Chicken Tortilla Soup: A Flavorful and Comforting Bowl
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a vibrant and satisfying dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy meal. This Mexican-inspired soup is a comforting blend of chicken, vegetables, and spices simmered in a rich broth, topped with tortilla strips for a satisfying crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Flavorful and Satisfying: A hearty and comforting soup that’s packed with flavor.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make it a weeknight winner.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like avocado, sour cream, or cilantro.
- Versatile: Great for a light lunch or a hearty dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla strips, for serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Avocado, diced (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and jalapeño (if using) and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Spices: Stir in cumin and chili powder and cook for 1 minute more.
- Combine Ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, tomatoes and green chilies, black beans, corn, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until flavors have melded.
- Add Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips, lime wedges, avocado, sour cream, and cilantro, if desired.
Nutritional Value (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
| Calories | 300-350 |
| Protein | 25-30g |
| Fat | 5-10g |
| Carbohydrates | 30-40g |
| Fiber | 8-10g |
| Sodium | 500-700mg |
Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. This information is an estimate and may not be entirely accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use different types of beans? Yes, you can use pinto beans, kidney beans, or a variety of beans.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and reheat it gently before serving.
- Can I add other vegetables? Yes, you can add other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or spinach.
- What are some other topping ideas? You can add cheese, shredded lettuce, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Can I use rotisserie chicken? Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time and effort.
Enjoy this flavorful and comforting Chicken Tortilla Soup!