Chicken Tortilla Soup

Warm up your chilly evenings with this comforting and flavorful Chicken Tortilla Soup! Packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a kick of spices, this soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, and lime for garnish

Instructions:

• In a large pot, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
• Add in diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Add in shredded chicken and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
• Serve hot with tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Popular Questions:

• Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding my own?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken can save time and add extra flavor to the soup.

• Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the soup.

• Can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add in your favorite veggies like zucchini, carrots, or spinach.

• How can I make this soup spicier?

You can increase the amount of chili powder or add in some diced jalapeños for extra heat.

• Is it necessary to garnish with avocado and cilantro?

No, the garnishes are optional but add a refreshing touch to the soup.

Helpful Tips:

• For a smoky flavor, you can roast the bell pepper before adding it to the soup.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving to brighten up the flavors.
• Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preference.
• For a creamy twist, stir in a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream before serving.
• This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together, so it’s a great make-ahead meal.

Expert Secrets:

• For the best flavor, use homemade chicken broth or a high-quality store-bought version.
• To amp up the protein content, add in some cooked quinoa or brown rice to the soup.
• Try adding a can of diced green chilies for an extra layer of flavor and a bit of heat.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of the soup before adding the shredded chicken back in.
• Experiment with different toppings like shredded cheese, diced jalapeños, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.