![- 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 1 jalapeño, diced (seeds removed for less heat) - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes - 4 cups chicken broth - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - Salt and pepper to taste - Juice of 1 lime - 1 avocado, diced - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish - Tortilla strips for topping You can swap ingredients based on your needs. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip the chicken. You can also replace black beans with pinto beans. If you want less heat, skip the jalapeño or use a milder pepper. This way, you can make the soup suit your taste and diet. Enjoy the classic flavors of this comforting dish! For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. To start, gather your kitchen tools. You will need a large pot, a cutting board, and a sharp knife. A ladle will help serve your soup. 1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the large pot over medium heat. 2. Dice 1 medium onion and add it to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes. The onion should turn soft and clear. 3. Mince 3 garlic cloves and dice 1 jalapeño (make sure to remove the seeds if you want less heat). Add them to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir until fragrant. 4. Now, add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Stir them in well. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices. 5. Pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes and 4 cups of chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Next, add the main ingredients to build flavor. 1. Add 2 cups of shredded, cooked chicken, 1 can of rinsed black beans, and 1 cup of corn kernels. 2. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 3. Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes. This time allows all the flavors to meld and create a rich taste. 4. Before you serve, squeeze the juice of 1 lime into the soup. This adds a fresh zing. Now, it’s time to serve your creation. 1. Ladle the hot soup into colorful bowls for a vibrant look. 2. Top each bowl with diced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, and crispy tortilla strips. 3. For an extra touch, add a lime wedge on the side. This makes the dish more inviting and fun. For the full recipe, refer to the detailed instructions above. Enjoy your tasty Classic Chicken Tortilla Soup! To boost the taste of your chicken tortilla soup, focus on fresh ingredients. Fresh lime juice adds a bright kick. Try adding a splash of hot sauce for heat. You can also use fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to enhance the soup's flavor. For spices, consider adding more ground cumin or smoked paprika. These spices deepen the flavors. You can also try a pinch of cayenne for extra warmth. If you like it smoky, add a bit of chipotle chili powder. This will give your soup a nice depth. One common mistake is overcooking the soup. Simmer just long enough for flavors to mix. If you cook it too long, the chicken can become dry. Another pitfall is not seasoning at each step. Taste as you go. Adding salt and pepper at the end may not give you the best flavor. Another mistake is skipping the lime juice. Adding it right before serving brightens the soup. Lastly, don’t forget the toppings! Fresh avocado, crispy tortilla strips, and cilantro make the dish pop. These finishing touches make your soup more appealing and flavorful. For a full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can make Classic Chicken Tortilla Soup lighter by using low-sodium broth. Swap regular chicken for skinless breast. Choose fresh veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. Instead of corn, you can add more beans for fiber. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a creamy touch with fewer calories. Try using turkey or tofu instead of chicken for a new taste. You can also switch black beans for pinto beans or chickpeas. For veggies, add spinach or kale for a nutrition boost. If you like spice, toss in more jalapeños or some hot sauce. Experimenting with different ingredients can give a fresh twist to your soup. Chicken Tortilla Soup changes across Mexico. In some areas, people add cheese and cream for richness. Others might put in roasted peppers or fresh corn. Each region has unique spices and methods. Explore these variations to find your favorite style. You’ll discover new flavors that make this dish even more special. To store your leftover chicken tortilla soup, let it cool first. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Remember to label your container with the date. When you're ready to enjoy it again, just take it out! You can freeze this soup, too! To do this, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top, as soup expands when frozen. Label the bags with the date and type. Your soup can last up to three months in the freezer. Just make sure it cools completely before freezing. When it’s time to eat your soup, take it out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. For reheating, use a pot on the stove over medium heat. Stir it often to avoid burning. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep the flavor and texture just right. Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of chicken tortilla soup! To thicken Chicken Tortilla Soup, you can use a few simple methods. Here are some common thickeners: - Cornstarch: Mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water. Stir this mixture into the soup and simmer until thickened. - Mashed Beans: Use a portion of the black beans. Mash them and mix them back into the soup for a creamy texture. - Tortilla Strips: Add crushed tortilla strips to the soup. Let them soak for a few minutes to thicken the broth. These options help create a hearty soup that feels rich and satisfying. Yes, you can make Chicken Tortilla Soup ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Cook and Cool: Make the soup and let it cool down before storing. This helps prevent bacteria growth. - Store in the Fridge: Place the cooled soup in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. - Reheat Before Serving: When ready to eat, reheat the soup on the stove over low heat. Stir occasionally until warm. Making it ahead saves time and lets the flavors blend even more. You can get creative with toppings for Chicken Tortilla Soup. Here are some fun ideas: - Sour Cream: A dollop adds creaminess and balances heat. - Cheese: Shredded cheese like Monterey Jack or cheddar gives a nice melt. - Radishes: Thinly sliced radishes add crunch and a fresh taste. - Green Onions: Chopped green onions bring a mild onion flavor. - Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the soup for a zesty kick. Feel free to mix and match toppings to suit your taste! For the full recipe, check out the link. This blog post guides you through making Chicken Tortilla Soup. We covered key ingredients, precise steps, and expert tips. You learned how to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes. We explored variations, healthier swaps, and storage tips. Finally, we answered FAQs for deeper understanding. Now, with these insights, you can create a fantastic soup. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own!](https://greenmealmap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/9e990ea8-5d8b-4126-acb5-cefcdb20d8ac-250x250.webp)
Classic Chicken Tortilla Soup
Warm up with this Spicy Classic Chicken Tortilla Soup that's full of flavor and perfect for any occasion! In just 40 minutes, whip up a heartwarming dish featuring tender chicken, black beans, and corn, topped with fresh avocado and crispy tortilla strips. It's not just delicious; it’s a fiesta in a bowl! Click through for the full recipe and bring some spice to your dinner table tonight!