Craving that warm, comforting, and incredibly flavorful tortilla soup you love from Chili's? Forget the restaurant wait and the hefty bill! This recipe lets you recreate that deliciousness right in your own kitchen. It's easier than you think, packed with fresh flavors, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal. Get ready for a taste of sunshine in every spoonful! This easy recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe makes about 6 servings of this delicious homemade cooking creation.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium 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 (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
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- Avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla strips, and cilantro for garnish
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Tortilla Soup Perfection
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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 cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes, until slightly tender.
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Build the flavor base: Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Simmer to perfection: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. The longer it simmers, the richer the taste will be.
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Add the chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
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Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with your favorite garnishes: avocado slices, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, crispy tortilla strips, and fresh cilantro.
Tips for Tortilla Soup Success
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred level of heat. For a milder soup, omit it entirely.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace the chicken with 1 (15-ounce) can of pinto beans or a combination of your favorite vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Prep ahead: The soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner.
- Tortilla strip hack: For extra crispy tortilla strips, bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Variations: Explore the World of Tortilla Soup
- Spicy Tortilla Soup: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chipotle powder for an extra kick.
- Creamy Tortilla Soup: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema at the end for a richer, creamier texture.
- Seafood Tortilla Soup: Substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp or scallops for a lighter and flavorful twist.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a delicious, healthy, and relatively quick meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your homemade Chili's-style tortilla soup!