Slim Satisfying Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Slim & Satisfying: Your New Go-To Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ever crave something hearty and healthy? Honestly, me too! That's why I'm so stoked to share my healthy chicken tortilla soup recipe.
It's packed with flavour but won't leave you feeling like you need a nap.
This Mexican chicken soup healthy twist on a classic is inspired by the vibrant flavours of Mexico. It's easier than you think, ready in under an hour.
This recipe makes about 6 servings, perfect for a family meal or meal prepping.
Why You'll Love This Soup
This soup isn’t just tasty; it's good for you! Packed with protein and fiber, it's a brilliant way to get your veggies in.
Serve this low calorie chicken tortilla soup at your next casual get-together, or enjoy a bowl on a chilly evening.
What makes this recipe special? The homemade tortilla strips, baked not fried, for that extra crunch.
Okay, let's get this rodeo started!
This easy chicken tortilla soup recipe will soon become a family favourite. You can easily customize it with your favourite chicken tortilla soup healthy toppings .
Don't be afraid to add some avocado or a squeeze of lime for extra zing!
What You'll Need for This Healthy Deliciousness
Ready to dive in? Here's your shopping list:
- Olive oil
- Yellow onion, garlic, bell pepper, jalapeño
- Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Diced tomatoes
- Black beans
- Corn
- Cooked chicken breast
- Lime
- Corn tortillas
- Avocado
- Cilantro
And of course, don't forget the salt and pepper!
Ingredients & Equipment
Okay, let's get this healthy chicken tortilla soup rodeo started! This ain't your grandma's soup...unless your grandma is super into healthy eating, that is.
We're building a flavour bomb without all the guilt. Get ready!
Main Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this easy chicken tortilla soup recipe sing. Don't skimp on quality, especially with the chicken!
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml)
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium , chopped (approx. 150g )
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (approx. 6g )
- Red Bell Pepper: 1 , chopped (approx. 120g )
- Jalapeño Pepper: 1 , seeded and minced (optional) (approx. 5g )
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
- Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml)
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: 4 cups (950ml) . Go low-sodium, trust me!
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce/411g) can , undrained
- Black Beans: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can , rinsed and drained. Hello, high protein chicken tortilla soup !
- Corn: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can , drained.
- Cooked Chicken Breast: 1 ½ pounds (680g) , shredded. Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver, honestly.
- Lime Juice: From 1 lime
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
For the tortillas, avocado and cilantro you'll need them when serving chicken tortilla soup healthy toppings .
For the chicken, look for air-chilled or free range if you're feeling fancy. Quality chicken = better flavour.
Seasoning Notes
Spice is nice! Let's talk flavour boosters for our light chicken tortilla soup recipe .
- Essential Spice Combo: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. It's like a Southwestern symphony!
- Flavour Enhancers: Garlic and jalapeño bring the heat. Adjust the jalapeño to your liking!
- Quick Subs: No smoked paprika? Regular paprika works. If you want Mexican chicken soup healthy , you can use different spices, for example instead of cumin you can use oregano.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, folks. You don't need a million gadgets.
- Large pot or Dutch oven. This is where the magic happens.
- Baking sheet. For crispy tortilla strips.
- Sharp knife. For chopping all those lovely veggies.
- Cutting board. Protect your countertops.
Don't have a Dutch oven? A regular large pot will do just fine. You can even bake the tortillas strips on a sheet pan on the grill.
Honestly, that’s it! This skinny chicken tortilla soup recipe is all about using fresh ingredients and simple techniques. Let’s get cooking!
Slim & Satisfying: Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Okay, let's get this rodeo started! Forget boring diets. Craving something warm, comforting, and actually good for you? Then you're in the right place.
This healthy chicken tortilla soup is about to become your new best friend.
Prep Steps for a Speedy Soup
- Essential mise en place: First things first, get your chopping board ready. Dice 1 medium yellow onion , mince 2 cloves garlic . Chop 1 red bell pepper and 1 jalapeño if you're feeling brave. Honestly, prep is half the battle!
- Time saving organization tips: Grab your cans of black beans and corn now. Drain and rinse them. Have your shredded chicken ready to go too. Rotisserie chicken? Winner!
- Safety reminders: Watch those fingers when chopping the jalapeño! Consider wearing gloves. Don't touch your eyes after handling it either. Ouch.
step-by-step to Tortilla Soup Heaven
- Sauté aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a big pot. Medium heat is your friend. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño for 5 minutes. Add garlic, 1 teaspoon chili powder , 1 teaspoon cumin , and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute , stirring. Smells amazing, right?
- Build the broth: Pour in 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth and 1 can diced tomatoes. Bring it to a simmer.
- Add the Good Stuff: Stir in 1 can black beans , 1 can corn , and 1 ½ pounds shredded chicken.
- Simmer Time: Simmer for 15 minutes so all the flavours get to know each other.
- Make Tortilla Strips: Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Cut 6 corn tortillas into strips. Spray with olive oil. Bake for 8- 10 minutes , till crispy. Watch them. Seriously, they burn fast .
- Finish & Season: Stir in the juice of 1 lime . Salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve & Garnish: Ladle into bowls. Top with avocado, tortilla strips, and cilantro. Add lime wedges!
Pro Tips for a Top-Tier Soup
- Toast those spices! It wakes them up. Adds a depth of flavour.
- Common mistake: Overbaking the tortilla strips. I've been there. Don't do it.
- This easy chicken tortilla soup recipe tastes even better tomorrow! Perfect for meal prep. And it's a low calorie chicken tortilla soup , if you're watching your waistline. Craving a bowl of comfort? This healthy chicken tortilla soup is packed with flavour and won't leave you feeling guilty. Perfect for a chilly evening or a light lunch! It's basically a Mexican chicken soup healthy enough to have any day of the week. Add chicken tortilla soup healthy toppings to make it even better.
Alright, let's chat more about our Slim & Satisfying: Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup . You know, the one that's gonna make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside without the post soup guilt trip.
It is an easy chicken tortilla soup recipe you can make it in under an hour.
Recipe Notes: More than Just a Bowl of Soup
This ain't just about following steps; it's about making it yours . Think of these notes as friendly nudges to help you become a soup slinging superstar!
Serving Suggestions: Show Off Your Soup!
Okay, so you’ve got this gorgeous healthy chicken tortilla soup . Now what? Presentation matters! A swirl of Greek yogurt? Yes, please.
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro? Absolutely. Crispy tortilla strips artfully arranged? You betcha! Think about layering textures and colours. A bright green avocado against the rich red of the broth.
Complement it with a side of crusty bread for dipping. Or a cool glass of lime infused water to balance the spice.
Trust me. Your tastebuds (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.
Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This light chicken tortilla soup recipe gets even better the next day. Pop it into an airtight container and it'll happily chill in the fridge for up to 3-4 days .
If you're thinking longer term, freezing is an option! Let it cool completely, then portion it out into freezer safe bags or containers.
It'll keep for up to 3 months . When you are ready to get cozy, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium low heat.
Or microwave if you're in a rush. Just be sure to stir it occasionally.
Variations: Make It Your Own!
This recipe is just a jumping off point. Wanna make it veggie? Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Load it up with extra beans and veggies.
Need it gluten-free chicken tortilla soup ? Just make sure your tortilla strips are made from certified gluten-free corn tortillas.
Watching your calories? Load up on the veggies. Keep the chicken tortilla soup healthy toppings lean, and use a low-sodium broth.
I once accidentally added a whole extra jalapeño talk about a fiery surprise! So, yeah, taste as you go!
Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Fuel
Let's talk about why this soup rocks. We're lookin' at around 350 calories per serving. Plus a whopping 35g of protein to keep you full and satisfied.
Thanks to the chicken, black beans, and corn. It's also packed with fibre, clocking in at 8g , which is great for digestion.
And let's not forget the vitamins and minerals from all those lovely veggies. It's a bowlful of goodness that'll nourish your body and make you feel amazing.
You'll also want to keep the sodium low by using low sodium chicken broth for healthy chicken tortilla soup .
So there you have it! More than just a recipe, it is a guide to making your perfect bowl of Mexican chicken soup healthy . Now go forth and create!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this healthy chicken tortilla soup actually healthy? I'm trying to watch my waistline!
Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be a lighter, healthier take on traditional chicken tortilla soup. We've cut down on the fat and sodium by using lean chicken breast, low-sodium broth, and plenty of vegetables.
Plus, all those beans and veggies are packed with fibre, keeping you feeling full and satisfied without all the guilt a proper "tidy" meal, as they say!
Can I make this healthy chicken tortilla soup ahead of time? I'm always short on time during the week.
You bet! In fact, this soup tastes even better the next day, like a fine wine that gets better with age. The flavours meld together beautifully as it sits. Just let it cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container. It'll keep for 3-4 days perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal, sorted!
What's the best way to store leftover healthy chicken tortilla soup? Will it still be good?
To properly store your leftover soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze this soup!
Just portion it into freezer safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion, and it will be good for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, a gentle simmer on the stove is best, or you can microwave it in a pinch just give it a good stir now and then.
I'm not a huge fan of cilantro. Is there a good substitute in this chicken tortilla soup recipe?
We get it, cilantro is a bit like Marmite you either love it or hate it! If you're not a fan, the best substitute is fresh parsley. It will provide a similar fresh, green flavour, although it won't have quite the same citrusy notes as cilantro.
A little bit of chopped green onion can also add a nice flavour boost too. But if you are feeling brave, you can give the cilantro another go, you might change your mind!
Can I make this healthy chicken tortilla soup spicier? I like a bit of a kick!
Of course! There are several ways to crank up the heat. You can add more jalapeño, leaving some of the seeds in for extra fire. A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favourite hot sauce will also do the trick.
Or, for a smoky heat, add a bit more smoked paprika or a finely chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. Just add a little at a time and taste as you go you don't want to blow your head off!
My tortilla strips always burn! Any tips for making them perfectly crispy for this healthy chicken tortilla soup?
Ah, the age-old struggle with tortilla strips! The key is to keep a close eye on them they go from golden brown to burnt in the blink of an eye. Make sure you're using a good quality olive oil spray and arrange the strips in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. If you notice them browning too quickly, lower the oven temperature slightly or move the baking sheet to a lower rack.
Slim Satisfying Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 8g |
