Fiesta in a Bowl: Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Table of Contents
Right, let's dive straight in! ever feel like you need a bit of sunshine on a rainy day? well, this mexican chicken tortilla soup is exactly that! it’s like a warm hug in a bowl, loaded with flavour and seriously easy to make.
This is my kind of sopa and i think you will love it too.
Fiesta in a Bowl: Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup
This is no ordinary soup! it's chicken tortilla soup , and it's proper lush. think smoky spices, juicy chicken, and a whole load of colourful veggies.
It's proper mexican comfort food and tastes amazing, honest! the best bit? it takes less than an hour. it's way better than any packet soup.
Quick Hook to the Flavors
Fancy a bit of sunshine in a bowl? this easy chicken tortilla soup is bursting with smoky, mildly spicy flavours.
It's so good and filling! i love making a pot of this. the flavour just gets better.
Brief Overview
This soup is inspired by proper mexican flavours. i'm not sure exactly where it comes from, but it tastes just like something you'd get on holiday! it's dead easy to make too even a beginner can nail it.
Takes about 50 minutes from start to finish. this sancocho recipe is a bit different. but so worth it! this serves about 6 people.
Perfect for a family meal.
Main Benefits
Honestly, this is good for the soul. it is full of veggies. think of the health benefits! this is a lovely, hearty meal for a chilly evening or just when you want something comforting.
The best part is how easy it is to make. the smoky, spicy flavours really make it special. it's also a great way to use up leftover chicken.
Talk about reducing food waste! we can make many other recipes like vegetarian venezuelan recipes , panamanian sancocho recipe , vegan venezuelan food , colombian sancocho , mexican beef soup , sancocho recipe puerto rican , puerto rico food , venezuelan food ,
Chuck in These Ingredients!
First, the good stuff to build the soup: you'll want olive oil, onions, garlic, a red pepper, and maybe a jalapeño if you're feeling brave! then the spice.
The cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, plus canned tomatoes, chicken broth, black beans, and corn. don't forget the chicken! and a squeeze of lime juice at the end.
And finally the best bit, for the toppings! Get some corn tortillas (or just grab some tortilla chips), oil for frying, cheese, sour cream, avocado, coriander, and lime wedges.
Right, let's get this mexican chicken tortilla soup party started! before we dive headfirst, let's gather our bits and bobs.
I always reckon having everything prepped saves a whole load of faff later.
Gear Up: Ingredients & Equipment
Key Players: The Main Ingredients
Listen up! This Sancocho Recipe is all about fresh flavours. Let's get the measurements spot on.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). This is where we start for a golden flavor.
- Yellow onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup). Makes it aromatic, you know?
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (about 2 teaspoons). Don't skimp on this!.
- Red bell pepper: 1 , chopped (about 1 cup). Adds a sweet, colourful touch.
- Jalapeño: 1 , seeded and minced (optional). Spice it up!.
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon (5 ml). For that proper Mexican earthiness.
- Chili powder: 1 teaspoon (5 ml). A bit of depth.
- Smoked paprika: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml). Smokiness.
- Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can , undrained (about 400g). Go for good quality tomatoes.
- Chicken broth: 6 cups (1.4 liters). Really important. Use quality broth.
- Black beans: 1 (15 ounce) can , rinsed and drained (about 425g). A classic.
- Corn: 1 (15 ounce) can , drained (about 425g). Sweet and cheerful.
- Cooked chicken breast: 1 pound , shredded (about 450g). Use leftover roast chicken.
- Lime juice: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Brightens it up.
- Salt and pepper: To your taste, mate.
For the toppings:
- Corn tortillas: 6 , cut into strips. Fresh is best here.
- Vegetable oil: For frying those tortilla strips. Alternatively, grab some shop bought tortilla chips.
- Optional extras: Cheddar, sour cream, avocado, coriander, lime wedges. Go wild!.
Seasoning Secrets: Aromatic Bangers
The spice combo is key here. don’t skip the cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. that’s the magic. if you're feeling brave, a pinch of cayenne pepper will crank up the heat.
No smoked paprika? don't fret. a dash of regular paprika with a tiny drop of liquid smoke will do the trick.
Kit Essentials: Equipment Needed
Right, you'll need these to make some proper Vegan Venezuelan Food :
- A proper large pot or Dutch oven.
- A chopping board.
- A chef's knife, obviously.
- A little skillet if you're frying your own tortilla strips.
- A slotted spoon for scooping the strips from the oil.
- Paper towels to drain the fried strips.
If you haven't got a dutch oven, a big saucepan will do. honestly, don't stress too much. you don’t need the shiniest kit.
Just basics! i once made a cracking colombian sancocho using just a camping stove and a beat-up old pan. resourcefulness is key!
And that’s that. Got everything? Let's make some Puerto Rico Food .
Right then, let’s get our chef's whites on, yeah? I am so buzzing to whip up some tasty goodness. We are going to make a cracking Mexican Chicken Tortilla Soup! Seriously, who doesn't love that sunshine in a bowl?
Fiesta in a Bowl: Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Honestly, this soup is like a flavour packed hug. think tender chicken, vibrant veg, and smoky broth. it’s inspired by authentic mexican flavours.
And, get this, it’s so easy to make! crispy tortilla strips and your fave garnishes on top? it’s the perfect weeknight dinner or weekend chill out meal.
Forget about booking flights, this bowl tastes like a holiday! forget all those vegetarian venezuelan recipes
Prep Like a Pro
Mise en place is key, love. get everything chopped and measured. this is essential . it'll save you a right load of time.
Trust me, i learned the hard way! safety first, though. watch those fingers when you're chopping.
Time Saving Tips
Chop your onions and peppers the day before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This is a proper game changer. Also, buy pre-cooked chicken. Why not hey?
Sopa Time: step-by-step
Okay, let's get cooking! This Sancocho Recipe is a walk in the park compared to the Panamanian Sancocho Recipe !
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot.
- Add your chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper and jalapeño. Sauté them until softened. That normally takes about 5 minutes, yeah?
- Stir in 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. Cook for a minute until you can smell it. Mmm, lovely!
- Add 1 can of diced tomatoes and 6 cups chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer.
- Stir in 1 can of black beans, 1 can of corn, and 1 pound of shredded chicken.
- Simmer for at least 20 minutes . Longer is better to get those deep flavours going!
- Stir in 1 tablespoon lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Have a taste and adjust, yeah?
- Fry the tortilla strips in hot oil until golden and crispy. Drain them on paper towels nobody wants a greasy strip! Serve hot with toppings.
Ace Cooking Secrets
Here's where I spill the tea.
Spice it up or cool it down to your preferences. add more jalapeño or chili powder. careful though, you can always add more later on.
I normally like a dash of hot sauce, myself. common mistakes to avoid is not seasoning to taste. get that salt and pepper in.
Taste and adjust! this is mexican beef soup is proper similar in terms of the flavours. i wonder what colombian sancocho tastes like? i would love to learn venezuelan food , and puerto rico food !
You can make this sancocho recipe puerto rican ahead of time. it tastes even better the next day, honestly. the flavours meld like magic.
It's also good vegan venezuelan food so good for everyone!
Enjoy, my friend!.
Right, let's chat about all those extra bits for our fiesta in a bowl: easy chicken tortilla soup! you know, the stuff that makes it your soup.
Honestly, this is where the fun begins! "it's estimated that over 80% of home cooks tweak recipes to their liking.
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Recipe Notes
Serving Suggestions: Plating like a Pro, or Not!
Okay, so presentation. don't stress! a rustic bowl is perfect. honestly, a chipped mug works too. but, if you're feeling fancy, ladle the soup in, then arrange those crispy tortilla strips like little sails.
Oh my gosh, add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. it's like a mini masterpiece!
Complementary sides? This is so good with a simple green salad. Or maybe some proper Mexican rice. Thirsty? A cold cerveza always hits the spot. You know?
Storage Tips: Keeping the Fiesta Going
Right, leftovers. we've all been there. honestly, this mexican beef soup is even better the next day. just pop it in an airtight container in the fridge.
It's good for about 3 days.
Freezing? yep, you can! i recommend freezing it before you add the toppings. when you're ready to scoff, let it thaw overnight in the fridge.
Then, just reheat it gently on the hob.
Reheating is easy as pie. Just gently heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally. Don't let it boil, alright? You'll ruin the texture.
Variations: Let's Get Creative!
Fancy a bit of a twist? It's really good and easy to adapt a Sancocho Recipe .
Vegetarian venezuelan recipes version: easy peasy! swop the chicken broth for vegetable broth. and, add more beans or veggies. black beans, sweet potato, or even some squash, you know? for a vegan venezuelan food , make sure to leave off any dairy toppings.
Seasonal Swaps: In summer, chuck in some fresh corn on the cob. Spring? How about some fresh asparagus? Honestly, it's your soup so, whatever you want.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
Okay, i'm no nutritionist. but, this soup is packed with goodness! it has protein from the chicken, fibre from the beans, and loads of vitamins from the veggies.
Roughly, each serving has about 350 calories. it's a hearty and healthy choice.
Key health benefits? well, it's good for your gut (thanks to the fibre!). plus, the spices might even give your immune system a little boost.
Bonus! it is puerto rico food , so it has all the latino goodness. the authentic colombian sancocho is good for the soul, but this panamanian sancocho recipe is great for the taste.
Honestly, don't be afraid to have a go! this sancocho recipe puerto rican is all about experimenting. make it yours.
Get in the kitchen, get messy, and have some fun. you got this! it doesn't matter that it is not venezuelan food .
You will surely enjoy this easy meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is sopa, anyway? Seems like it can be anything!
That's right, "sopa" simply means "soup" in Spanish! This recipe is for a hearty Chicken Tortilla Soup, a popular Mexican sopa packed with chicken, vegetables, and a smoky broth. Think of it as a warm hug in a bowl, just like your nan's chicken soup but with a south-of-the-border twist.
How spicy is this sopa going to be? I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to heat.
Not to worry, this recipe is designed to be mildly spicy, like a polite peck on the cheek, not a fire breathing dragon! You can completely control the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeño (or omitting it altogether) and the chili powder. Start small and taste as you go.
A dollop of sour cream on top will also cool things down a treat, just like a refreshing glass of milk after a cheeky vindaloo.
Can I make this Chicken Tortilla Sopa ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this sopa is even better the next day. The flavours have a chance to meld together and deepen overnight, like a good stew or a classic curry. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Don't add the tortilla strips until you're ready to serve, or they'll go soggy.
I don't have time to make my own tortilla strips. Can I use shop bought tortilla chips?
You bet your bottom dollar you can! Using shop bought tortilla chips is a fantastic shortcut, especially if you're short on time. Just grab a bag of your favourite tortilla chips (the thicker, restaurant style ones work best) and crumble them over the soup just before serving.
It's the culinary equivalent of nipping down to the chippy instead of making your own chips saves time and still tastes great!
Is there a vegetarian version of this sopa?
Definitely! To make a vegetarian version, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Add some extra black beans, corn, and other vegetables like zucchini or sweet potato for extra heartiness. You could even crumble in some vegetarian "chicken" pieces or add tofu for protein.
Think of it as a brilliant bit of reinvention, just like turning a classic rock song into an acoustic ballad.
How should I store leftover sopa, and how long will it last?
Leftover sopa should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for 3-4 days. Make sure it's completely cooled before refrigerating. You can also freeze it for longer storage (up to 2-3 months), but the texture of the vegetables might change slightly upon thawing.
The tortilla strips are best added fresh each time, as they will lose their crispiness in the soup.
Fiesta In A Bowl Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 8g |