“`html
If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, comforting, and nutrient-packed meal, you’re going to love this Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe. It’s a bright medley of fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, and tender chicken swimming in a fragrant broth, with just the right kick from cumin and oregano. This soup isn’t just delicious; it’s loaded with wholesome ingredients that bring color, texture, and hearty satisfaction to every spoonful. Whether you need a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, this recipe is a reliable favorite you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret weapon for this soup’s vibrant flavor and perfect texture. Each element has its own role in brightening the dish—be it a splash of acidity, a hint of smokiness, or creamy richness.
- Olive oil: A healthy fat that creates the perfect base for sautéing aromatics and adds subtle richness.
- Red onion: Offers a sweet, mild sharpness that softens beautifully when cooked.
- Garlic cloves: Infuses the soup with cozy, savory warmth that enhances every bite.
- Chicken broth: The comforting liquid that ties all flavors together with depth and heartiness.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Provide smoky complexity and vibrant color to brighten the soup.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous brightness that keeps the soup lively.
- Black beans: Bring protein, fiber, and a creamy texture for satisfying bites.
- Corn: Offers bursts of sweetness and cheerful golden color.
- Ground cumin: The warm spice that lends a subtle earthiness and warmth.
- Dried oregano: Adds a subtle herbal note that complements the other spices perfectly.
- Chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken: The heart of the soup—tender, lean protein that soaks up all those flavors.
- Cabot cheese: Melts into the soup creating a luscious, creamy texture and savory depth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring balance and roundness to every spoonful.
- Toppings like cheese, red onion, cilantro, sour cream, salsa, avocado, and tortilla chips: Personalize your bowl with extra layers of texture and flavor.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Oil and Sauté Aromatics
Start by warming 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped red onion and minced garlic, stirring frequently. Cook them gently until the onions become soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant—about 3 minutes. This step creates a flavorful foundation that will infuse the entire soup.
Step 2: Add Soup Ingredients and Simmer
Next, it’s time to build those rich layers of flavor. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and two cans of fire-roasted diced tomatoes, then sprinkle in fresh chopped cilantro, rinsed black beans, drained corn, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Nestle two whole chicken breasts into the pot, if you’re using fresh chicken. Bring everything to a boil before lowering the heat to a gentle simmer. Let this magic cook and meld for a full hour, so the chicken becomes tender and the spices really shine through.
Step 3: Shred Chicken and Add Cheese
After simmering, carefully fish out the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Returning this flavorful shredded chicken to the pot ensures every spoonful has succulent bites. Alternatively, if you opted for rotisserie chicken, stir it in now. Then add 2 cups of Cabot cheese, stirring to melt it fully into the hot soup, enriching the broth with a creamy, savory finish. Don’t forget to taste and season with salt and pepper to balance all those bright flavors perfectly.
Step 4: Serve with Toppings
Ladle your Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe into bowls and let the fun begin! Pile on your favorite toppings like extra cheese, diced red onion, fresh cilantro sprigs, dollops of sour cream, vibrant salsa, creamy avocado slices, and crunchy tortilla chips. These additions elevate each bowl, weaving in different textures and bursts of flavor that make this soup unforgettable.
How to Serve Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t skip the garnishes! A generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a handful of crunchy tortilla chips adds dimension and freshness to your soup. A spoonful of sour cream softens the spices with cool creaminess, and ripe avocado offers buttery smoothness that beautifully balances the dish.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp green salad or warm corn tortillas. For a heartier meal, try serving it alongside a simple avocado and tomato salad with a squeeze of lime, or some grilled vegetables that echo the soup’s southwestern inspiration.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in small mason jars or mini bowls topped with layered tortilla chips and cheese for a deconstructed taco soup experience. You can also hollow out small bell peppers or bread bowls for a playful, edible presentation that’s perfect for parties or weeknight dinners that feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Transfer it to an airtight container to preserve freshness and keep all those vibrant flavors locked in. Just give it a good stir before reheating, as ingredients may settle.
Freezing
This Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Allow the soup to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some space at the top, as soup tends to expand as it freezes.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help restore the perfect consistency if it thickens too much after refrigeration or freezing.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of fresh chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor. Just add the shredded rotisserie chicken in the final step to warm through.
Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat level?
This Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is mild by nature, but you can easily add heat by including chopped jalapeños during sautéing or topping the bowls with hot salsa or chili flakes.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Just substitute the chicken broth for vegetable broth and leave out the chicken. You can add extra beans or vegetables for heartiness and still enjoy all the wonderful flavors.
What type of cheese is best for this soup?
Cabot cheese is suggested here for its meltability and flavor, but feel free to use your favorite sharp cheddar or even a Mexican blend. The cheese adds a luscious creaminess that enhances the soup’s texture.
How thick or thin should the soup be?
The soup should be thick enough to feel hearty but still have enough broth to sip with every spoonful. If you prefer it thinner, simply stir in extra chicken broth or water during reheating until it reaches your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is a true gem in any kitchen—loaded with nourishing ingredients and bursting with comforting, lively flavors. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug on cooler days and a vibrant celebration on warmer ones. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own with all the fun toppings and creative serving ideas. Happy cooking, and even happier eating!
“`
Print
Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 13 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful, hearty, and nutritious meal perfect for cozy days. It combines tender chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, corn, and warm spices simmered together and topped with melted cheese and fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and tortilla chips. Easy to make and packed with protein and fiber, it’s a comforting choice for a wholesome dinner.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 (15 ounce) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 Tbsp. ground cumin, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Protein
- 2 whole chicken breasts (or 2–3 cups rotisserie chicken, chopped)
Toppings and Cheese
- 2 cups Cabot Cheese (your favorite flavor)
- Cheese (additional for topping)
- Red onion (for topping)
- Cilantro (for topping)
- Sour cream (for topping)
- Salsa (for topping)
- Avocado (for topping)
- Tortilla chips (for topping)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic, cooking and stirring until they become soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add Soup Ingredients and Simmer: Add the chicken broth, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, rinsed black beans, drained corn, ground cumin, dried oregano, and the whole chicken breasts (if using) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 1 hour so the flavors meld and the chicken cooks thoroughly.
- Shred Chicken and Add Cheese: After simmering, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup. If using chopped rotisserie chicken instead, add it now. Stir in 2 cups of Cabot cheese and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the soup is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with Toppings: Ladle the soup into bowls evenly. Top each serving with your choice of cheese, red onion, cilantro, sour cream, salsa, avocado, and tortilla chips. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, delicious soup.
Notes
- You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation, adding it at the end instead of whole chicken breasts.
- Adjust the amount of cumin and other spices to suit your taste preferences.
- For a spicier soup, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when simmering.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the salt content.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freeze nicely for up to 2 months.
- For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and use vegetable broth, adding extra beans or plant-based protein.
