When you’re craving a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish, look no further than this Zesty Chicken Tortilla Soup. Packed with tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a perfect blend of fresh vegetables, this soup brings a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The smokiness of chipotle, the warmth of cumin and coriander, and the zesty freshness of lime all come together in this soul-warming dish. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just a cozy meal at home, this soup is sure to hit the spot. Topped with crispy tortilla strips and a touch of cilantro, every spoonful bursts with deliciousness!
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, pounded to ¾-inch thick
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika, plus more for seasoning
- Black pepper, for seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 cup white onion, chopped (¼-inch dice)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped chipotle chilies in adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced jalapeños
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ¾ cup red bell pepper, chopped (¼-inch dice)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 14.5-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with juice
- 5 cups unsalted chicken stock
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 cup corn tortilla strips (cut into ¼-inch thick, 2-inch long strips)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For Garnish:
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with kosher salt, paprika, and a pinch of black pepper on both sides.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to rest. Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
- In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Stir in the chopped white onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Cook for an additional 1 minute, allowing the spices to release their aromas.
- Stir in the chopped chipotle chilies, jalapeños, and tomato paste. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Add the red bell pepper, corn, black beans, and fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
- Pour in the chicken stock and sprinkle in the dried oregano. Bring the soup to a boil.
- Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- While the soup simmers, slice the corn tortillas into thin strips.
Step 4: Add the Tortilla Strips and Chicken
- After 20 minutes of simmering, stir in the sliced corn tortilla strips and the shredded chicken into the soup.
- Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the tortillas soften and the chicken is heated through.
- Stir in the lime juice to brighten the flavors.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
- For added crunch, you can also top with additional tortilla strips, avocado slices, or even a sprinkle of cheese.
- Serve hot and enjoy the bold flavors of this hearty soup.
Conclusion
This Zesty Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that is sure to warm both body and soul. The combination of tender chicken, smoky chipotle, and the satisfying crunch of tortilla strips makes every spoonful an explosion of flavor. It’s easy to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and can be tailored to your personal heat preferences by adjusting the jalapeños and chipotle. Whether you’re enjoying it as a weeknight dinner or sharing it with guests, this soup is a delicious crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds!