Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup - Fiesta in a Bowl!
Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Fiesta In A Bowl
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Right then, let's get cracking! Ready to chat about the most comforting dish ever?
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever find yourself craving something warm, comforting, and packed with flavour? This chicken tortilla soup recipe is your answer. Honestly, it's like sunshine in a bowl, a proper flavour fiesta.
Brief Overview
Authentic chicken tortilla soup recipe has origins deep in mexican culinary tradition. this version is dead easy and takes less than an hour.
This recipe for tortilla soup typically yields 6-8 servings, so it's fab for family dinners or a cheeky batch cook.
Main Benefits
This hearty chicken tortilla soup is not only delicious but also packed with goodness. the chicken provides lean protein, and the veggies offer a boost of vitamins.
It's the perfect meal for when you're feeling under the weather, or just need a big old hug. what makes this chicken tortilla soup recipe special? it's totally customisable – add your favourite toppings and make it your own!
Fancy making your own Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipes Homemade ?
Here's what you'll need, next!
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup - Fiesta in a Bowl! . Think of this as your shopping list for a flavour adventure!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted!
First things first, the stars of our show! This Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe hinges on fresh, quality ingredients. No dodgy tomatoes allowed, alright?
Main Ingredients: The A-Team
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . It's our flavour highway, so go for decent quality.
- Yellow onion: 1 medium , diced. About 1 cup (approx. 150g) .
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don't be shy! That's roughly 2 teaspoons .
- Red bell pepper: 1 , diced. Again, about 1 cup (approx. 150g) .
- Jalapeno pepper: 1 , seeded and minced (optional). If you're brave!
- Chili powder: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Gives it that proper kick.
- Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) . Earthy and warm.
- Smoked paprika: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) . A touch of smokiness is key.
- Dried oregano: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) . Because, well, oregano.
- Chicken broth: 6 cups (1.4 Liters) . Low sodium is best, so you can control the salt.
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounce/411g) , undrained.
- Black beans: 1 can (15 ounce/425g) , rinsed and drained. Hello Hearty Chicken Tortilla Soup !
- Corn kernels: 1 can (10 ounce/283g) , drained.
- Cooked chicken: 2 cups (approx. 300g) , shredded. Rotisserie is your friend. Honestly, easiest cheat ever!
- Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup , chopped, plus more for garnish. That zing!
- Lime juice: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Wake up those flavors!
- Salt and pepper: To taste. Don't be timid.
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce
Spice is life! cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika – that's the holy trinity for this authentic chicken tortilla soup recipe .
If you're missing smoked paprika, a touch of regular paprika will do. for a quick sub, if you're out of oregano, use italian seasoning.
It's close enough, you know?
Equipment Needed: No Fancy Kit Required
- Large pot or Dutch oven. Seriously, anything will do as long as it has a lid and is big enough to hold everything!
- Cutting board. Essential for not chopping directly on your counter.
- Sharp knife. Safety first, kids. A dull knife is a dangerous knife.
- Baking sheet. For those crispy tortilla strips.
Seriously, this recipe for tortilla soup is all about the flavour, not fancy gear! remember when i tried making this chicken tortilla soup recipe crockpot style? the flavours were amazing, but the tortilla strips went soggy.
Learn from my mistakes, eh? now, who's ready to get cooking? and those wanting a chicken tortilla soup for two , just halve the recipe.
Right then, let’s talk chicken tortilla soup recipe – particularly, my version of this absolutely stonking dish. honestly, who doesn't love a good hearty chicken tortilla soup ? it's like a mexican fiesta in a bowl.
I’m calling it:
Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup - Fiesta in a Bowl!
This isn't your run-of-the-mill, bland soup. this authentic chicken tortilla soup recipe is packed with flavour, and it's surprisingly easy to make.
It's a bit like that one time i tried to build a flat-pack wardrobe – seemed impossible at first, but then, bam, success! this is similar.
It is that Easy Crop Pot Meals ready, for those moments when you just can't be arsed to stand over the stove for hours.
Prep Steps – Getting Your Ducks in a Row
- Essential Mise en Place: Chop your veg! Dice one medium yellow onion, mince two cloves of garlic, dice one red bell pepper. Seed and mince one jalapeno if you're feeling brave. Get the tins of diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn ready to roll. Measure out your spices. Shred about 300g of cooked chicken. Basically, get everything ready before you even turn on the hob.
- Time-Saving Organization Tips: Use pre-cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken is your friend!
- Safety Reminders: Watch out for that jalapeno! Don’t rub your eyes after handling it. Trust me, I've been there.
Step-by-Step – Let's Get Cooking!
- Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Slice six corn tortillas into thin strips, toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Bake them for about 10- 12 minutes , until they're golden brown and crispy. Check them halfway through to make sure they aren't burning.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeno (if using). Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. This is the foundation of the chicken tortilla soup recipes homemade .
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Don't burn them!
- Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in one 15-ounce can of black beans, one 10-ounce can of corn, and the shredded chicken. Simmer for 15 minutes , letting those flavors get to know each other.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don't be shy with the lime!
- Ladle into bowls, top with those crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheddar, sour cream (or Greek yogurt, if you're feeling virtuous), diced avocado, extra cilantro, and a splash of hot sauce, if you are feeling fancy!
Pro Tips – Level Up Your Soup Game
- Expert Technique: Toast those spices! Briefly toasting them in the pot before adding the liquid really wakes them up.
- Common Mistake: Not using enough seasoning. Don't be afraid to add salt and pepper. It makes a difference.
- Make-Ahead Option: The soup itself can be made a day or two in advance. Just keep the tortilla strips separate until serving. Also, for those who like convenience and are always on the go, this Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Crockpot makes life so much easier.
This recipe for tortilla soup is a surefire winner. give it a go, and let me know what you think! maybe next time, we'll try the chicken tortilla soup for two version.
Happy cooking, folks!.
Alright, here we go! Let's chat about some recipe notes for our Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup - Fiesta in a Bowl! Honestly, this bit is all about making it your own, innit?
Recipe Notes
This chicken tortilla soup recipe is super flexible! don't be afraid to experiment. you know, chuck in extra veggies, swap out the chicken… whatever floats your boat! it's all about what you've got lurking in the fridge.
And if you're after something similar, but for a smaller crowd, try my chicken tortilla soup for two trick!
Serving Suggestions - Plating it Up!
Okay, presentation time! think beyond just chucking it in a bowl. ladle that hearty chicken tortilla soup into rustic earthenware.
A swirl of sour cream? absolutely! get some diced avocado on top, a sprinkle of extra cilantro and, of course, those crispy tortilla strips we made earlier.
For sides, honestly? a bit of mexican rice goes down a treat. or even just some crusty bread for dunking.
Thirsty? a chilled mexican beer or even a cheeky marg are both fantastic!
Storage Tips - Keepin' it Fresh
Leftover soup? sorted! once it's cooled down, bung it in an airtight container in the fridge. it’ll be good for about 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freezing is your friend. just let it cool completely first. then, portion it out into freezer-safe containers.
It can happily live in the freezer for up to 3 months. reheating? just pop it in a saucepan on the tortilla soup stove top over medium heat until piping hot.
Or, blast it in the microwave – just give it a stir halfway through!
Variations - Mix it Up!
Fancy a change? no worries! for a dairy-free version, ditch the sour cream topping and use a dairy-free yogurt alternative or some mashed avocado instead.
If you're after a lighter version, cut back on the olive oil and use extra chicken broth. looking for easy crop pot meals ? well, this works wonders in a slow cooker too.
For a seasonal twist, chuck in some roasted butternut squash in the autumn or sweetcorn straight off the cob in the summer. Makes it feels fresh.
Nutrition Basics - Goodness in a Bowl
Let's be real, you’re probably not counting calories when you crave an authentic chicken tortilla soup recipe . but just so you know, roughly, each serving has around 350 calories, 30g of protein, 15g of fat, 30g of carbs and 8g of fiber and about 600mg of sodium.
It's packed with protein from the chicken and beans, fiber from the vegetables, and vitamins from the tomatoes. a decent bit of chicken soup tortilla goodness, if i do say so myself! and it's all chicken tortilla soup recipes homemade !
Right then, get cooking! And remember, it's all about having fun. Don't stress if it's not perfect. Just enjoy the process! And for those who love slow cooking I suggest to make it with a Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Crockpot ! I'm telling you, this recipe for tortilla soup is a winner! Go on, give it a whirl!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chicken tortilla soup recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavours often meld together even better when left overnight in the fridge. Just allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Give it a good reheat on the hob or in the microwave when you're ready to tuck in. It's the perfect make-ahead meal for a busy week!
How do I store leftover chicken tortilla soup?
Storing leftover chicken tortilla soup is a doddle. Let it cool down fully, then pop it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just be aware that the texture of the tortilla strips might change after freezing, so you might want to add fresh ones when you reheat it.
Is this chicken tortilla soup recipe spicy? What if I don't like spice?
This particular recipe has a gentle warmth from the chili powder and a touch of optional heat from the jalapeno. If you're not a fan of spice, simply omit the jalapeno altogether. You can always add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce at the table for those who like a bit of a kick. It's all about customisation, innit?
What are some good toppings for chicken tortilla soup?
The topping possibilities are endless! Some classic choices include shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option), diced avocado for creaminess, fresh cilantro for a burst of flavour, and lime wedges for a zesty finish. Don't forget the crispy tortilla strips, of course – they're the star of the show! Think of it like building your own Mr. Potato Head, but with soup!
Can I make this chicken tortilla soup vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you certainly can! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To make it vegan, skip the chicken, use vegetable broth, and ensure your toppings are vegan-friendly (e.g., avocado, vegan sour cream alternative, and avoid cheese). You could also add extra vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or sweet potatoes to add more substance. Bob's your uncle, a hearty and plant-based feast!
What's the best way to shred chicken for this chicken tortilla soup recipe?
There are a few easy ways to shred chicken! The easiest option is using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken – just shred it with two forks. You can also poach or bake chicken breasts, let them cool slightly, and then shred them. Alternatively, some people swear by using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment for super quick shredding. Choose whichever method tickles your fancy, really!
