why make this recipe
Classic Chicken Tortilla Soup is a simple and flavorful dish that warms you up from the inside out. It combines savory chicken, hearty beans, and vibrant vegetables in a spicy broth. This soup is not only delicious but also quick to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings, making it a fun meal for the whole family.
how to make Classic Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla strips for topping
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, cumin, and chili powder, cooking for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Add the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Serve the soup in bowls topped with tortilla strips, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
how to serve Classic Chicken Tortilla Soup
Serve Classic Chicken Tortilla Soup hot in bowls. Top each bowl with crispy tortilla strips, fresh chopped cilantro, and a slice of lime for added zest. This soup pairs nicely with crusty bread or a side salad, making for a wholesome meal.
how to store Classic Chicken Tortilla Soup
You can store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. For longer storage, consider freezing the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
tips to make Classic Chicken Tortilla Soup
- For extra flavor, you can add a chopped jalapeño pepper for heat.
- Make sure to fully drain and rinse the black beans to remove excess sodium.
- Customize the soup by adding other vegetables like zucchini or corn for more color and nutrition.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of it before serving.
variation
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with extra beans or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables, such as carrots or celery, for added texture.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds delicious flavor to the soup.
Q: Is this soup spicy?
A: The soup has mild spices. If you like it hotter, add extra chili powder or fresh chopped jalapeños.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just reheat before serving.
Classic Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed Make sure to fully drain and rinse to reduce sodium.
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- to taste Salt and pepper
- Tortilla strips for topping
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, cumin, and chili powder, cooking for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a boil.
Cooking
- Add the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn. Season with salt and pepper.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Serving
- Serve the soup in bowls topped with tortilla strips, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
