Fantastic Chicken Tortilla Soup

10m
Prep Time
1h
Cook Time
1h 10m
Ready In

Recipe: #1192

October 23, 2011



"You know, I'm not a big fan of canned stuff. It's not out of snobbery. I just generally like fresh better. That said, this soup is pretty incredible. I get better reactions to it than I do to some of my recipes that take a whole lot more effort and fresh ingredients. In a pinch, you can use a rotisserie chicken from the market. Just shred the meat and add it during the final 15-20 minutes to heat through. This is moderately spicy. Adjust the spices if you like more or less heat. This freezes well too, so make a whole batch!"

Original is 10 servings

Nutritional

  • Serving Size: 1 (364.8 g)
  • Calories 333
  • Total Fat - 12.7 g
  • Saturated Fat - 3.6 g
  • Cholesterol - 61.5 mg
  • Sodium - 1035.8 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate - 28.7 g
  • Dietary Fiber - 7.2 g
  • Sugars - 4.3 g
  • Protein - 26.3 g
  • Calcium - 202.9 mg
  • Iron - 4.4 mg
  • Vitamin C - 23.6 mg
  • Thiamin - 0.2 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Saute the onion, garlic, and bell pepper in olive oil in a large dutch oven until soft.

Step 2

Add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil.

Step 3

After about 15 minutes, remove the chicken breasts, shred them, and return to the pot.

Step 4

Simmer for an additional 45 minutes.

Step 5

Serve, topped with cheese and crushed tortilla chips on top.

Tips


No special items needed.

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.


  • If you don't have dry white wine, you can substitute chicken broth.
  • If you prefer more or less heat, adjust the amount of jalapenos, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper accordingly.

  • Substitute quinoa for chicken breasts. Quinoa is a great source of plant-based protein and is a great alternative to chicken breasts. This substitution adds a healthier option to the soup and is great for those who are vegetarian or vegan.
  • Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. Vegetable broth will add more flavor to the soup and is a great way to make the dish vegan-friendly. It also adds more nutrition to the soup, as vegetable broth is packed with vitamins and minerals.

Vegetarian Version Replace the chicken breasts with two cups of diced sweet potatoes. Add one cup of cooked quinoa and one cup of cooked black beans during the final 15-20 minutes of cooking. Omit the white wine and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth.


Mexican Version Replace the chicken breasts with two cups of diced bell peppers. Add one cup of cooked rice and one cup of cooked black beans during the final 15-20 minutes of cooking. Omit the white wine and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Add one teaspoon of chili powder, one teaspoon of cumin, and one teaspoon of oregano to the vegetables and season to taste with salt and pepper.


Lemon-Garlic Rice: This flavorful side dish is the perfect accompaniment to the Fantastic Chicken Tortilla Soup. The bright, citrusy notes of the lemon balance out the spiciness of the soup, and the garlic adds a nice depth of flavor. Plus, it's quick and easy to make!


Garden Fresh Salad: A light and refreshing garden salad is the perfect complement to the flavorful soup. The crisp veggies add a nice crunch and the tangy vinaigrette helps to brighten up the dish. Plus, the salad is a great way to get in some extra veggies!




FAQ

Q: How can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?

A: You can adjust the spiciness of the soup by changing the amount of cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper in the recipe. Start with small amounts and adjust to your desired level of spiciness.



Q: How long should I simmer the soup?

A: Simmer the soup for at least 20 minutes, or until all the vegetables are cooked through. If you want a thicker soup, simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.

1 Reviews

JuJuBeJen

With 2 growing boys and my husband who loves soup during the winter months, this soup popped out at me and I decided to make it. We loved it! This has good heat but not too hot and it was just right for all of us. I topped the soup with a dollop of Greek yogurt and come crumbled tortilla chips. What a great find!

5.0

review by:
(2 Dec 2012)

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Fun facts:

Fun Fact 1:The classic Mexican dish “Tortilla Soup” is said to have been invented by the Aztecs, who used corn tortillas as the main ingredient.

Fun Fact 2:The famous Mexican actress and singer, Celia Cruz, was known for her love of cooking and her recipe for Chicken Tortilla Soup was one of her favorites.