Description
This Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful and hearty Mexican-American main course that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Featuring tender shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and a blend of spices, this gluten-free soup is creamy, comforting, and topped with crunchy tortilla strips and fresh garnishes for an authentic touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings (Optional)
- Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
- Avocado slices
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Extra jalapeños
- Green onions
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Jalapeño: Stir in the minced garlic and jalapeño and cook for another minute, releasing their fragrant oils.
- Toast Spices: Add ground cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until the spices become aromatic.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Add the black beans, frozen corn, and cooked shredded chicken. Allow the soup to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Finish with Freshness: Stir in freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to your taste preferences.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with crunchy tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips, and any optional toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, or green onions.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken significantly cuts down prep time and adds rich flavor.
- For extra spice, do not remove jalapeño seeds or add a splash of your favorite hot sauce.
- This soup can be prepared in advance, reheats beautifully, and freezes well for meal prep convenience.
