Imagine a soup so packed with zesty Mexican flavors that it transports you straight to a sun-drenched cantina, without spending hours in the kitchen. This Quick Chicken Tortilla Soup is your ticket to a mouthwatering meal that combines tender shredded chicken, hearty beans, and a symphony of spices that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal that doesn't compromise on taste, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner solution!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla strips for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken, 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 can of black beans (rinsed and drained), 1 can of corn (drained), 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon of cumin, salt and pepper to taste, and tortilla strips for garnish.
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Stir in the cumin, allowing it to toast for about 30 seconds to enhance its flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth, and then add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), black beans, corn, and shredded chicken. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
- Once the soup is heated through and the flavors are well combined, remove it from the heat.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with tortilla strips on top for added crunch and flavor.
- Enjoy your Quick Chicken Tortilla Soup with additional toppings if desired, such as avocado, cilantro, or lime wedges.
Tips
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor to your soup.
- Toast your cumin briefly to enhance its rich, warm flavor before adding other ingredients.
- For a richer soup, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- Don't overcook the soup - simmer just long enough to blend the flavors (10-15 minutes).
- Customize your toppings! Try adding fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime for extra zest.
- If you like it spicy, add a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions or a dash of hot sauce before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 50mg
