Chicken Tortilla Soup

a warm bowl of chicken tortilla soup steaming on a chilly evening, its spicy aroma wrapping around you like a cozy blanket. You take a deep breath, and the vibrant scent of cumin and cilantro fills your senses with anticipation. This isn’t just any soup; it’s an adventure in a bowl!

Now imagine it’s a Sunday night. The kids are running amok while you’re juggling dinner preparations. Suddenly, you remember this delightful chicken tortilla soup recipe that always brings smiles to the table. Trust me; it’s not just about sustenance—it’s about creating memories!

The last time I made this chicken tortilla soup, my family declared it “the best meal ever”—and they’ve been asking for seconds ever since!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts for tenderness; they shred beautifully once cooked.
• Fresh Tomatoes: Select ripe tomatoes for maximum flavor; they add freshness to the broth.
• Onion: A medium onion sautéed until translucent enhances the overall depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide that aromatic kick—don’t skimp on them!
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while keeping it rich and savory.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness; chop some for garnish just before serving.
• Tortilla Strips: Store-bought or homemade crispy strips give texture; who doesn’t love crunch?
• Spices (Cumin & Chili Powder): These are essential for that authentic Mexican flavor profile—don’t forget them!
• Lime Juice: A splash of lime juice at the end brightens up all those beautiful flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by dicing your onion and tomatoes and mincing the garlic. Gather all your spices so you can have everything ready when you need them.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté onions until they turn golden and fragrant—about five minutes should do the trick.

Add Garlic and Spices: Toss in minced garlic along with cumin and chili powder. Stir until aromatic—this is where your kitchen will start smelling heavenly!

Add Chicken and Broth: Pour in chicken broth followed by diced tomatoes and add your seasoned chicken breasts. Bring everything to a gentle simmer; let those flavors mingle together.

Shred the Chicken: After about 20 minutes of simmering, remove the chicken breasts from the pot. Shred them using two forks while feeling like a culinary superhero—this step is crucial.

Add Final Touches: Return shredded chicken to the pot along with lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste-test to adjust seasoning as needed—don’t be shy here!

Enjoy your delicious creation! Serve hot in bowls topped with crispy tortilla strips and extra cilantro if desired.

This delightful chicken tortilla soup not only warms your body but also nourishes your heart—a perfect dish for any occasion!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add chicken and cook until golden. Next, pour in the broth and seasonings, letting everything simmer beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken or add black beans for extra protein. Top with avocado, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for zest.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding water if needed to maintain consistency.

It was during a chilly autumn day when I first served this soup at a family gathering. The smiles around the table were priceless; even my picky cousin went back for seconds!

FAQ

Can I make Chicken Tortilla Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace chicken with beans or tofu and use vegetable broth instead.

How can I thicken my Chicken Tortilla Soup?

For a thicker soup, blend part of it or add cornmeal during cooking.

What toppings work best with Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Top your soup with fresh avocado, cheese, sour cream, or crispy tortilla strips for the best flavor!

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Chicken Tortilla Soup

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Warm up with this hearty Chicken Tortilla Soup, a flavorful blend of spices and fresh ingredients that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to make, it promises comforting satisfaction in every bowl.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb)
• 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 cups tortilla strips
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp chili powder
• Juice of 1 lime

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Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients by dicing the onion and tomatoes and mincing the garlic.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions until golden (about 5 minutes).
3. Add minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder; stir until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth and add diced tomatoes along with chicken breasts. Bring to a simmer.
5. After about 20 minutes, remove chicken and shred it using two forks.
6. Return shredded chicken to the pot with lime juice and cilantro. Adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot topped with crispy tortilla strips.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with black beans or tofu and use vegetable broth.
• To thicken the soup, blend a portion or add cornmeal during cooking.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups (360g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 590mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg