Introduction
Delve into a comforting bowl of chicken tortilla soup, a beloved dish that combines the rich flavors of spices, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables. This recipe is not only hearty and satisfying but also allows for a touch of creativity with various toppings. Gather your ingredients and enjoy a delightful culinary experience that warms both the body and soul.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Soup:
3 tablespoons crushed corn tortilla chips
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 yellow onion, diced
2 jalapeño peppers, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
29 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes and green chilies (two 14.5-ounce cans)
11 ounces canned corn kernels (one can)
14.5 ounces canned black beans, rinsed and drained (one can)
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 3 cups cubed cooked chicken
Juice of 1 lime
1 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
Shredded Mexican blend cheese
Corn tortilla chips or strips
Sour cream
Chopped fresh cilantro
Sliced avocado
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Tortilla Chips
Crush enough tortilla chips to make 3 tablespoons and set aside.
Step 2: Heat Oil
Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat and add the vegetable oil.
Step 3: Cook Onions
Add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
Step 4: Add Jalapeños
Add the diced jalapeños and cook for an additional minute.
Step 5: Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Pour in the chicken broth, fire-roasted diced tomatoes and green chilies, corn, black beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, and the crushed tortilla chips.
Step 7: Add Chicken
If using raw chicken breasts, add them now and reduce the heat to low.
Step 8: Simmer
Simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 9: Shred Chicken
Remove the chicken breasts and use two forks to shred them. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. (If using cooked cubed chicken, add it now.)
Step 10: Finish Soup
Add the lime juice and heavy cream. Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until heated through.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Ladle the soup into serving bowls and sprinkle with shredded cheese, corn tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped fresh cilantro.
Accompaniments
Serve with a wedge of lime and a few slices of avocado.
Cook Techniques
Crushing Tortilla Chips
To crush tortilla chips, place them in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin or a heavy pan to gently crush them into smaller pieces, ensuring they are fine enough to blend well into the soup.
Sautéing Aromatics
Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat, then add diced onions, jalapeños, and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent. This technique builds a flavorful base for the soup.
Simmering
After adding the broth and other ingredients, reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer. This enables the flavors to meld together and the chicken to cook thoroughly.
Shredding Chicken
Once the chicken breasts are cooked through, remove them from the pot and use two forks to shred the meat. This method ensures even distribution of chicken throughout the soup.
Incorporating Cream and Lime Juice
After shredding the chicken and returning it to the pot, add lime juice and heavy cream. Stir well to combine and enhance the richness of the soup.
FAQ
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use cubed cooked chicken. Simply add it to the soup after the initial simmering stage.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, adding more beans or cooked lentils for protein.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative for a lighter version of the soup.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, reduce or omit the jalapeños and crushed red pepper flakes or add additional spices like cayenne pepper for extra heat.
What toppings work well with this soup?
Toppings such as shredded cheese, corn tortilla chips, sour cream, fresh cilantro, and sliced avocado complement the soup beautifully.
Conclusion
This soup offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for warming up on a chilly day. The marriage of crushed tortilla chips, tender chicken, and a medley of spices creates a comforting dish that is both hearty and satisfying. With the option to customize toppings, each bowl can be tailored to individual preferences, making it a family-friendly meal.
Classic Chicken Tortilla Soup
Transform this recipe into a classic chicken tortilla soup by adding crispy tortilla strips and avocado on top, while keeping the spices mild for a more traditional taste.
Vegetarian Variation
Substitute the chicken with additional black beans or chickpeas and add extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version that’s rich in protein and fiber.
Spicy Southwest Chicken Soup
For an extra kick, increase the amount of jalapeños and crushed red pepper flakes. A dash of hot sauce can also enhance the heat while maintaining the rich flavor profile.
Creamy Corn and Chicken Chowder
Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream for a unique twist, adding more sweetness and a hint of tropical flavor while keeping the comforting essence of the soup.
Chicken Enchilada Soup
Incorporate enchilada sauce along with the broth for a bold flavor infusion. Pair it with cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro to enhance the enchilada experience.
Loaded Tex-Mex Soup
Top the soup with additional toppings such as pickled jalapeños, diced red onions, and crumbled feta cheese for an amplified Tex-Mex flair that brightens every bite.
