Craving a warm, comforting bowl of deliciousness but short on time? This Costco Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is your answer! Using readily available ingredients, many of which can be conveniently sourced from Costco, this recipe delivers big on flavor without sacrificing ease or speed. It's the perfect healthy meal for a busy weeknight, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for the whole family. Get ready to experience the ultimate homemade comfort food, elevated with simple, yet impactful techniques.
Ingredients:
- 1 rotisserie chicken from Costco (or 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Avocado, diced, for garnish
- Tortilla chips, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
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Prep the Chicken: Shred the rotisserie chicken meat, discarding the skin and bones. This is a fantastic shortcut for saving valuable time. If you're not using a rotisserie chicken, ensure your cooked chicken is fully shredded before proceeding.
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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. This simple step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
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Build the Flavor: Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, corn, black beans, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The longer it simmers, the richer the taste will be. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
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Add the Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken and heat through. Don’t boil it, simply warm the chicken in the soup.
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Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Tips for the Best Costco Chicken Tortilla Soup:
- Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preference. For a milder soup, omit it entirely. For those who enjoy a kick, add a pinch more.
- Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner the following day.
- Costco Convenience: Utilize Costco's bulk buying power! You can often find all the ingredients here, making your shopping trip a breeze.
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with 2 cups of cooked lentils or black beans for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Spicy: Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for an extra spicy kick.
- Creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving for a creamier texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size. However, a typical serving will be relatively low in calories, high in protein, and a good source of fiber. For precise nutritional values, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients.
This easy and delicious Costco Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a satisfying and flavorful meal. It's a quick dinner idea that's both healthy and incredibly tasty – the ultimate win-win! Enjoy!