Warm Up with a Bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup
Introduction
For those chilly evenings where nothing warms you like a filling and robust soup, try our Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe. Packed with hearty ingredients and rich flavors, this soup will certainly fill your tummy with warmth, love, and a whole lot of deliciousness.
Why make this recipe
Chicken Tortilla Soup is easy to prepare, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Making this recipe brings together the traditional taste of fresh vegetables, warm spices, tender chicken, and crunchy tortilla chips. It’s a flavor-packed experience that will brightly light up any family gathering and will also make an easy workday meal.
How to make Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients
Here is a list of what you’ll need:
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup corn kernels
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 lime, juiced
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
– Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips (for garnish)
– Avocado, diced (optional)
Directions
Here’s how to prepare Chicken Tortilla Soup:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Sauté until the onion turns translucent.
2. Stir in the ground cumin and chili powder, cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, corn kernels, and black beans. Adjust the heat to bring the mix to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes.
4. Add salt, pepper, and lime juice as per your taste preference.
5. Serve the soup in bowls, garnish it with fresh cilantro and tortilla strips, and diced avocado if desired.
How to Serve Chicken Tortilla Soup
Serve this soup hot for a comforting meal. Sprinkle some crispy tortilla chips on top for an added crunch, and diced avocado for creaminess. You can also serve it with a side of warm, crusty bread to complete the meal.
How to Store Chicken Tortilla Soup
Keep your leftover Chicken Tortilla Soup in the fridge in a covered container. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. When reheating, ensure to heat it thoroughly till it comes to a simmer.
Tips to make Chicken Tortilla Soup
– Using fresh lime juice and fresh cilantro makes a lot of difference in bringing out the bold flavors.
– Adding some crushed red pepper flakes can increase the heat if you like your soup spicy.
Variations (if any)
You can also add diced zucchini or some leafy greens like spinach or kale to get in more veggies. For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken.
FAQs
1. What can I use instead of chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth as a substitute for making it vegetarian.
2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken Tortilla Soup a day in advance and heat it before serving.
3. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Leave the toppings out and freeze the rest. Add the toppings fresh when you serve the soup.