Craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that's both comforting and satisfying? Look no further than this Mas Tacos-inspired Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe! This easy recipe captures the essence of authentic Mexican cuisine, delivering a delicious and healthy dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. Forget complicated cooking; this homemade recipe is surprisingly simple, even for beginners. Get ready to transport your taste buds to the heart of Mexico with every spoonful!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up a delicious meal.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges, for serving
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions: Easy as 1, 2, 3!
-
Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
-
Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, green chilies, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
-
Crisp the Tortilla Strips: While the soup simmers, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the tortilla strips on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
-
Assemble and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the level of spiciness.
- If you don't have time to bake the tortilla strips, you can fry them in a little oil until crispy.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as corn, bell peppers, or zucchini.
Variations: Make it Your Own!
- Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Spicy: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema before serving for a creamier texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This Mas Tacos Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the wonderful flavors of Mexico in the comfort of your own home. This easy and healthy recipe is sure to become a new family favorite!