Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Hey friends!

So, you know how sometimes you just crave that perfect mix of comfort and flavor, especially as the weather gets a bit chillier or you just want something wholesome? Well, today, I’m diving into one of my all-time favorite recipes that fits the bill perfectly: Chicken Tortilla Soup! It’s a staple in my household, balancing warmth, heartiness, and a burst of spice that just makes you feel alive. Plus, it’s easy to whip up and super healthy, which makes it a go-to for anyone interested in Healthy Food Recipes.

### Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Tortilla Soup is not just a savory delight for your taste buds—it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients. We’re talking lean protein from chicken, fibrous black beans, and fresh veggies like tomatoes, onions, and garlic. It’s a flavorful experience that’s guilt-free, so you can enjoy a bowl (or two) while knowing you’re sticking to your health goals. Yay for Healthy Food Recipes!

### Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll be tossing into your soup pot:

– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped (optional but gives a nice kick!)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
– 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Juice of 1 lime
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
– Tortilla chips, for serving
– Avocado slices, for extra creaminess

### Let’s Get Cooking!

#### Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add your diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until it’s translucent. Then, throw in the garlic and jalapeño, stirring for another minute until fragrant. This base really sets the stage for your Chicken Tortilla Soup to be packed with flavor!

#### Step 2: Simmer the Soup
Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Stir in your spices: chili powder and cumin. Slowly bring it all to a boil. Once it’s bubbling nicely, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This is where those flavors start to meld into something beautiful.

#### Step 3: Add Chicken
Toss in your shredded chicken and lime juice, letting it all heat through. This should take about 5 more minutes. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.

#### Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle your delicious, steaming Chicken Tortilla Soup into bowls. Top with crunchy tortilla chips, avocado slices, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Each spoonful is a delightful mix of healthy goodness and cozy flavors.

### Tips for Perfection

– **Spice Level:** Not a fan of spice? You can skip the jalapeño or use just half. Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
– **Protein Options:** For a vegetarian twist, skip the chicken and add more beans or even some tofu.
– **Toppings Galore:** Get creative with toppings – shredded cheese, sour cream, or even a squeeze of extra lime juice can elevate your soup to the next level.

And there you have it! A warm, comforting bowl of chicken tortilla goodness that’s both satisfying and part of our Healthy Food Recipes lineup. Whether you’re curling up on the couch with a steaming bowl or serving it up to friends and family, this soup is bound to win hearts and fill bellies.

If you give this recipe a shot, let me know in the comments how it turns out, or share your own twists on this classic. Happy cooking, healthy eating, and I’ll catch you next time with more Healthy Food Recipes! 🍲❤️

~ Your neighborhood foodie, [Your Name]