Hearty and Zesty Southwest Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Southwest Chicken Tortilla Soup captures the vibrant flavors of the Americas with a savory, broth-based blend that's hearty yet light enough to enjoy year-round. It features tender chicken, an abundance of fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. This is not your typical overly thick or excessively watery tortilla soup. It's a perfect balance of texture and flavor, highlighted by fresh toppings like avocado, Monterey Jack cheese, and crispy tortilla chips. Whether served on a chilly evening or as a summer staple, this soup is a crowd-pleaser you’ll whip up time and again.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons
onion
1 small (chopped)
fresh cilantro
2/3 cup (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
diced tomatoes
1 can (14.5 ounces)
chicken broth
4 cups
cumin
3/4 tablespoon
chili powder
1/2 tablespoon
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon
bay leaf
1-2
carrots
2 (thinly sliced)
skinless chicken breasts
2 (halved and thinly sliced)
salt
3/4 teaspoon
pepper
to taste
shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup
avocado
1-2 (diced)
tortilla chips
16 ounces
Instructions
1
Heat a large stock pot over high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion, garlic, and 1/3 cup of chopped cilantro. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
2
Mix in the diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, bay leaves, salt, and a generous pinch of pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
3
Carefully pour in the chicken broth, followed by the thinly sliced carrots and chicken breast pieces. Return to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the carrots are tender.
4
Remove and discard the bay leaves. Stir in half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and 1 cup of crushed tortilla chips to add a bit of thickness and extra flavor.
5
Serve the soup in individual bowls, topping each portion with a sprinkle of the remaining cheese, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and additional tortilla chip pieces for crunch.
6
Note: For an even quicker version, substitute the chicken breasts with leftover or rotisserie chicken. Add it to the pot just before serving to heat through.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty and Zesty Southwest Chicken Tortilla Soup?
It is a vibrant, savory broth-based soup featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices like cumin and chili powder.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Yes, for a quicker version, you can substitute the chicken breasts with leftover or rotisserie chicken and add it just before serving.
What type of cheese is recommended for the topping?
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese is recommended for both thickening the soup and topping it.
Is this chicken tortilla soup spicy?
The soup has a zesty kick from chili powder and cayenne pepper, but the heat level can be adjusted to your preference.
How long does the chicken need to cook in the broth?
The thinly sliced chicken breast pieces should simmer in the broth for about 10-12 minutes.
What are the primary spices used in this recipe?
The main spices include cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and bay leaves.
Should I remove the bay leaves before serving?
Yes, you should remove and discard the bay leaves after the soup has finished simmering.
What toppings are suggested for this soup?
Recommended toppings include fresh cilantro, diced avocado, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and extra tortilla chips.
How do I thicken the soup?
The soup is thickened by stirring in a portion of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and one cup of crushed tortilla chips.
Does this recipe include vegetables?
Yes, it includes chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and thinly sliced carrots.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of chicken broth.
What is the first step in making the soup?
The first step is to heat olive oil in a large stock pot and sauté the onion, garlic, and some cilantro for 3 minutes.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, the flavors often develop more over time, making it a great option for meal prep.
How many calories are in a serving?
The specific calorie count is not provided in the raw data, but it is described as a light yet hearty broth-based soup.
What size onion should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 small onion, chopped.
Is fresh cilantro necessary?
Fresh cilantro is used both in the sautéing process and as a garnish for the best flavor profile.
Can I substitute the olive oil?
While olive oil is recommended, you can use other neutral cooking oils like avocado or vegetable oil.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
One 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes is used for this recipe.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The 2 carrots should be thinly sliced so they cook through quickly during the simmering process.
How much cumin is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3/4 tablespoon of cumin.
Is there a lot of salt in this soup?
The recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of salt, plus additional pepper to taste.
What is the texture of this soup?
It is a balanced broth-based soup that is neither excessively thick nor watery, featuring textures from chicken, carrots, and chips.
Can I add beans to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, black beans or pinto beans would be a common and delicious addition.
How much garlic should I mince?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
What kind of chicken is best?
Skinless chicken breasts are recommended, halved and thinly sliced for even cooking.
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, frozen corn can be added during the simmering stage for extra flavor and texture.
Is the cayenne pepper optional?
The 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne adds heat; you can omit it if you prefer a milder soup.
How much avocado is needed?
The recipe suggests using 1 to 2 diced avocados for topping.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 17 ingredients listed for this Hearty and Zesty Southwest Chicken Tortilla Soup.