Name: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Prep time: P0Y0M0DT0H10M0.000S
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT0H25M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT0H35M0.000S
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Cuisine: mexican
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 2 jalapenos, finely diced; 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth; One 14.5-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes; One 14.5-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained; 3 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless; 2 limes, juiced, plus wedges for garnish; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves; One 8-inch flour tortilla, grilled, cut into thin strips; 1 avocado, pitted, sliced; 1 cup shredded Monterrey cheese

Article by: Krissy Downey

With its rich broth, tender shredded chicken and textured and flavorful toppings, this chicken tortilla soup is the perfect blend of warmth and freshness. You’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for when you’re craving something quick but hearty. Follow our tips and tricks for the perfect weeknight chicken tortilla soup.

Can I Use Leftover or Rotisserie Chicken?

Absolutely. In fact, this is the perfect recipe to use up leftover chicken. Rotisserie chicken is a great alternative if you want to keep it extra speedy. Everything will come together in about 15 minutes if you’re using leftover or rotisserie chicken. Hello, weekday supper.

How to Shred Chicken

There are a couple of different ways to shred chicken. First, you can take two forks and pull apart the chicken into shreds. Alternatively, while the chicken is still hot, you can put it in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. From there, mix for about 15 seconds and the chicken will shred right up. Shredded chicken is a fabulous meal prep component for all kinds of hearty chicken soups.

How to Garnish Chicken Tortilla Soup

The garnishes are the real star of chicken tortilla soup. The key is to use a mix of salty, savory, and fresh toppings to add flavor and texture. This recipe uses a lime wedge for a citrusy kick, grilled tortilla strips, fresh avocado slices and tangy Monterrey jack cheese.

How to Make Grilled Tortilla Strips

Grilling tortillas is a simple way to add a smoky, charred flavor to tortilla strips. You can use corn tortillas for a firmer texture, but this recipe calls for flour tortillas, which yield a softer, more pliable result. You can use a proper outdoor grill or simply char the tortillas using a very hot grill pan on the stove. Once they are properly charred, cut the tortillas into strips.

How to Store Chicken Tortilla Soup

Allow the soup to cool completely, transfer it to an airtight container and store it for up to five days in the refrigerator. To reheat, place it back in the pot over medium heat until hot and simmering.

Can I Freeze Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Chicken tortilla soup is an excellent candidate for a meal prep, freezer meal. Just store it in an airtight, freezer-friendly container, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and reheat on the stovetop. Most of our favorite soups are freezer-friendly and follow this same formula.

Can I Make Chicken Tortilla Soup in the CrockPot?

Yes, it can easily be made in the CrockPot for a convenient, hands-off meal. Place all the ingredients into the crockpot and cook on low for six to eight hours. Then, take the chicken out, shred it and return to the pot. From there, serve the soup with all the toppings.