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+ servings
Bowl of classic Chicken Tortilla Soup garnished with tortilla strips and cilantro

Chicken Tortilla Soup

A comforting and quick chicken tortilla soup with tender chicken, vibrant spices, and crispy tortilla strips, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Soup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup onion, chopped (yellow or sweet)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup bell pepper, chopped (any color)
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium works well)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Corn tortillas, cut into strips (use gluten-free corn tortillas if needed)
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Warm a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Add the chopped bell pepper and diced carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and the diced tomatoes with their juices. Add the drained black beans.
  5. Stir in the shredded chicken, ground cumin, and chili powder. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes so the flavors combine.
Preparation of Tortilla Strips
  1. While the soup simmers, prepare the tortilla strips. Preheat the oven to 400°F and spread the cut tortillas in a single layer on a baking sheet; bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until crisp and lightly golden, or heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet and fry the strips until crisp.
Serving
  1. Serve the soup hot. Top each bowl with a handful of tortilla strips, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a lime wedge to squeeze over the top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gSodium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 4g

Notes

For variety, add diced avocado, shredded cheddar, sour cream, or extra hot sauce. For storage, refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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