If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make soup, look no further than this chicken tortilla soup recipe. This recipe is perfect for those cold winter nights, and it's packed with flavor and nutrients. In this article, we'll go through the ingredients, marinade, kitchen tools, and the step-by-step process of making this delicious soup.
Ingredients Needed to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
To start, let's go through the ingredients you'll need to make this delicious soup:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (15 ounces)
- 1 can corn, drained (15 ounces)
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 ounces)
- 1 can diced green chiles (4 ounces)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Tortilla chips, for serving
- Sour cream, for serving
- Shredded cheese, for serving
For the Marinade
Before we start cooking, we need to marinate the chicken. Here's what you'll need:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Combine all of the marinade ingredients in a small bowl. Place the chicken in a large zip-top bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
Kitchen Tools Needed
To make this soup, you'll need the following kitchen tools:
- A large pot or Dutch oven
- A sharp knife
- A cutting board
- A can opener
- A wooden spoon
- A ladle
- A measuring cup and spoons
- A large zip-top bag
How to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Now that we have our ingredients, marinade, and kitchen tools, let's get to cooking. Here's how to make chicken tortilla soup:
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Discard the marinade.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
- Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened.
- Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, tomato sauce, green chiles, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- While the soup is cooking, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the shredded chicken, lime juice, and cilantro to the pot. Stir to combine and let the soup cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve the soup hot, topped with crushed tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, and shredded cheese.
How to Cook Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Now that you know how to make this delicious soup, it's time to start cooking. Follow these simple steps to cook chicken tortilla soup:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Spread a single layer of tortilla strips on a baking sheet.
- Bake the tortilla strips for 10-15 minutes, or until they're crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the tortilla strips cool.
- Follow the instructions above to make the soup.
- Serve the soup hot, topped with the crispy tortilla strips, a dollop of sour cream, and shredded cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does chicken tortilla soup last in the fridge?
Chicken tortilla soup will last for up to 4 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container.
2. Can you freeze chicken tortilla soup?
Yes, you can freeze chicken tortilla soup for up to 3 months in an airtight container. When reheating, let the soup thaw in the fridge overnight and then heat it on the stove over medium-low heat until it's hot.
3. Can you make chicken tortilla soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make chicken tortilla soup in a slow cooker. Follow the instructions for the marinade and then add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
4. Can you use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and make sure the chicken is cooked through before adding it to the soup.
5. Can you make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can make this soup vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add additional vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to make the soup more filling.
6. Can you make this soup spicy?
Yes, you can make this soup as spicy as you like by adding additional chili powder or using a spicier variety of diced green chiles.
7. Can you make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can make this soup dairy-free by omitting the shredded cheese and sour cream toppings.
8. What can I serve with chicken tortilla soup?
You can serve chicken tortilla soup with a side salad or some crusty bread to make it a more filling meal.
9. How many calories are in chicken tortilla soup?
The number of calories in chicken tortilla soup will depend on the specific recipe you use and how much of each ingredient you add. However, on average, a serving of chicken tortilla soup contains around 300-400 calories.
10. What other toppings can I add to chicken tortilla soup?
You can add a variety of toppings to chicken tortilla soup, including avocado, salsa, chopped jalapeños, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.