There’s something about that first spoonful smoky, warm, and just a little spicy that hits like childhood memories wrapped in a blanket. This Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup is all over Pinterest and for good reason: quick prep, real nourishment, and full-on flavor. No fancy skills here. Just toss, simmer, and soak up the cozy.
This bowl brings the best of a Chili Tortilla Soup and classic Southwestern stew. You’ve got tender shredded chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, hearty black beans, and crisp veggies all pantry regulars. Think: your favorite taco night, but soupified. Full details in the blog!
This one takes me back to Sunday afternoons in Grandma’s kitchen, stirring soup while the tortillas crisped in the oven. I’ve tested this Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe for weeknights, weekends every time it hits the spot. I added a little twist. You’ll see.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup
There’s so much to adore about this Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup. It’s cozy and familiar, yet light enough to enjoy year-round. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to this recipe:
Simple ingredients: Everything here is pantry-friendly no wild scavenger hunts at the store!
Healthy comfort: With lean chicken, black beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes, it’s flavor-packed without the guilt.
Customizable: Whether you like it spicy, cheesy, or piled with toppings, this soup is totally tweakable to your taste.
Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. The flavors just get better!
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s talk about what makes this Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup so special. Each ingredient has a job to do! Here’s the lineup:
Chicken: Use whole chicken breasts for shredding, or save time with rotisserie chicken.
Fire-roasted tomatoes: These bring smoky depth you can’t get from regular diced tomatoes.
Black beans and corn: Hearty, wholesome, and add great texture.
Spices: Cumin and oregano keep the flavor distinctly Mexican-inspired.
Cheese: Melty Cabot cheese ties it all together with creamy goodness.
Pro Tip: Don’t skimp on toppings avocado, cilantro, and tortilla chips take this from a good soup to an unforgettable one!
Step-by-Step: How To Make Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup is shockingly easy to pull off. Here’s exactly how to make it:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the red onion and garlic until fragrant and soft, about 3 minutes.
Add chicken broth, fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, corn, cumin, and oregano to the pot. Stir everything together.
If you’re using raw chicken breasts, place them directly into the soup. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for about an hour.
Remove the cooked chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and add the shredded chicken back into the pot. If using rotisserie chicken, toss it in now.
Stir in your cheese and let it melt for about 10 minutes. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Pro Tip: If you like a thicker broth, mash a few of the beans against the side of the pot before serving!
Quick Cooking Breakdown
Step
Time
Sauté onion and garlic
3 minutes
Simmer soup with chicken
1 hour
Shred chicken and add cheese
10 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 13 minutes
Tips, Swaps, and Serving Ideas
This recipe is forgiving and easy to adapt. Here are some ways to make it your own:
Spice it up: Add chili powder or chopped jalapeños for more heat. Perfect if you’re aiming for a Chili Tortilla Soup vibe.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and double up on black beans for a hearty Tortilla Soup with Beans.
Add depth: A splash of lime juice or a bit of smoked paprika can heighten the flavors even more.
Serving Ideas: Ladle the soup into bowls and go wild with toppings! Tortilla chips, diced avocado, sour cream, and an extra sprinkle of cilantro will make each bowl irresistible.
Storage and Meal Prep
This soup is a meal prepper’s dream. Here’s how to store it for maximum flavor:
Storage Method
How Long?
Fridge
Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer
3 months. Freeze in individual portions for quick lunches.
Reheat Tips: Warm it on the stove over medium heat. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Expert Insight: The Appeal of Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken tortilla soup balances protein, fiber, and fresh vegetables, making it a wholesome meal option. Incorporating spices like cumin and chili powder not only enhances flavor but also offers anti-inflammatory benefits. This HEALTHY CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP is a smart choice for a comforting yet nutritious dish.
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The Journey to My Perfect Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup
It took a handful of tries to balance the spices and textures just right in this healthy chicken tortilla soup. Early versions were either too salty or missing that cozy depth, but after tasting and tweaking, I finally landed on the version I’m proud to sharea comforting, nourishing soup that my family loves.
FAQs ( Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup )
How do I make this soup more spicy?
To add heat, include diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper when sautéing vegetables. You can also top the dish with sliced fresh chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce just before serving. Adjust slowly to keep balance with the flavors.
Can I use canned ingredients to save time?
Yes, canned fire roasted tomatoes and beans work well in this recipe and enhance the flavors. Just rinse canned beans to reduce sodium. Using canned ingredients speeds prep without sacrificing the soup’s hearty taste.
What is the best chicken cut for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Breasts stay lean and light, while thighs add richer flavor and stay tender. Cook the chicken fully before shredding it and adding it back to the soup.
How can I thicken the soup naturally?
Simmer the soup uncovered to reduce excess liquid for a thicker consistency. Adding mashed beans or a little pureed cooked veggies can also boost creaminess without cream. Corn tortillas crushed into the soup are another authentic thickener.
What are some healthy toppings?
Fresh cilantro, diced avocado, chopped green onions, and a squeeze of lime brighten flavors and add nutrition. For crunch, try baked tortilla strips or lightly toasted pepitas. These toppings keep the meal light and vibrant.
Conclusion
Your Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup comes together in just over an hour but tastes like hours of slow-simmered comfort. You’ll love how tender chicken, smoky fire-roasted tomatoes, and cozy spices create a bowl that’s both nourishing and full-flavoredperfect for busy weeknights or anytime you need a hug in a bowl.
Feel free to swap in extra black beans for a veggie-rich Tortilla Soup with Beans or add a dash of chili powder if you’re craving a little heat, inspired by classic Chili Tortilla Soup. Leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 daysjust reheat gently and top with your favorite crunchy chips or creamy avocado. A little twist I picked up from family kitchens near and far.
Give this Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup a try and share your kitchen stories or secret toppingsI’m all ears! Did you grow up with a similar soup? Pass it on to warm someone’s soul today. You’ll wanna make it again and again, trust me.
Enjoy this Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup, a flavorful and comforting Chili Tortilla Soup that’s perfect for any day. This Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is quick and simple, combining fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, and tender chicken for a delicious Mexican-inspired meal. Whether you prefer to shred whole chicken breasts or use rotisserie chicken, this soup is easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients.
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic; cook, stirring, until soft, about 3 minutes.
Add the chicken broth, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, black beans, corn, ground cumin, dried oregano, and whole chicken breasts (if using) to the pot.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Cook the soup on low simmer for 1 hour.
Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred with two forks; return shredded chicken to the pot.
If using rotisserie chicken, add it now.
Stir in 2 cups of Cabot Cheese and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Ladle the soup evenly into bowls.
Serve with your choice of toppings such as cheese, red onion, cilantro, sour cream, salsa, avocado, and tortilla chips.
Enjoy your Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup!
Notes
For a quicker version, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months. Add tortilla chips just before serving to keep them crunchy.
