Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Recipe by SimplyPrettyPlatesCourse: SoupsDifficulty: Medium
Servings

10

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

55

minutes
Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

Tender, juicy, shredded chicken with beans, corn, and diced tomatoes garnished with sour cream, cheese, fresh lime juice, and of course crunchy tortilla chips!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breasts

  • 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, fire roasted

  • 1 (15.25 oz) can sweet corn

  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

  • 2 cups cheese, shredded

  • 4 limes

  • 6 cups chicken broth

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 bag Mission Tortilla Strips

  • 4 cloves garlic

  • 2 jalapenos, medium

  • salt to taste, kosher

  • pepper to taste, fresh ground

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

  • 1 green bell pepper, diced

  • 1 yellow onion, medium

  • 1 tbsp New Mexico chili powder

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 1/2 tbsp oregano

  • 1/2 tbsp cumin

  • 1 tsp garlic salt

  • 1/2 cup sour cream (garnish)

  • 1/2 cup cilantro (garnish)

DIRECTIONS

  • On a cast-iron pan, heat up 1 tbsp butter on medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear on each side for about 3 minutes. Set aside
  • In the same pan you used for the chicken, cook the bell peppers, onion, ajalapeñosnos until soft. You can add 1/4 cup water to deglaze the pan, you want all of that flavor!
  • Create a well in the center of your veggies and throw in tomato paste, garlic, cumin, oregano, garlic salt, and chili powder. Stir.
  • Once everything is combined, add chicken stock, black beans, corn, and tomatoes.
  • Add in chicken breasts and lower the to medium heat. Cook for about 40 minutes.
  • Carefully remove the chicken and shred. Place back into soup along with the juice of 1 lime.
  • Garnish with cheese sour cream, lime, cilantro, and of course tortilla chips! Enjoy!!

Notes

There’s something about chicken tortilla soup that just feels like home. It’s the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a chilly day, a bowl full of flavors that comfort and invigorate at the same time. This classic dish, rooted deeply in Mexican cuisine, has traversed borders and won hearts worldwide, becoming a beloved staple in many households and restaurants. So, what makes chicken tortilla soup a go-to comfort food for so many?

Firstly, the base of the soup—a harmonious blend of tomatoes, chicken broth, and a medley of spices—sets the stage for a deeply satisfying experience. The soup is then elevated with the addition of shredded chicken, providing a hearty dose of protein. But the true magic happens with the ensemble of garnishes typically served with chicken tortilla soup. Fresh avocado slices, crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime not only add a vibrant burst of flavor and texture but also allow for personalization of each bowl. It’s this interactive aspect, tailoring each spoonful to one’s liking, that adds a special touch to the experience.

Moreover, chicken tortilla soup is as versatile as it is delicious. It can be easily adapted to suit various dietary preferences without losing its essence. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner idea, a nutritious meal that can be prepared ahead of time, or a show-stopping dish for a gathering with friends and family, chicken tortilla soup fits the bill perfectly. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly magical.

The beauty of chicken tortilla soup lies not just in its flavors but also in its ability to bring people together, to share in the joy of cooking and the warmth of sharing a meal. So, the next time you find yourself in need of a little comfort or looking to whip up something quick, nutritious, and full of flavor, remember that chicken tortilla soup is just a pot away. Dive into the rich, spicy broth, the tender chicken, and the crunchy tortilla strips, and let this beloved dish warm your soul and fill your kitchen with the aroma of home-cooked goodness.

I hope you try and love this amazing soup! Check out our Korean BBQ Chicken recipe here for more dinner ideas.

Thank you!