Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a warm, hearty dish that’s perfect for cozy nights or any time you’re craving something comforting and flavorful. This simple yet delicious soup is made with a blend of savory spices, tender chicken, sweet corn, and fresh cilantro, all topped with crispy tortilla chips and melted Monterey Jack cheese. The combination of textures and flavors makes this soup a family favorite that’s ready in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed chicken broth
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1 cup whole corn kernels
• 1 cup chopped cooked chicken breast
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 7 ounces tortilla chips
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a 2-quart saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add Spices and Liquids: Stir in the cumin, chili powder, diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Add Corn and Chicken: Stir in the corn kernels, chopped cooked chicken breast, and fresh cilantro. Heat the soup through for an additional 3-5 minutes.
4. Serve the Soup: To serve, break the tortilla chips into individual bowls. Pour the hot soup over the chips, ensuring each bowl gets a nice helping of the flavorful broth, corn, and chicken.
5. Add Cheese: Top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack cheese and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup along with the spices. You can also sprinkle some chili flakes on top for a spicier finish.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or black beans for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Creamy Tortilla Soup: Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or sour cream to the soup for a creamy texture that balances the spices.
• Beans: Add a can of black beans or pinto beans for added protein and fiber.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup may thicken as it sits, so you can add a little extra water or broth when reheating.
• Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze the soup without the tortilla chips and cheese, as they don’t freeze well. When ready to serve, simply reheat and top with fresh chips and cheese.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?
   Yes, you can use raw chicken breast. Just add it to the soup at the beginning with the onions and garlic, and let it cook through before shredding it into pieces.
2. Can I make the soup spicier?
   Absolutely! You can add more chili powder, cumin, or a diced jalapeño to increase the heat level to your liking.
3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
   Yes! Add all the ingredients (except for the chips and cheese) into the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Serve the soup over chips and top with cheese once it’s ready.
4. What can I use instead of Monterey Jack cheese?
   You can substitute Monterey Jack with shredded cheddar cheese, queso blanco, or even a mild pepper jack cheese for a bit of heat.
5. Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
   Definitely! Feel free to add diced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to increase the veggie content of the soup.
6. How can I make this soup more filling?
   Add rice, beans, or even tortilla strips to bulk up the soup and make it even more hearty.
7. Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
   Yes, frozen corn works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to add it when you stir in the chicken and cilantro to give it enough time to heat through.
8. Can I use homemade chicken broth?
   Yes, homemade chicken broth will add a wonderful depth of flavor to the soup. Just be sure to adjust the salt content since homemade broth can be less salty than store-bought.
9. How do I make this soup vegetarian?
   To make it vegetarian, simply skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra beans or vegetables.
10. What kind of tortilla chips should I use?
    Any plain, salted tortilla chips will work, but thick-cut or restaurant-style chips hold up better when the soup is poured over them.

Conclusion

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a wonderfully simple yet flavorful dish that brings together the perfect combination of spices, tender chicken, and crisp tortilla chips. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that can be made in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch. With its customizable flavors and toppings, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it with cheese, chips, and a generous sprinkle of cilantro, and enjoy a hearty, comforting meal that everyone will love!

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