Craving a warm, comforting, and flavorful meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Tortilla Soup recipe with rotisserie chicken is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It’s a delicious and healthy meal, bursting with vibrant flavors and textures, and best of all, it requires minimal prep time thanks to the convenience of pre-cooked chicken. Get ready to experience a taste of sunshine in a bowl! This recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 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
- 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
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- Tortilla chips, for serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream
Instructions:
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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 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender. This simple step builds a fantastic flavor base for your soup.
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Simmer the Soup: Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Add the Chicken: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for about 5 minutes. Using rotisserie chicken makes this a truly quick dinner idea.
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Serve it Up: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with diced avocado, chopped cilantro, tortilla chips, and a squeeze of lime juice. Add any other desired toppings such as shredded cheese or sour cream. This is where you can personalize your bowl and unleash your creativity!
Tips for the Best Tortilla Soup:
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. If you prefer a milder soup, omit it entirely. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chipotle powder.
- Fresh is Best: Using fresh herbs like cilantro and lime elevates the flavor profile significantly.
- Homemade Broth: For an even richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- Make it a Meal Prep Marvel: This soup is perfect for meal prepping. Make a large batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week for quick and easy lunches or dinners.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Tortilla Soup: Omit the chicken and add 1 (15 ounce) can of black beans and 1 (15 ounce) can of corn for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Spicy Tortilla Soup: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño to the soup for extra heat.
- Creamy Tortilla Soup: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema before serving for a creamier texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, without toppings):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This easy tortilla soup recipe is a fantastic example of a healthy meal that's both delicious and quick to prepare. It's perfect for busy weeknights and is easily customizable to your preferences. Enjoy!