The aromas wafting from a bubbling pot of Chicken Tortilla Soup can transport you straight to a cozy kitchen in Mexico. Imagine the rich scents of cumin, garlic, and zesty lime mingling together as they dance in the air. Your taste buds are already tingling at the thought of warm tortillas topped with fresh avocado and crispy tortilla strips.
a rainy afternoon where you’re bundled up in your favorite blanket, craving something warm and comforting. That’s when Chicken Tortilla Soup swoops in like a superhero! It’s the kind of dish that wraps around you like a hug while simultaneously throwing a fiesta for your taste buds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Tortilla Soup is quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners easier than ever
- The flavor profile is packed with bold spices that excite every bite
- Its vibrant colors make it an attractive dish for any table setting
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings or sides!
Everyone raves about how delicious this Chicken Tortilla Soup is when I make it for gatherings. I’ve even seen friends fight over the last spoonful!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts are ideal; adjust based on your crowd size.
- Olive Oil: Use good quality olive oil for sautéing; it adds depth to the flavor.
- Onion: Choose a medium onion; it becomes sweet when sautéed.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves enhance the aroma; use about four minced cloves.
- Bell Peppers: Any color works; they add sweetness and crunch to the soup.
- Canned Tomatoes: Opt for diced tomatoes; they provide acidity and texture.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while enhancing flavor.
- Cumin and Chili Powder: These spices give the soup its signature warmth; adjust according to taste preference.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up all the flavors beautifully.
- Tortilla Strips: Crispy strips add texture; you can buy them or fry your own!
- Fresh Cilantro: A handful brings freshness and vibrancy; chop it finely for garnish.
- Avocado: Sliced ripe avocado offers creaminess that balances out the spices wonderfully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together!
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Dice your onion and bell peppers while mincing the garlic cloves so everything is ready to go.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers first until they soften and become fragrant—about 5 minutes should do.
Add Garlic and Spices: Toss in minced garlic along with cumin and chili powder. Stir frequently for another minute until everything smells divine—you want those flavors to mingle!
Cook the Chicken: Add your cubed chicken breasts next. Cook until they’re no longer pink on the outside—about 6-8 minutes should suffice. Let them soak up all those aromatic flavors.
Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in diced tomatoes along with their juices and add chicken broth to create a beautiful base for your soup. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Finish with Lime Juice: After about 15-20 minutes of simmering, squeeze fresh lime juice into your pot. This step lifts all other flavors and gives that zestiness we crave!
Your hearty Chicken Tortilla Soup is now ready! Ladle it into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, slices of avocado, or anything else that tickles your fancy!
Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful dish that not only warms you up but also brings everyone together around the table.
You Must Know
- This delightful Chicken Tortilla Soup is not just comforting; it’s a crowd-pleaser
- The bold flavors and vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes
- Plus, it’s easy to customize based on what you have in your pantry
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic to build flavor, then add chicken and broth for a savory base.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shredded chicken with black beans or add corn for extra texture and sweetness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat until hot.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Keep the soup from becoming too thick by adjusting broth levels during cooking
- Use fresh lime juice right before serving for a bright finish
- And don’t forget to top with crispy tortilla strips for that perfect crunch!
Cooking this Chicken Tortilla Soup always brings back memories of cozy family dinners where laughter was as abundant as the soup itself.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Yes, frozen chicken works well; just ensure it’s fully cooked before shredding.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to give it some kick!
What toppings are best for Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Top with avocado, cilantro, cheese, and crispy tortilla strips for delicious texture!
Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a vibrant, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, fresh veggies, and zesty lime for a comforting bowl of joy. Perfect for cozy nights!
Ingredients
- 3 cups boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers (any color), diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 cups tortilla strips (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell peppers; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add cubed chicken breasts to the pot; cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes before squeezing fresh lime juice into the soup.
- Serve hot, garnished with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and avocado slices.
Notes
- To enhance flavors, add jalapeños for heat or corn for sweetness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat on the stove.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg