Chicken tortilla soup is a simple yet satisfying dish that can be ready in under an hour. It features a savory tomato broth complemented by tender chunks of chicken and a touch of spice. This soup is hearty and comforting, making it a favorite for many.
The recipe is versatile, allowing cooks to adjust the heat level to suit their preferences. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, chipotle peppers and adobo sauce can be added, while those wanting milder flavors can easily leave them out. This flexibility ensures that everyone at the table can enjoy a bowl of this delicious soup.
Key Takeaways
- The recipe is quick, cooking in under an hour.
- It can be customized for varying spice preferences.
- A variety of ingredients makes it a filling meal.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This tortilla soup can be easily adapted to suit personal taste. It allows for adding or omitting vegetables and adjusting the spice level to meet family preferences. Below is a list of key ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Onions
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Crushed tomatoes
- Diced tomatoes
- Cooked chicken (using rotisserie chicken for convenience)
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh cilantro
For added crunch, homemade tortilla strips can elevate the soup's texture. They are simple to prepare and can be seasoned as desired. The ingredients needed for these strips include:
- Corn tortillas
- Olive oil
- Salt (consider using seasoning salt or taco seasoning for variety)
This soup's flexibility makes it a great option for any meal, with easy adjustments for dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Step by Step Instructions
To create the chicken tortilla soup, follow these simple steps:
- Sauté Ingredients: In a large pot or a Dutch oven, cook onions and garlic over medium heat until they become soft and translucent.
- Combine Ingredients: Add all other ingredients except for cilantro and tortilla strips. Mix well to blend the flavors.
- Cook the Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the soup is heated thoroughly.
For Homemade Tortilla Strips:
- Cut 6 corn tortillas into ½ inch strips.
- Mix the strips with olive oil and salt.
- Arrange them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Toss the strips, then bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until they are lightly golden and crisp.
Store-bought tortilla chips can be used if preferred.
Cooking Duration
This soup can be prepared quickly, with a total cooking time of around 30 minutes. The process starts with 5 minutes to sauté onions, followed by a 25-minute simmer to blend the flavors. If raw chicken breast is used instead of pre-cooked chicken, an extra 10 minutes is added to the cooking time.
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Sautéing onions | 5 minutes |
| Simmering soup | 25 minutes |
| Additional for raw chicken | +10 minutes |
Top Tips & FAQs
Serving Suggestions for Tortilla Soup
Tortilla soup shines with a variety of toppings. Some popular options include:
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced avocado
- Shredded cheese
- Crispy tortilla strips
- Sour cream
- Lime wedges
These toppings can be mixed and matched to suit different tastes.
Freezing Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken tortilla soup can be easily frozen, making it perfect for quick lunches. It should be cooled and stored in airtight containers. When properly stored, it can last several months in the freezer.
Cooking Chicken in the Soup
It is possible to cook the chicken directly in the soup. To do this, use 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They should be added along with the broth and tomatoes and simmered for about 20 minutes. Afterward, the chicken can be removed, shredded, and returned to the pot for further cooking for 10 to 15 minutes.
Adding Beans
Black beans are a great addition to enhance the soup's flavor and nutrition. Canned black beans work best since they are quick and easy to use. They can be rinsed and added at the same time as the chicken and other ingredients.
If you enjoy this dish, consider trying:
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