Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings a touch of warmth to those chilly evenings or any weeknight dinner. With its vibrant blend of spices and ingredients, this soup becomes an instant family favorite, making it perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying solo while curled up with a good book. I love how each bowlful feels like a warm hug, thanks to the savory chicken and the kick of chipotle peppers. It’s the kind of soup that makes you feel at home, no matter where you are.
Why you’ll love this dish
This Chicken Tortilla Soup is not just any soup; it’s a celebration of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to a cozy Mexican restaurant. What makes this recipe special? For starters, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re navigating a busy weeknight or hosting a casual gathering, this dish fits right into your schedule. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly option that uses pantry staples like canned beans and tomatoes—no gourmet ingredients required!
Imagine gathering around the table with family, laughter filling the air as everyone digs into bowls of steaming, fragrant soup. It’s perfect for any occasion—especially during cold months, game days, or even taco Tuesdays!
"This Chicken Tortilla Soup is a game-changer! It’s packed with flavor and the perfect balance of heat. My kids had seconds, and I love how easy it is to make!" — Happy Home Cook
Preparing Chicken Tortilla Soup
Making this Chicken Tortilla Soup is a straightforward process that will have you feeling like a culinary pro in no time. You’ll start with searing the chicken to build a rich flavor base, before sautéing aromatic onions and garlic. Then, a delightful blend of spices brings the dish to life, followed by the addition of hearty ingredients for a satisfying meal.
The process leads you through a simple outline: sauté, simmer, shred, and serve. You can expect a fragrant kitchen and a delightful meal ready in less than an hour!
What you’ll need
Let’s gather the essentials for this fragrant and delicious Chicken Tortilla Soup. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 onions, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, diced
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 6 oz can tomato paste
- 15 oz canned sweet corn
- 2 cans (15 oz each) of black beans, drained
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) of fire-roasted tomatoes
- 7 oz chipotle peppers in adobo
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 3 limes, juiced
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Cilantro for garnish
- Tortilla strips for garnish
- Sour cream for garnish
- Cheddar cheese for garnish
- Green onions for garnish
Feel free to swap out chicken thighs for chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand, or incorporate different beans for a unique twist!
Step-by-step instructions
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Season and Sear the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. In a large pot, drizzle some olive oil and let it heat over medium. Sear the chicken on both sides until it’s slightly browned. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
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Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the sliced onions and cook until they become soft. Add in the diced garlic, followed by smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, ground coriander, and tomato paste. Stir and cook for about 3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
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Combine the Ingredients: Next, add in the sweet corn, drained black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Mix everything well, then pour in the chicken stock and return the chicken thighs to the pot.
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Simmer and Shred: Let it simmer on low for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen. Remove the chicken, shred it with a fork, and stir it back into the pot.
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Finish the Soup: Squeeze in the lime juice and add the heavy cream for a luscious finish. Give it a good stir to combine.
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Serve Up: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with tortilla strips, sour cream, cheddar cheese, cilantro, and green onions. Enjoy!
Best ways to enjoy it
When serving Chicken Tortilla Soup, don’t forget the garnishes! The crunchy tortilla strips add a delightful texture, while the creamy sour cream balances out the heat from the spices. For an even more festive touch, you might consider pairing it with a side of Mexican cornbread or a fresh green salad with avocado slices.
For those who love a little heat, a sprinkle of sliced jalapeños can elevate the flavor. Enjoy it with warm tortillas or tortilla chips for dipping—perfect for soaking up those flavorful remnants at the bottom of the bowl!
Storage and reheating tips
This Chicken Tortilla Soup makes for excellent leftovers! To keep it fresh, store any unused soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop until heated through, or microwave it for a few minutes, stirring halfway.
If you want to freeze it, place the cooled soup in freezer-safe bags or containers. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Just be sure to leave some space for expansion!
Helpful cooking tips
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Customize the Heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the number of chipotle peppers or omit the cayenne pepper entirely.
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Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh herbs or veggies can really enhance the flavor. Consider adding fresh diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the mix.
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Make It a Meal: Serve the soup with a side of cheesy quesadillas or nachos for a complete and satisfying meal.
Creative twists
There are countless ways to add your own twist to this recipe! Here are a few ideas:
- Vegan Version: Substitute the chicken with cubed tofu or additional beans and use vegetable stock to create a vegan-friendly version.
- Different Proteins: Try using shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey leftovers for a quicker preparation.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes for those who crave extra heat.
Your questions answered
What’s the prep time for Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Typically, you can expect about 10-15 minutes for preparation. Cooking will take around 30 minutes in total, making it a quick dinner option.
Can I substitute any ingredients?
Absolutely! You can swap the chicken thighs for breasts, or even try a plant-based protein. Feel free to use fresh corn if you have it on hand, and substitute the stock with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to three days. If freezing, be sure to use airtight containers, and consume within three months for the best quality.
This Chicken Tortilla Soup is sure to become a comforting staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the delicious flavors, and happy cooking!
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. In a large pot, drizzle olive oil and heat over medium. Sear the chicken until slightly browned, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add sliced onions and cook until soft. Add diced garlic and stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, ground coriander, and tomato paste. Cook for about 3 minutes.
- Add sweet corn, drained black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and chipotle peppers. Mix well, then pour in chicken stock and return seared chicken to the pot.
- Let the mixture simmer on low for 15 minutes. Remove the chicken, shred it, and stir it back into the pot.
- Squeeze in lime juice and add heavy cream. Stir well to combine.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with tortilla strips, sour cream, cheddar cheese, cilantro, and green onions. Serve and enjoy!
