Introduction
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and crunchy tortilla strips in a flavorful broth. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days and makes for a wholesome meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. With its vibrant flavors and colorful presentation, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chicken breast, diced – 2 cups
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Onion, chopped – 1 medium
Garlic, minced – 3 cloves
Bell pepper, chopped – 1 medium
Carrots, diced – 1 cup
Celery, diced – 1 cup
Corn kernels – 1 cup
Black beans, drained and rinsed – 1 can (15 oz)
Diced tomatoes with green chiles – 1 can (14.5 oz)
Chicken broth – 6 cups
Cumin – 1 teaspoon
Chili powder – 2 teaspoons
Salt – to taste
Pepper – to taste
Tortilla strips – for garnish
Fresh cilantro, chopped – for garnish
Lime wedges – for serving
Prep Time
Preparation time for this recipe is approximately 15 minutes. This includes chopping the vegetables and preparing the ingredients needed for the soup.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield in french
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4-6 portions
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cooking the chicken. You can either boil, grill, or sauté the chicken until fully cooked. Once done, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Add Spices
Stir in the spices including cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Cook for an additional minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add in the diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, black beans, corn, and the shredded chicken. Stir everything together to combine.
Step 5: Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper according to your preference.
Step 7: Serve the Soup
Serve the chicken tortilla soup hot. Optionally, offer tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, cheese, and lime wedges as toppings.
Notes
Note 1: Chicken Options
You can use any type of chicken, such as breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. Rotisserie chicken is also a convenient option.
Note 2: Vegetarian Alternative
To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with additional beans or vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Note 3: Spice Level
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder or including jalapeños for extra heat.
Note 4: Storage
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat before serving as needed.
Note 5: Serving Suggestions
This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing involves cooking ingredients quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over relatively high heat. This technique is used for onions and garlic in the soup for flavor enhancement.
Simmering
Simmering is the process of cooking food gently in liquid at a temperature just below boiling. This technique is used to meld the flavors of the soup together.
Shredding
Shredding chicken involves pulling apart cooked chicken into thin, bite-sized pieces. This technique allows the chicken to distribute evenly throughout the soup, enhancing each spoonful.
Chopping
Chopping is the act of cutting ingredients into smaller pieces. For this soup, vegetables like bell peppers and cilantro are chopped to ensure they cook evenly and blend well with the other flavors.
Garnishing
Garnishing refers to adding decorative elements to a dish just before serving. Toppings such as avocado, tortilla strips, and cheese enhance both the appearance and taste of the soup.
FAQ
Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned chicken to save time. Just be sure to drain and shred it before adding it to the soup.
How do I make this soup spicier?
To make the soup spicier, you can add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
What can I use instead of chicken?
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute chicken with beans, tofu, or vegetables like zucchini and corn.
How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftovers can last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
Conclusion
This Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that makes for a comforting and satisfying meal. With its rich broth, tender chicken, and crispy tortilla strips, it’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a quick weeknight dinner. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction it brings!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
Substitute chicken with black beans and add more vegetables like corn, bell peppers, and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.
Chicken and Rice Soup
Incorporate cooked rice into your tortilla soup for added heartiness. Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quick meal.
Spicy Tortilla Soup
Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up for those who love extra heat.
Southwestern Chicken Salad
Use the flavors of Chicken Tortilla Soup as inspiration for a Southwestern chicken salad topped with crispy tortilla strips and a zesty lime dressing.
Chicken Tortilla Soup Casserole
Layer ingredients in a baking dish for a twist on the classic soup, baking it with cheese and tortilla chips on top for a delicious casserole.