There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty soup, especially when it comes packed with robust flavors like in Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a chilly autumn evening, and it immediately became a go-to dish for family gatherings and cozy weeknights. The smoky chipotle pepper paired with tender chicken and crisp tortilla strips creates a delightful symphony of taste and texture, making this soup not just a meal, but an experience.
Why make this recipe
Reasons to try it
If you’re searching for a dish that’s both budget-friendly and bursting with flavor, look no further! This Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup is a crowd-pleaser that’s incredibly simple to whip up, even on the busiest of weeknights. Its combination of fresh ingredients and spices gives it authenticity with a kick, while the crispy tortilla strips offer a satisfying crunch.
"This soup has become a family favorite! I love how quickly I can make it, and my kids can’t get enough of the tortilla strips!" – Happy Home Cook
Whether you’re looking for an enticing dish to serve at a casual family brunch or a warm soup that brings everyone together during a chilly evening, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.
How to make Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup
The cooking process explained
Ready to dive into making this scrumptious soup? The process is straightforward and rewarding! You’ll start by preparing your crispy tortilla strips, then move on to building the flavorful soup base, before simmering all the delicious ingredients together, and finally finishing it off with fresh toppings.
Ingredients
Gather these items
To create this delightful soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 6 pieces corn tortillas (cut into thin strips)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or cooking spray for air fryer)
- Pinch salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 (15 oz) can corn (drained or 1.5 cups frozen)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded; rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- To taste: salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 ripe avocado (diced)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Lime wedges
Tip: Feel free to substitute the chicken for turkey or tofu for a different protein option.
Directions
How to prepare it
Let’s jump into the straightforward steps to whip up your Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup:
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Prepare the Crispy Tortilla Strips: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the corn tortilla strips and a pinch of salt. Fry them until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
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Start the Soup Base: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and red bell pepper for about 4-5 minutes, until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the Soup: Stir in the diced tomatoes, Rotel, black beans, corn, and chicken broth. Add the shredded chicken, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 20-25 minutes to meld the flavors together.
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Finish and Serve: Just before serving, stir in fresh lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Serve with lime wedges for an extra zing.
How to serve Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup
Best ways to enjoy it
What pairs beautifully with your Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup? Consider some crunchy tortilla chips or cornbread for an added layer of indulgence. For a refreshing complement, a simple green salad with a citrus dressing would work wonders. You can also serve it in bread bowls for a fun twist!
How to store
Keeping leftovers fresh
Got leftovers? No problem! Allow your soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for meal prep. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it in individual portions. Just remember to leave out the tortilla strips until you’re ready to enjoy them—these are best fresh!
Tips to make
Helpful cooking tips
Here are some insider tips to enhance your soup-making experience:
- Enhance Flavor: For even more depth, consider roasting your vegetables before adding them to the soup.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
- Meal Prep: Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick meal later in the month!
Variations
Creative twists
This Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup is versatile! Here are a few variations you might enjoy:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or add more vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
- Sour Cream Alternatives: Use avocado crema or a dairy-free yogurt for a lighter twist.
- Add More Heat: Toss in a diced jalapeño or use a hotter chili powder for an extra kick.
FAQs
Your questions answered
1. How long does it take to prepare this soup?
Preparation typically takes about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of around 30 minutes. In total, you’ll have this delicious soup ready in under an hour!
2. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, frozen chicken can be cooked right in the soup; just ensure it’s fully thawed before shredding it for serving.
3. How can I store the leftovers safely?
Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label it!
Now that you have the full scoop on making and enjoying this fantastic Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup, get ready to warm up your kitchen and delight your taste buds!
Print
Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A warm and hearty soup packed with robust flavors of smoky chipotle, tender chicken, and crispy tortilla strips.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces corn tortillas (cut into thin strips)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or cooking spray for air fryer)
- Pinch salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 (15 oz) can corn (drained or 1.5 cups frozen)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded; rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- To taste: salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 ripe avocado (diced)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the crispy tortilla strips: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the corn tortilla strips and a pinch of salt. Fry until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Start the soup base: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and red bell pepper for about 4-5 minutes, until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the soup: Stir in the diced tomatoes, Rotel, black beans, corn, and chicken broth. Add the shredded chicken, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 20-25 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Finish and serve: Stir in fresh lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
Feel free to substitute the chicken for turkey or tofu. For a vegetarian version, consider using chickpeas or more vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Tortilla Soup, Chicken Soup, Smoky Soup, Family Recipes