Irresistible Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

The aroma of Chicken Tortilla Soup wafts through the kitchen, wrapping you in a warm hug on a chilly evening. Picture tender chicken swimming in a flavorful broth, punctuated by zesty lime and crispy tortilla strips that bring an irresistible crunch. delicious chicken gyro bowls.

This soup isn’t just for dinner; it’s the perfect companion for cozy nights, game days, or any occasion that calls for comfort food. I remember making this dish for my family during one particularly rainy weekend, and their smiles were as bright as the soup was delicious. cozy sausage and potato soup. For more inspiration, check out this Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup recipe.

I once made this soup for a gathering and watched as my friends devoured every last drop, begging for the recipe. The laughter and compliments were truly unforgettable.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts; adjust depending on how many you’re feeding.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves to add an aromatic punch to your soup.

• Onion: A medium-sized onion adds sweetness; sauté until translucent for the best flavor.

• Bell Peppers: Any color works; they bring sweetness and crunch to the mix.

• Diced Tomatoes: Use canned tomatoes for convenience; they add acidity and depth to the broth.

• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels while enhancing flavor.

• Spices (Cumin, Chili Powder): These spices provide warmth and complexity; feel free to adjust based on heat preference.

• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens the flavors; chop it coarsely before adding.

• Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds a zesty finish that elevates the entire dish.

• Tortilla Strips: Crispy tortilla strips are essential for texture—store-bought or homemade work great!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on the counter. Chop your onions, garlic, and bell peppers so they’re ready to go when you start cooking.

Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until they become translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes.

Add Chicken & Spices: Toss in your chicken breasts along with cumin and chili powder. spicy jalapeno popper chili Sear them lightly on both sides until golden brown—this should take around 3-4 minutes.

Pour in Broth & Tomatoes: Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring everything to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally to combine flavors—let it bubble away for about 20 minutes.

Shred Chicken: Once cooked through, remove chicken from the pot. Shred it with two forks right before returning it back into the soup.

Add Final Touches: Stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro just before serving. Ladle soup into bowls and top generously with crispy tortilla strips—your masterpiece is ready!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add chicken to sear. While that cooks, toss in your spices and broth for flavor, letting everything simmer together beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for beans or veggies for a vegetarian delight. You can also experiment with different toppings like avocado or crispy tortilla strips to elevate your soup. hearty white bean soup.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Chicken Tortilla Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding water if the soup thickens too much. For more inspiration, check out this Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo recipe.

My first attempt at making Chicken Tortilla Soup was a disaster until my friend suggested using homemade broth instead of store-bought. It changed everything!

FAQ

What can I use instead of chicken in Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Try using black beans or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

Can I freeze Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Yes, but add toppings like avocado just before serving after thawing.

How do I make Chicken Tortilla Soup spicier?

Add extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to boost the heat level.

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Chicken Tortilla Soup

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• Author: Michaela Thompson
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Chicken Tortilla Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings. This hearty soup features tender chicken simmered in a rich, flavorful broth, brightened with zesty lime and topped with crunchy tortilla strips. Easy to prepare and bursting with vibrant flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a main dish, this Chicken Tortilla Soup will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp chili powder
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 cup tortilla strips (store-bought or homemade)

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Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients by chopping the onions, garlic, bell peppers, and cilantro.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent (about 5 minutes).
3. Add chicken breasts and spices; sear lightly on both sides (3-4 minutes).
4. Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth; bring to a gentle simmer for about 20 minutes.
5. Remove chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks before returning it to the soup.
6. Stir in lime juice and cilantro just before serving. Top with crispy tortilla strips.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 300g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 80mg