Clucking Good Chicken Tortilla Soup Fiesta in a Bowl
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Ever find yourself craving something warm and comforting? Something that's both satisfying and easy to whip up? I got you! Let's talk about chicken tortilla soup .
Honestly, who doesn't love a good bowl of this classic? It’s like a fiesta in your mouth!
A Soup with Soul
Chicken tortilla soup is more than just a recipe; it's a cultural icon. Rooted in Mexican cuisine, this vibrant soup is all about simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony.
It's an easy chicken tortilla soup recipe , perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe is totally approachable, taking about 50 minutes to make, including about 20 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cook time, and it yields around 6 servings.
Why This Chicken Tortilla Soup Rocks
One of the best things about this soup is how healthy it is! It's packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans.
And it's the perfect dish for a casual get-together with friends or a cozy night in. What makes this chicken tortilla soup special? It's the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory.
And the crispy homemade tortilla strips ? Oh my gosh! They take it to a whole new level.
Ready to dive in? Let's talk about what you'll need to make this amazing comfort food soup recipe a reality.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Fiesta Started!
Okay, so you want to make the best Clucking Good Chicken Tortilla Soup , right? Fear not, my friend! We're keeping it real and easy.
No need to be a Michelin star chef for this one. Let's dive into what you'll need. I always say, good ingredients equal a banging soup!
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Soup
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . This is for sautéing. Any decent olive oil will do.
- Onion: 1 large, chopped (about 1 cup ). Yellow or white onion is ideal. I once used a red onion by mistake, and it was still yum!
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (about 2 teaspoons ). Fresh is always best. Honestly, I sometimes add an extra clove for that oomph!
- Red bell pepper: 1 chopped (about 1 cup ). Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Jalapeño pepper: 1, seeded and minced (optional). For that cheeky kick. Remove the seeds for less heat, yeah?
- Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce / 794g) can . Don't skimp on quality here; it makes a difference.
- Chicken broth: 6 cups (1.4 liters) , low sodium. Trust me, you'll want to control the salt yourself.
- Chili powder: 1 teaspoon . This is your base flavor.
- Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon . Adds warmth and depth.
- Smoked paprika: 1/4 teaspoon . My secret weapon! It's a game changer.
- Dried oregano: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Cooked chicken: 1 pound (450g), shredded . Rotisserie chicken is the absolute MVP here! Saves time and tastes amazing. Easy chicken tortilla soup recipe , achieved!
- Black beans: 1 (15 ounce / 425g) can, rinsed and drained .
- Corn: 1 (15 ounce / 425g) can, drained . Frozen works too!
- Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup (1/2 bunch), chopped , plus more for garnish. Can't skip this!
- Salt and pepper: To taste. Season like you mean it!
- Lime wedges: For serving. Brightens everything up.
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life
We're aiming for that classic Mexican soup recipes vibe. Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are key. Don't be afraid to add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat if you're feeling bold.
Spicy chicken tortilla soup , here we come!
If you don't have smoked paprika, regular paprika will do, but honestly, invest in some smoked paprika! You won't regret it.
And a little oregano brings the earthiness that this comfort food soup recipes needs.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
- Large pot or Dutch oven. Crucial.
- Cutting board.
- Knife.
- Large skillet or frying pan. For those homemade tortilla strips .
- Slotted spoon.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
Don't have a fancy Dutch oven? No worries! A large pot will do the trick. The main thing is to have something big enough to hold all that delicious chicken tortilla soup .
This quick chicken soup will blow your mind!
Clucking Good Chicken Tortilla Soup: Fiesta in a Bowl!
Alright, let's get this chicken tortilla soup party started! This isn't just any soup recipe; it's my go-to for a flavour fiesta.
It’s like a warm hug from Mexico in a bowl. Honestly, I think everyone needs a killer easy chicken tortilla soup recipe in their arsenal.
And guess what? This is it!
Prep Steps: Get Your Mise On!
First, we need to get organised. It is essential to get your mise en place ready! Chop the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if you're feeling brave).
Grab that can of crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, black beans, and corn. I cannot stress enough how much time this saves! Time estimates are: Prep Time: 20 minutes .
You know? It is like The Great British Bake Off , but with soup.
A quick safety note: Watch those fingers when chopping the jalapeño!
step-by-step: Soup erb Simplicity
This one-pot chicken tortilla soup is easier than you think!
- Sauté the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño in olive oil until softened. About 5- 7 minutes should do it.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and spices. Bring it all to a simmer.
- Add the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn. Simmer for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Fry up those tortilla strips until golden brown. Should take around 3- 5 minutes . Watch 'em closely!
- Stir in the cilantro and season with salt and pepper.
Visual cue for doneness: The tortilla strips should be crispy and golden brown. Don't let them burn! Critical temperature points is reaching the boiling point.
Pro Tips: Secret Soup Weaponry
Using rotisserie chicken saves time. It also adds a ton of flavor! Don't overcook the tortilla strips they burn easily.
I speak from experience! And adjust the spice to your liking. Start small with the jalapeño. Try this Flavor Boost : Add a squeeze of lime juice right before serving.
This will brighten the flavors You can also make-ahead options soup a day in advance. The flavors will meld even more overnight!
Recipe Notes for Your Clucking Good Chicken Tortilla Soup
Listen, we all make mistakes. I've definitely burnt my fair share of tortilla strips. But this easy chicken tortilla soup recipe is pretty foolproof.
Here's some extra stuff to help you nail it!
Serving Suggestions: Let's Get Fancy!
Presentation is everything, right? Honestly, with chicken tortilla soup toppings , you can go wild. Think about layering textures and colours.
Start with the soup. Then, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Next, diced avocado for creaminess and freshness.
Finally, a sprinkle of shredded cheese and those crispy tortilla strips we made. Boom! Insta worthy. And don't forget a wedge of lime, for that final zing .
For sides, keep it simple. A small salad or even some crusty bread is perfect. If you are feeling festive? Why not a cheeky margarita?
Storage Tips: For Leftover Goodness
Okay, so you might have leftovers. (Though, honestly, this soup is so good it's usually gone in a flash.) For refrigeration, let the chicken tortilla soup cool completely before popping it in an airtight container.
It will last in the fridge for about 3-4 days . Freezing? Yep, you can freeze it! But the tortilla strips will get soggy.
So, I recommend freezing the soup without them. Then, make fresh strips when you reheat. Reheating is easy peasy. Just microwave it or heat it on the stovetop until it's piping hot.
Variations: Mix It Up, Buttercup!
Feeling adventurous? Want a healthy chicken tortilla soup ? Let's adapt! For a gluten-free version, just double check your tortilla strips are made with 100% corn.
For a vegetarian option, ditch the chicken and add extra veggies. Think chunks of sweet potato or courgette. You could even throw in some butternut squash for a really comfort food soup recipes .
Got some leftover roasted veg from Sunday lunch? Bung it in! The seasons can change the flavour too. In winter, add some roasted butternut squash for sweetness.
In summer, fresh sweetcorn is a win.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
This chicken tortilla soup isn't just tasty, it's pretty darn good for you too! You are getting lean protein from the chicken.
There is fibre from the beans and corn. And loads of vitamins from the veggies. It's a hearty bowl of goodness and is especially useful to knock out flu season.
So, there you have it! My notes on this spicy chicken tortilla soup . Honestly, just have fun with it. Don't be afraid to experiment.
And remember, the most important ingredient is love. You can't go wrong with this recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to store leftover chicken tortilla soup? Will it keep 'til Bake Off night next week?
Leftover chicken tortilla soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Be aware that the tortilla strips will get soggy, so it's best to store them separately and add them fresh when reheating.
It is best practice to consume within the week, though. So maybe make a fresh batch for Bake Off night!
Can I make chicken tortilla soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot? I'm a busy bee!
Absolutely! For a slow cooker, simply combine all the soup ingredients (except the tortilla strips and toppings) in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to cook the aromatics, then add the remaining soup ingredients and cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Remember to add your crispy toppings fresh when serving!
How can I make my chicken tortilla soup spicier? I like it hot, hot, hot!
If you're a spice fiend, there are several ways to kick up the heat in your chicken tortilla soup. You could add more jalapeño (leaving the seeds in for extra fire), a dash of cayenne pepper, a few drops of your favorite hot sauce, or even some chopped serrano peppers.
Another good option is to use a spicier chili powder blend. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking remember, you can always add more spice, but you can't take it away!
I'm watching my sodium intake. How can I reduce the sodium in this chicken tortilla soup recipe?
That's a great question! The biggest source of sodium in chicken tortilla soup is usually the chicken broth. Use low-sodium or even no-salt added chicken broth. Also, be mindful of canned ingredients like black beans and corn; rinsing them well can significantly reduce their sodium content.
Season cautiously with salt and taste frequently, you might not even need to add any!
Can I make chicken tortilla soup vegetarian or vegan? My friend is coming over, and they don't eat meat.
Yes, easily! To make it vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the chicken. Substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, and add extra vegetables like zucchini, sweet potatoes, or carrots for a heartier soup. For a vegan version, be sure to skip any dairy based toppings like sour cream or cheese.
A dollop of avocado crema or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can provide a similar creamy, savory element.
My tortilla strips always turn out soggy. What am I doing wrong? How do I get perfectly crispy tortilla strips for my chicken tortilla soup?
Soggy tortilla strips are a common woe, but easily fixed! First, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the strips. Fry them in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, which lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy strips.
Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels immediately to absorb excess oil. Finally, add the strips to the soup right before serving to prevent them from soaking up the broth.
Clucking Good Chicken Tortilla Soup Fiesta In A
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 8g |