Chicken Tortilla Soup

Craving proper Chicken Tortilla Soup? My easy recipe brings Mexico to your kitchen! One-pot, quick, and packed with flavour. Ready in under an hour! Get the recipe now.

Alright, let's dive headfirst into a proper comforting bowl of goodness. Fancy a Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe that'll knock your socks off? Honestly, who doesn't love a good, hearty soup, especially when it's packed with flavour and dead easy to make?

A Bowl of Sunshine: Your New Favourite Mexican Soup Recipe

Think of this as a big, warm hug in a bowl. this isn't just any soup; it's a mexican soup recipe that's travelled all the way from sunny mexico to your kitchen.

It's basically sunshine, chicken, and spices all simmered together. it’s a bowl of comfort, ready in under an hour, and can feed a crowd, easily serving six hungry souls.

Why is this chicken tortilla soup recipe so great? loads of reasons! first off, it’s packed with lean protein and vibrant veggies.

We all need a bit of that, right? secondly, it's the ultimate crowd-pleaser. got friends coming over? this is your go-to.

And finally, it’s just so damn comforting. honestly, sometimes all you need is a southwestern chicken soup to cure whatever ails you.

This quick chicken tortilla soup is just the ticket.

What Makes This Easy Tortilla Soup Shine?

This easy tortilla soup recipe is all about simplicity. there is no need to faff about with complicated techniques or obscure ingredients.

It’s literally chuck everything in a pot and let it do its thing. think of it as a one-pot chicken tortilla soup miracle! i've made this so many times, especially when i've got leftover chicken from a sunday roast - a great leftover chicken soup recipe , if you ask me.

The magic really comes from the toppings, though. seriously, don't skimp on the avocado, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.

Oh my gosh, and a squeeze of lime? chef's kiss . it transforms a humble soup into a proper fiesta. some people love sprinkling chicken soup with tortilla chips .

The crispy crunch against the warm soup is heavenly. it is even a healthy chicken tortilla soup !

Grab Your Aprons: Ingredients Coming Up!

Right then, let's gather our bits and bobs for this cracking Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe .

Alright, let's talk ingredients and gear for this amazing chicken tortilla soup recipe . trust me, even if you're not jamie oliver, you can nail this easy tortilla soup .

Let's break it down so it's dead easy.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients: Your Shopping List

Okay, for a proper Southwestern chicken soup experience, you'll need these bits:

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Go for a decent extra virgin olive oil. Not too fancy, just something reliable.
• Onion: 1 large , yellow. Roughly chopped. Makes no difference, really.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best, innit?
• Bell Pepper: 1 , red. Adds a bit of sweetness and colour.
• Jalapeño: 1 , minced (optional). Add some heat. Only if you're feeling brave!
• Cumin: 1 teaspoon (5ml) , ground. This gives it that smoky, warm flavour.
• Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Use your favourite brand!
• Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) . For that subtle, smoky depth.
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 can (28oz/800g) . Adds great texture, too.
• Chicken Broth: 6 cups (1.4 liters) . Low sodium is best, but use what you have.
• Black Beans: 1 can (15oz/425g) , rinsed and drained. Make sure they're rinsed!
• Corn: 1 can (15oz/425g) , drained. Sweetcorn niblets are perfect.
• Chicken Breasts: 1 pound (450g) , boneless, skinless. Quality matters here! Look for plump, pink chicken, no nasty smells.
• Lime: 1 , juiced. Essential for that zing.
• Corn Tortillas: 6 . For the crispy strips, of course!
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy, season it well.

Seasoning Notes: The Spice is Right!

Spices are crucial for an authentic mexican soup recipe ! cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika are your essential spice combination here.

They deliver that warm, earthy flavour that makes this soup so comforting. a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added for extra heat.

For flavour enhancers, try adding a bay leaf or a dash of worcestershire sauce while simmering. trust me, worcestershire adds a brilliant depth.

You can also use chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky kick.

If you're missing an ingredient, no worries! a pinch of regular paprika can stand in for smoked paprika, and a mix of cumin and coriander can mimic chili powder in a pinch.

This is quick chicken tortilla soup !

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

For this chicken tortilla soup recipe , you only need a few essential tools. No fancy equipment here. I can't be arsed with that.

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: For simmering all that goodness.
• Baking Sheet: For toasting the tortilla strips.
• Sharp Knife: For chopping veggies.
• Cutting Board: To protect your work surface.
• Tongs: For handling the chicken.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key, my friend!

If you don't have a dutch oven, a large stockpot will do just fine. a pair of kitchen scissors can stand in for a knife for chopping herbs.

You know? make do and mend.

The best part about this soup? It's a great leftover chicken soup recipe . Cook it up with whatever you have in the fridge! Enjoy!

Right then, let's get stuck into the best part: actually learning how to rustle up this sensational chicken tortilla soup recipe ! i reckon it's one of the most comforting mexican soup recipes you can whip up, and trust me, it's dead easy.

Forget slaving away in the kitchen; this is about maximum flavour with minimum effort. you know, the kind of meal that makes everyone happy, especially when it's chucking it down outside.

Plus, it's a cracking way to use up any leftover chicken you might have knocking about – bonus points for being a sneaky leftover chicken soup recipe !

Cooking Method: Your Path to Chicken Tortilla Soup Heaven

Before we dive headfirst, a bit of prep is key. honestly, a little mise en place makes life so much easier.

You don't want to be scrambling for ingredients when you're halfway through, do you?

Prep Steps: Get Sorted, Get Ready!

• Essential Mise en Place: Chop your onion, garlic, and any other veg you fancy. Get your spices measured out. Basically, have everything within arm's reach.
• Time-Saving Organization Tips: If you're using tinned stuff (beans, tomatoes), open them beforehand. Saves a few seconds, and every little helps, eh?
• Safety Reminders: Keep your knives sharp! A blunt knife is a dangerous knife, as my nan always said. And obviously, mind your fingers!

Step-by-Step Process: Let's Get Cooking!

This isn't rocket science, I promise. Follow these steps, and you'll have a quick chicken tortilla soup on the table in no time.

1. Sauté: Gently heat your olive oil. Add your onion and garlic. Cook until softened ( about 5 minutes ).
2. Spice It Up: Chuck in your spices, chili and cumin, and cook for a minute ( until fragrant ).
3. Add the Base: Tinned tomatoes, broth (chicken or veg if you're going veggie, healthy chicken tortilla soup style), beans, corn. Simmer away!
4. Chicken Time: Add your chicken breasts. Simmer gently ( 20- 25 minutes ), until the chicken is cooked. Keep in mind it is better if you cook it until the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C)
5. Shred It: Take the chicken out and shred it. Pop it back in the soup.
6. Tortilla Magic: Slice your tortillas, lightly coat it in the oil and salt, and bake them for about 8 minutes at 375° F ( 190° C) , or fry them until golden.
7. Lime Time: Squeeze in some lime juice. Season.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls, top with all the goodies, and tuck in!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Soup Game

Here are a few tricks to make your chicken tortilla soup next-level. This might turn into the easy tortilla soup of your dreams.

• Char Your Veg: Grilling or charring your onion and peppers before adding them gives a lovely smoky flavour, making it taste like proper Southwestern chicken soup .
• Don't Be Shy with the Toppings: The more the merrier! Avocado, cheese, sour cream, coriander, a squeeze of lime... go wild!
• Make-Ahead Magic: This soup is even better the next day, so make a big batch and enjoy it for lunch. It´s a great one-pot chicken tortilla soup .

And there you have it! a bowl of sunshine, no matter what the weather. this chicken tortilla soup recipe is a guaranteed winner, and so easy to adapt to your own taste.

So go on, give it a whirl and let me know what you think!

Alright, so you've whipped up a batch of my chicken tortilla soup recipe . ace! but before you dive headfirst into that steaming bowl of goodness, let's quickly run through some important stuff.

Honestly, these are things i've learned the hard way. you know? saving you from my kitchen disasters!

Recipe Notes

Let's chat about how to make your Mexican soup recipe sing!

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Presentation matters, my friend! don't just chuck everything in a bowl. think about layering. soup first, obviously. then a generous pile of crispy tortilla strips – homemade are best, of course! a dollop of sour cream or greek yogurt for a bit of tang.

Diced avocado for creaminess. and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of colour and freshness. oh my gosh, now i'm hungry again!

For sides, a simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette works wonders. or, if you’re feeling extra, how about some grilled corn on the cob? thirsty? a refreshing margarita or a nice cold mexican beer like corona would be spot-on.

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

So, you've got leftovers? Lucky you! This easy tortilla soup actually tastes even better the next day.

Refrigeration: Pop the soup in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll be good for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: yep, you can freeze it! but here's a tip: freeze the soup without the tortilla strips and toppings. they'll get soggy.

Freeze in individual portions for easy lunches. it's good for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: gently reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. if it's a bit thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water.

Top with fresh tortilla chips and your favourite toppings.

Variations: Mix It Up!

Want to tweak my chicken soup with tortilla chips recipe? Go for it!

Gluten-Free Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe : Just ensure your tortilla chips are gluten-free. Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free.

Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, add fresh sweet corn kernels and chopped tomatoes. In the winter, try roasted butternut squash for a richer flavour. Simple, innit?

Nutrition Basics: Feel-Good Food

Alright, let’s keep it real. this healthy chicken tortilla soup is packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans and corn.

It's a pretty balanced meal! of course, it depends on how generous you are with the toppings. go easy on the cheese and sour cream if you're watching your waistline.

It has key health benefits for those who like to stay fit!

Quick note: Nutrition information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients.

Honestly, i've made this one-pot chicken tortilla soup so many times using leftover chicken soup recipe , i reckon i could do it in my sleep! it's that simple.

Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. you know? trust your instincts, and most importantly, have fun! you'll soon be declaring it the best chicken tortilla soup you've ever made.

Happy cooking, mate!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make chicken tortilla soup recipe in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Absolutely! For a slow cooker, simply add all ingredients (except tortilla strips and toppings) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to soften the vegetables, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release. Shred the chicken and add the toppings just before serving. It’s almost as easy as popping down to the chippy!

What's the best way to store leftover chicken tortilla soup?

Leftover chicken tortilla soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld together and taste even better the next day, like a proper Sunday roast reheated! You can also freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months; just be aware that the texture of the vegetables may change slightly upon thawing. It is best to add the tortilla strips and fresh toppings when serving, as they will get soggy in the fridge.

How can I make my chicken tortilla soup recipe spicier?

Want to add a bit of a kick to your chicken tortilla soup? You've got options! You can add more jalapeño, or use a hotter pepper like serrano or habanero, making sure to adjust the quantity according to your spice preference. A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce (like a good old bottle of Tabasco) will also do the trick. Remember to taste as you go, you don’t want to blow your head off like when you order the Vindaloo at the curry house!

My tortilla strips went soggy! How do I keep them crispy in chicken tortilla soup?

Soggy tortilla strips are a right bummer, aren't they? The key is to add them just before serving. Make sure they are fully cooled and crispy before adding them to the soup. Don't add them directly to the pot of soup. Instead, sprinkle them on top of each individual bowl right before serving. Think of it like adding croutons to a Caesar salad, it's all about the crunch!

Can I make this chicken tortilla soup recipe vegetarian or vegan?

You certainly can, mate! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more beans or vegetables like sweet potatoes, zucchini, or butternut squash for extra heartiness. To make it vegan, ensure all your toppings are vegan-friendly (skip the cheese and sour cream, or use vegan alternatives), similar to making a veggie burger instead of a beef patty, it's all about switching things up!

Previous Recipe: My Go-To Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe (Crowd-Pleaser!)
Next Recipe: Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe: My Crowd-Pleasing Secret!