Chicken Tortilla Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food 💖

Name: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts (fresh or rotisserie); 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 can black beans; 1 can diced tomatoes; 1 onion; 1 bell pepper; 3 cloves garlic; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 pinch cayenne (optional); Corn tortillas; Avocado; Sour cream; Shredded cheese; Fresh cilantro

Looking for a warm hug in a bowl? Meet chicken tortilla soup! It’s like a fiesta in your mouth, packed with flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Trust me, when the weather gets chillier, this soup is your best friend. It’s cozy, hearty, and loads of fun to customize. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, so you won’t have to deal with a sink full of dishes afterward. Who’s with me?! 🙌

What is Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Alright, before we dive into how to make this amazing dish, let’s set the scene. Chicken tortilla soup is a traditional Mexican soup typically made with shredded chicken, veggies, and, of course, aromatic spices! But the real magic happens when you freshen it up with crunchy tortilla strips, avocados, and a squeeze of lime! It’s like eating all your favorite taco toppings in soup form. Yum, right?

Why You’ll Love This Soup

Easy to Make

Seriously, you can have this delightful soup ready in about 30 minutes! No culinary degree required, just a willingness to stir a pot (and maybe have a few occasional dance breaks in between).

Customizable to Your Taste

Don’t like black beans? No prob! You can swap them for corn, or maybe you want to throw in a pepper or two – go wild! It’s your soup, after all.

Meal Prep Dream

Make a big batch on Sunday, and you’ve got lunches handled for the week. Just don’t be surprised if your coworkers start asking for lunch trade-offs. 😏

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down what you need to create this culinary masterpiece. Here’s a handy shopping list to keep you on track:

Chicken: About 2 chicken breasts (fresh or rotisserie is a good shortcut – I won’t tell!)
Broth: 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
Canned Goods: 1 can each of black beans and diced tomatoes (don’t drain the tomatoes – more flavor!)
Veggies: 1 onion, 1 bell pepper, and some garlic – the Holy Trinity of flavor.
Spices: Cumin, chili powder, and a dash of cayenne if you like it spicy! 🌶️
Tortillas: Corn tortillas for those crispy toppings!
Toppings: Avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro!

That’s it! Easy-peasy, right?

How to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup

Let’s get down to business with a step-by-step guide that is almost too easy. Here’s how you make this fabulous soup:

1. Prep Your Ingredients

Start by chopping your onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic and shred that chicken if you haven’t already. Get everything ready on the counter to make things smoother. It’s like laying out all your dance moves before the party starts! 🎉

2. Sauté the Veggies

In a large pot, heat up a bit of oil over medium heat. Toss in your onion and bell pepper, and sauté them for about 5 minutes until they get all soft and fragrant. Add that garlic for the last minute so it doesn’t burn. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and it’ll make you look like a pro chef.

3. Add the Spices

Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, and cayenne if you’re feeling spicy. Stir everything together to wake up those flavors. It’s like a little flavor explosion!

4. Pour in the Broth

Time to add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices, please!), and the black beans. Bring it all to a gentle boil.

5. Add the Chicken

Once your soup is boiling, toss the shredded chicken into the pot. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. You want the flavors to mingle like long-lost friends.

6. Prepare the Tortilla Strips

While your soup is bubbling away, cut the corn tortillas into strips. Fry them in a skillet until they’re crispy, or bake them if you want to skip the added grease. Personally, I think a little crunch goes a long way in this soup!

7. Serve It Up

When it’s ready, ladle the soup into bowls, and don’t skimp on the toppings! Avocado, cilantro, cheese, and a sprinkle of lime juice can take this soup from good to holy smokes, that’s amazing! 🤤

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Tortilla Soup

Make It Ahead: You can totally make this soup ahead of time. Just wait to add your tortillas until you’re ready to serve, or else they’ll get soggy. Nobody likes soggy tortillas!
Freezer Friendly: This soup freezes like a dream! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
Leftovers: If you happen to have leftovers (unlikely, but hey), they’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just reheat on the stove until warmed through.

Healthy Twist on Chicken Tortilla Soup

Want to make it healthier? You can skip the fried tortilla strips and use baked tortilla chips instead. Or, add in more veggies like zucchini or spinach. Seriously, this soup is very forgiving, much like your best friend before a night out!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! Making chicken tortilla soup is like a cozy little culinary adventure you don’t want to miss. With a handful of ingredients and a bit of love, you’ll create a dish that will warm your heart and fill your belly. I hope you give it a shot and enjoy every spoonful! Don’t forget to invite me over for leftovers. 😜

Try it out today, and I promise you’ll find yourself coming back for more. Happy cooking!