Makes the base nice and rich.
• Black Beans: 15 oz can (425g) , rinsed. Protein boost!
• Corn: 15 oz can (425g) , drained. Sweet and cheerful.
• Chicken: 2 cups (340g) , cooked and shredded. Rotisserie is allowed!
• Lime Juice: From 1 lime (30 ml) . Brightens everything up.
• Corn Tortillas: 6 , cut into strips.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste. Season like you mean it!

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

Honestly, the right spices can make or break this.

• Spice Combo: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are key. Don't skip 'em! This is an authentic chicken tortilla soup recipe , after all.
• Aromatics: Onions and garlic are the foundation. Sauté them properly to release their flavor.
• Substitution: No smoked paprika? Regular paprika will do in a pinch, but try to get the smoky stuff, seriously, it’s worth it. I like to use Mexican oregano instead the regular one.
• Spice Scale: Control the heat! Jalapeño and cayenne pepper are your friends, if you like a kick.

I make Chicken Tortilla Soup for Two all the time, and honestly, it’s just as easy to scale up.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

No fancy gadgets needed for this chicken tortilla soup recipe .

• Essential: Dutch oven or large stockpot. If you're making Chicken Tortilla Soup Crockpot style, then a slow cooker is the way to go.
• Essential: Baking sheet for tortilla strips.
• Alternative: A large frying pan is great to use for the tortilla strips.

That's it! I've tried making chicken soup tortilla a million different ways, and honestly? Simple equipment is the best.

This recipe for tortilla soup is all about comfort and flavor. no need to overcomplicate things. i always think about those cosy mexican restaurants when i make this.

It reminds me of simpler times. i hope you give my hearty chicken tortilla soup a go.

Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe: A Bowl of Sunshine!

Oh my gosh, is there anything more comforting than a bowl of hearty chicken tortilla soup ? seriously, it’s like a hug in a bowl.

This isn’t just any soup, though. this is the authentic chicken tortilla soup recipe you’ve been searching for. plus, it can be one of your new favourite easy crop pot meals if you wanna save time.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place

Before you even think about turning on the hob, get organised! chop your 1 large yellow onion (about 1 cup), mince your 2 cloves of garlic , and dice 1 red bell pepper (about 1 cup).

Got a jalapeño? mince that too! i skip this, as i'm a bit of a wuss. having everything ready saves you time and stress.

Plus, it makes you feel like a real chef.

Step-by-Step: From Prep to Fiesta

Ready to get cooking? Here’s the lowdown:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes , until soft. Then, add garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Cook for 3 minutes more.
2. Stir in 1 teaspoon chili powder , 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin , and 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika . Cook for 1 minute , until it smells amazing. You know, that "ooh, what's cooking?" kind of smell.
3. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes . Add 1 (15 ounce) can of black beans and 1 (15 ounce) can of corn . Bring it to a simmer.
4. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 20 minutes . This lets the flavours get to know each other.
5. Stir in 2 cups of shredded chicken and the juice of 1 lime . Heat it all through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. To prep the tortilla strips , preheat the oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Cut 6 corn tortillas into strips. Toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Bake for 8- 10 minutes , until crispy. Keep a close eye on them!

Pro Tips for Chicken Tortilla Soup For Two (or more!)

• Want that extra oomph? Try roasting your vegetables first for a smoky depth. The better you start with the ingredients, the better will be your Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipes Homemade .
• Avoid soggy tortilla strips! Make them just before serving, or they'll turn to mush. Trust me, I've been there. It’s a sad day when a tortilla strip loses its crunch.
• Make-ahead option! This soup is even better the next day. Just store it in the fridge and reheat. A great option for Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Crockpot preparation!

Honestly, this recipe for tortilla soup is a game-changer. it’s easy enough for a weeknight, but impressive enough for guests.

Whip up a batch of chicken soup tortilla and you'll be everyone's favourite cook. enjoy! if you don't have a crockpot you can also make a tortilla soup stove top with this same steps!

Recipe Notes for the Best Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Alright, let's dive a bit deeper into this fiesta in a bowl: easy & authentic chicken tortilla soup . it's not just a recipe, it's an experience.

You know? this chicken tortilla soup recipe will become your go-to.

Serving Up Style: Plating and Presentation

Presentation matters, even for something as homely as soup! a swirl of sour cream? yes, please! some chopped cilantro? absolutely.

Think colour. think texture. a wedge of lime on the side? always a good shout! and remember those crispy tortilla strips we made? pile them high.

They really make this hearty chicken tortilla soup something special. i mean, who doesn't love a good crunch?

For sides, honestly, sometimes all you need is a bit of crusty bread. And, depending on the occasion, maybe a cheeky margarita? Just saying.

Keeping it Fresh: Storage Tips

Listen, if you make a big batch of this easy crock pot meals contender, you'll probably have leftovers. No worries!

Refrigerate: Let the soup cool completely, then pop it in an airtight container. It'll happily keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Perfect for a quick lunch.

Freezing: Fancy making this ahead? You can freeze the soup. Again, cool it down first, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll last for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Reheating it is as simple as popping it in a pot on the hob until it is piping hot. Or, a couple of minutes in the microwave. Job done.

Mix it Up: Variations

Feeling adventurous? This soup is your oyster!

Dietary Adaptations: For a vegetarian version, just skip the chicken and add more beans or veggies! Use vegetable broth. Boom. Vegan? Ditch the sour cream topping.

Seasonal Swaps: In the autumn, chuck in some roasted butternut squash. So good. Or, in the summer, some fresh sweetcorn. See? Easy.

Nutrition Know-How: The Good Stuff

Let's be real, we all like to know what we're putting in our bodies. this soup is packed with protein from the chicken and beans.

It’s got fibre from the veggies. and it has that lovely warmth to comfort the soul.

Simplified, per serving: calories: 350, protein: 28g, sodium: 600mg. obviously, this is an estimate, and it doesn’t include all those glorious toppings.

So this authentic chicken tortilla soup recipe is more than just a meal; it's a hug in a bowl.

Honestly, this recipe for tortilla soup is so adaptable. you can follow it to the letter, or you can chuck in whatever you fancy.

Have fun with it! you got this! and remember, even if it doesn’t turn out perfectly the first time, it will still taste amazing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chicken tortilla soup recipe spicier? I like a bit of a kick!

Absolutely! If you're after a bit of heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeño pepper or add an extra one. A pinch of cayenne pepper will also do the trick. Just remember, you can always add more spice, but you can't take it away, so go easy at first, yeah?

What's the best way to store leftover chicken tortilla soup? Will it still taste good?

Chicken tortilla soup is fantastic for leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavours actually meld together and improve overnight, so it's often even tastier the next day. Just like a good stew, it gets better with age (within reason, of course!). Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, and maybe add a squeeze of fresh lime to brighten it up.

I'm a vegetarian. Can I still enjoy this "chicken tortilla soup recipe"?

Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more beans, like kidney or pinto, or include extra veggies like zucchini, sweet potato, or mushrooms for a heartier soup. No one will miss the chicken, promise!

My tortilla strips always burn! How can I make sure they come out perfectly crispy?

Ah, the eternal quest for perfectly crispy tortilla strips! Firstly, make sure they're cut evenly and spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Keep a close eye on them during baking, as they can go from golden brown to burnt very quickly. Flipping them halfway through will also help them crisp up evenly. Alternatively, frying them in a pan with a little oil will also do the trick!

Can I make this chicken tortilla soup in a slow cooker? I'm a busy bee and need a set-and-forget kind of meal.

You absolutely can! This soup is brilliant in a slow cooker. Just combine all the soup ingredients (except the lime juice and toppings) in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. If using raw chicken, make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature. Shred the chicken then stir in the lime juice just before serving. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!

Is this "chicken tortilla soup recipe" healthy? I'm trying to watch my waistline!

This soup can be a really healthy option! It's packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. To keep it lighter, use low-sodium chicken broth and go easy on the cheese and sour cream toppings. Load up on the avocado and cilantro instead! You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier taste with less calories.

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