Craving that comforting, flavorful Chicken Tortilla Soup from McAlister's Deli? You don't need to drive across town! This recipe brings the deliciousness of that restaurant favorite right to your kitchen. It's surprisingly easy to make, a perfect healthy meal for a busy weeknight, and a delicious dish everyone will love. Get ready for a quick dinner idea that's bursting with flavor!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Adjust quantities as needed.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Avocado, shredded cheese, tortilla strips, sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Cook the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. This step builds great flavor!
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Simmer the Soup: Pour in the diced tomatoes and green chilies, chicken broth, black beans, and corn. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
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Blend (Optional): For a creamier soup, carefully use an immersion blender to partially blend some of the soup. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer portions to a regular blender (be cautious of hot liquids!).
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. Avocado slices, shredded cheese, crunchy tortilla strips, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt all add wonderful textures and tastes.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace the chicken with 1 (15 ounce) can of vegetarian chili or 2 cups of cooked lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Add veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to the soup.
- Homemade Tortilla Strips: For an extra special touch, make your own tortilla strips by cutting corn tortillas into strips, brushing them with olive oil, and baking them until crispy.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on toppings) Protein: 25-30g Fat: 10-15g Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delicious and easy recipe for a satisfying meal. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual lunch, or a comforting weekend treat. Enjoy this easy recipe, and remember to share your culinary creations with us! We'd love to see your versions of this McAlister's-inspired soup!