Craving that warm, comforting bowl of Panera Bread's Chicken Tortilla Soup? You don't have to trek across town anymore! This recipe brings the restaurant's delicious flavors right to your kitchen, making it a simple and satisfying healthy meal. Get ready to enjoy this easy recipe for a quick dinner idea that's perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend lunch. Homemade cooking doesn't get much better than this!
Ingredients: You'll need these simple ingredients for this delicious dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Serving:
- Tortilla chips
- Avocado, diced
- Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or cheddar)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
Instructions: Let's get cooking!
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Build the Flavor Base: Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Add the Beans and Corn: Stir in the black beans and corn. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
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Incorporate the Chicken: Gently add the shredded chicken to the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for a few minutes.
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Serve it Up!: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with your favorite toppings: tortilla chips, avocado, cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference. If you prefer a milder soup, omit it altogether.
- Chicken Options: Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Alternatively, you can cook chicken breasts in advance and shred them.
- Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh herbs whenever possible.
- Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Variations: Make it your own!
- Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add 1 cup of cooked quinoa or lentils for extra protein.
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño pepper along with the onion and bell pepper for extra heat.
- Creamy Texture: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end for a creamier soup.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on toppings)
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This easy recipe provides a balanced and delicious meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch. Enjoy this homemade version of Panera's famous Chicken Tortilla Soup – it’s one of the best recipes you'll ever try! Let us know in the comments how yours turns out!