Zesty Chicken Tortilla Soup
Warm up with this deliciously zesty Chicken Tortilla Soup inspired by El Chico. This hearty soup is packed with tender chicken, rich tomato flavor, and just the right amount of heat from hot sauce and chili powder. Topped with creamy white cheddar, crispy tortilla chips, and fresh avocado, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Quick and easy to prepare, it's sure to become a favorite in your household, ready to be shared with friends and family.
N/A
Servings
210
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken Bouillon Cubes
4 (Dissolved in boiling water)
Boiling Water
4 cups (For dissolving bouillon)
Chicken Breasts
10 ounces (Cooked until tender)
Tomato Paste
6 ounces (Added to the broth)
Hot Sauce
5 tablespoons (Stirred into the broth)
Chili Powder
1 tablespoon (Mixed into the broth)
Dried Onion Flakes
1 tablespoon (Added for flavor)
Lime Juice
1 teaspoon (For a zesty flavor)
White Cheddar Cheese
4 ounces (Shredded or cubed for topping)
Tortilla Chips
4 ounces (Crushed for garnish)
Avocados
2 (Diced for topping)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, dissolve the chicken bouillon cubes in 4 cups of boiling water, creating a flavorful broth.
2
Add the chicken breasts to the broth and let them simmer on low heat until fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes.
3
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the broth and allow it to cool on a cutting board.
4
In the same saucepan, stir in the tomato paste, hot sauce, chili powder, dried onion flakes, and lime juice. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously until well combined.
5
Taste the broth and add salt as needed to enhance the flavors.
6
While the broth simmers, cube the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces.
7
To serve, place a generous portion of chicken, shredded white cheddar cheese, crushed tortilla chips, and diced avocado in individual bowls. Finally, ladle the warm broth over each bowl, allowing the ingredients to blend beautifully.
Nutrition Information
13.5g
Fat
9.5g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Chicken Tortilla Soup?
It is a hearty, flavorful soup inspired by El Chico, featuring tender chicken, rich tomato, and a blend of spices.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
There are 210 calories per serving.
How much protein is in the Zesty Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Each serving contains 12 grams of protein.
What are the main ingredients for the broth?
The broth is made using chicken bouillon cubes, boiling water, tomato paste, hot sauce, and chili powder.
How long should I cook the chicken breasts?
The chicken breasts should be simmered in the broth for about 15 to 20 minutes until fully cooked.
What kind of cheese is recommended for topping?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of shredded or cubed white cheddar cheese.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, it is a zesty and spicy soup containing 5 tablespoons of hot sauce and 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
How many avocados are needed?
The recipe requires 2 avocados, diced for topping.
What is the carbohydrate content?
The soup contains 9.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fat is in a serving?
The soup contains 13.5 grams of fat per serving.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
You will need 10 ounces of chicken breasts.
What gives the soup its zesty citrus note?
A teaspoon of lime juice is added to the broth for a zesty flavor.
Should the tortilla chips be whole or crushed?
The recipe suggests using 4 ounces of crushed tortilla chips as a garnish.
How do I prepare the chicken after it is cooked?
Once cooked and cooled, the chicken should be cut into bite-sized cubes.
What type of onion is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of dried onion flakes.
How much tomato paste is included?
The recipe uses one 6-ounce container of tomato paste.
How much boiling water is needed for the broth base?
You need 4 cups of boiling water to dissolve the chicken bouillon cubes.
When do I add the seasonings like chili powder and hot sauce?
Stir them into the broth after the chicken has been removed and while the broth is at a gentle simmer.
Can I adjust the salt level?
Yes, you should taste the broth and add salt as needed to enhance the flavors.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 11 ingredients used in this recipe.
What is the recommended serving method?
Place chicken, cheese, chips, and avocado in bowls first, then ladle the warm broth over them.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
What cuisine category does this soup fall into?
This soup is categorized under Mexican cuisine.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is described as a quick and easy recipe to prepare.
How much chili powder should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
How many bouillon cubes are used?
The recipe uses 4 chicken bouillon cubes.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, as a hearty soup, it is a great option for easy meals.
What are the common tags for this dish?
Tags include chicken, soup, tortilla soup, comfort food, easy recipe, spicy soup, and Mexican cuisine.
What inspired the flavor profile of this soup?
The flavor is inspired by the restaurant El Chico.
What is the purpose of the chicken bouillon?
It is dissolved in boiling water to create a flavorful broth base for the soup.