Introduction
This delightful chicken tortilla soup is a warm and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a flavorful mix of ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and is sure to please the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this soup is both satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (or regular if you prefer less spicy)
1 (4.5-ounce) can green chiles
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
4 cups cooked and shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 (11-ounce) can steamed corn, drained and rinsed
For the Tortilla Strips:
2 cups canola oil
2 (8-inch) burrito tortillas
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
Optional Garnishes:
Cilantro
Sliced jalapeños
Low-fat sour cream
Low-fat shredded cheese
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 2-3 hours (high) or 4-5 hours (low)
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (high) or 4 hours 15 minutes (low)
Yield: Approximately 6 servings
Enjoy making this flavorful chicken tortilla soup and indulge in the rich tastes and textures it brings to your dining table!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a medium skillet. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to a slow cooker set on high heat. Add chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, green chiles, chopped cilantro, shredded chicken, taco seasoning, and drained corn. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Cooking the Soup
Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours.
Step 4: Prepare Tortilla Strips
Before serving, prepare the tortilla strips:
– Heat canola oil over medium-high heat in a small saucepan.
– Using a pizza cutter, cut each tortilla into 1/2-inch strips.
– Fry the strips in batches for 2-4 minutes or until browned.
– Remove the strips with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
– While still hot, sprinkle with taco seasoning and salt to taste. Allow to dry completely.
Step 5: Serve the Soup
Serve the soup garnished with extra cilantro, low-fat sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and tortilla strips, or any of your favorite toppings.
Notes
Note 1: Heat Levels
If you prefer a milder soup, choose regular diced tomatoes instead of fire-roasted and adjust the amount of green chiles according to your heat preference.
Note 2: Chicken Options
Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor, but you can also cook and shred your own chicken if preferred.
Note 3: Tortilla Strips Storage
Tortilla strips can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They may lose some crispness, but can be baked again to re-crisp.
Note 4: Customization
Feel free to add other vegetables or beans for added nutrition or personalize with your favorite garnishes.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking technique that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil over relatively high heat. In this recipe, chopped onion and minced garlic are sautéed in olive oil until they become translucent. This step enhances the flavor of the ingredients and forms a flavorful base for the soup.
Slow Cooking
Slow cooking allows for the gradual blending of flavors over an extended period. In this recipe, the sautéed onion and garlic are combined with the other ingredients in a slow cooker, where they are cooked on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours. This method ensures that the chicken becomes tender and absorbs the surrounding flavors.
Frying
Frying is a cooking technique where food is submerged in hot oil. In this recipe, tortilla strips are cut and then fried in canola oil until they are golden brown and crispy. This creates a delicious textural contrast to the soup.
Seasoning
Seasoning enhances the flavors of your dish. In this recipe, taco seasoning is used in both the soup and the tortilla strips. This adds depth and a spicy kick, making the dish more flavorful.
Garnishing
Garnishing involves adding finishing touches to a dish for both presentation and flavor enhancement. In this recipe, optional garnishes such as cilantro, jalapeños, sour cream, and cheese can be added before serving to enhance the visual appeal and taste.
FAQ
Can I use fresh chicken instead of shredded or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken. Simply cook and shred it before adding it to the slow cooker.
Can I substitute regular diced tomatoes for fire-roasted diced tomatoes?
Yes, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can use regular diced tomatoes instead of fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add more heat, consider using additional green chiles or diced jalapeños in the soup.
What can I use instead of canola oil for frying tortilla strips?
You can use vegetable oil, peanut oil, or any other neutral-flavored oil suitable for frying.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and add more vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers, or use a vegetarian broth for the base.
Conclusion
This delicious and hearty chicken tortilla soup is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that is sure to warm you up. The combination of shredded chicken, spicy green chiles, and fire-roasted tomatoes creates a rich base, while the tortilla strips add a satisfying crunch. Serve this dish with your favorite garnishes for a delightful meal that is both comforting and healthy.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Chili
Swap the shredded chicken for black beans and kidney beans to create a hearty vegetarian chili. Add bell peppers and zucchini for extra vegetables.
Chicken Enchiladas
Use the soup ingredients as a base, adding rolled tortillas filled with shredded chicken and cheese, then bake until bubbly for a Mexican-inspired favorite.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Mix the soup ingredients and stuff them into halved bell peppers. Bake until the peppers are tender for a nutritious and colorful dish.
Taco Salad
Layer the soup’s ingredients over a bed of lettuce, topping with crushed tortilla strips, avocado, and your choice of dressing for a fresh and filling salad.
Queso Chicken Dip
Combine shredded chicken, cheese, and a portion of the soup for a warm dip perfect for serving with tortilla chips at your next gathering.
