Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp.extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 mediumyellow onion
finely chopped
- 1jalapeño
seeds removed, finely chopped
- 4garlic cloves
finely chopped
- 3 c.shredded cooked boneless
skinless chicken breasts
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp.chili powder
- 2 tsp.dried oregano
- 2 tsp.ground cumin
- 1can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
- 4 c.low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 ½ c.fresh or frozen corn
- 1juice of lime
- 1bay leaf
- vegetable oil
for frying
- 4 smallcorn tortillas
sliced into thin strips
- finely chopped avocado
shredded cheddar, and finely chopped fresh cilantro, for serving
Directions
- 1
In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 8 minutes. Add jalapeño and garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Stir in chicken; season with salt and pepper. Add chili powder, oregano, and cumin and stir to combine.
- 2
Add tomatoes and broth and stir to combine. Add corn, lime juice, and bay leaf and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, bring to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced, about 15 minutes.
- 3
Meanwhile, into a large, heavy skillet, pour oil to a depth of 1/8". Heat over medium heat until shimmering. Working in batches, fry tortilla strips until golden and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; immediately season with salt.
- 4
Remove bay leaf from soup, then divide among bowls. Top with tortilla strips, avocado, cheddar, and cilantro.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 7 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a deeply flavorful, comforting meal that comes together without fuss? This Chicken Tortilla Soup is your answer, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, restaurant-quality experience perfect for any weeknight.
Why This Soup Works
This isn’t just plain chicken soup; it’s a symphony of robust flavors. The secret to its robust profile lies in layering aromatics like onion, garlic, and jalapeño with a generous blend of chili powder, dried oregano, and ground cumin. The inclusion of fire-roasted tomatoes adds a distinctive smoky depth, while using shredded cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures a satisfying meal comes together quickly and easily.
What to Expect
You'll be greeted by a warm, inviting aroma as this soup simmers. Each spoonful delivers a rich, savory broth with a pleasant warmth from the jalapeño and chili powder, perfectly balanced by the tang of lime juice and the sweetness of corn. The texture is hearty and satisfying, filled with tender chicken and bright tomatoes. This naturally gluten-free dish is a truly comforting bowl, offering a complexity of flavors that belies its straightforward preparation.
Customization & Variations
This Chicken Tortilla Soup is wonderfully adaptable to your preferences. Feel free to customize your bowl with generous amounts of the suggested toppings, like creamy finely chopped avocado, sharp shredded cheddar, and bright finely chopped fresh cilantro. If you prefer more heat, leave some of the jalapeño seeds in for an extra kick. For a touch less spice, ensure all seeds and membranes are removed.
Serving & Context
This hearty soup is an ideal candidate for a cozy fall evening or a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner. Serve it with a generous sprinkle of crispy fried corn tortilla strips for that essential crunch, making each bowl an experience in texture and taste.