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Chicken Tortilla Soup

A close-up of a bowl of zesty chicken tortilla soup, topped with shredded chicken, sour cream, tortilla strips, and cilantro.

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A zesty, broth-based chicken tortilla soup with tender chicken in a spiced tomato broth, topped with crispy tortilla strips. This soup offers a comforting Tex-Mex flavor.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 12 corn tortillas, cut into strips
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Stir in black beans and corn. Add shredded chicken.
  5. Reduce heat and simmer for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. While the soup simmers, prepare the tortilla strips. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  7. Fry tortilla strips in batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Season lightly with salt.
  8. Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with crispy tortilla strips and your favorite optional toppings.

Notes

  • For a spicier soup, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • You can use leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • To make this a vegetarian soup, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth.
  • Consider a meal planning approach to incorporate this soup into your weekly rotation.

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