“`html
If you are craving a bowl of warmth that feels nourishing and packed with vibrant flavors, this Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Brimming with wholesome ingredients like fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, sweet corn, and tender chicken, this soup brings together a perfect balance of hearty texture and fresh zest. It’s a celebration of comfort food without compromising on nutrition, making every spoonful a delight that fuels your body and soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this soup are wonderfully simple, yet each one plays an essential role in creating its deep, layered flavor and amazing texture. From the creamy black beans to the aromatic spices, every element adds a unique touch.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps soften the aromatics at the base of the soup.
- Red onion: Brings a sweet yet sharp foundation that enhances the soup’s depth.
- Garlic cloves: Provide savory warmth and an inviting aroma.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that carries all the ingredients together.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Deliver a smoky, tangy punch to brighten the soup.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds fresh herbal notes that lift the entire dish.
- Black beans: Give heartiness and a creamy texture while adding plant-powered protein.
- Corn: Adds subtle sweetness and a bit of bite that balances the savory flavors.
- Ground cumin: Provides warm, earthy spice essential to classic tortilla soup.
- Dried oregano: Offers an herbal undertone that deepens complexity.
- Chicken breasts (or rotisserie chicken): The star protein that makes the soup satisfying and nourishing.
- Cabot cheese: Adds creamy, melty richness to finish the soup.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out all the natural flavors in harmony.
- Optional toppings: Cheese, red onion, cilantro, sour cream, salsa, avocado, and tortilla chips to personalize every bowl.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Step 1: Build a Flavorful Base
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When warm, add the chopped red onion and minced garlic. Stir continuously as they cook for about three minutes until they soften and release their wonderful fragrance. This foundational step unlocks the sweet and savory aromatics that infuse the entire soup with depth and warmth.
Step 2: Combine the Core Ingredients
Next, pour in the chicken broth along with fire-roasted diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, black beans, and drained corn. Sprinkle in ground cumin and dried oregano before adding the whole chicken breasts. This is the moment everything comes together—bringing bold, fresh, and hearty flavors into one pot. Let the soup come to a boil, then reduce the heat to low so it can gently simmer for about an hour. This slow cooking allows the chicken to become tender and the flavors to blend beautifully.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Add Cheese
Once the soup has simmered and the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove the chicken breasts. Shred them by pulling apart with forks until you have tender, bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. If you prefer using rotisserie chicken, this is the moment to add it instead. Stir in the Cabot cheese and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes, letting the cheese melt completely and enrich the soup with creamy goodness. Taste and season with salt and pepper for just the right balance.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the piping hot soup into your favorite bowls. Feel free to customize your servings with an array of toppings like extra cheese, diced red onions, fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, zesty salsa, creamy avocado, and crunchy tortilla chips. Each add-on brings its own layer of texture and flavor that makes every spoonful exciting and comforting.
How to Serve Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this soup is how versatile it is when it comes to garnishes. Fresh cilantro tops the dish with a green burst of freshness, while shredded cheese lends a melty, rich finish. A few corn chips add crunch, and a scoop of creamy avocado or dollop of sour cream introduces a cooling contrast to the spicy undertones. Feel free to mix and match your favorite toppings to suit your cravings.
Side Dishes
Complement your soup with simple side dishes for a complete meal. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully, adding brightness and extra veggies. You might also enjoy warm cornbread or a side of Mexican rice to soak up every last drop of this delicious soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the soup in small clay bowls or mini cast iron skillets, layering toppings in colorful sections on top before serving. You could even make it a taco night theme by setting out bowls of garnishes and tortilla chips for everyone to customize their own bowl. It turns an everyday dinner into an interactive and festive occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavors. When ready to enjoy again, simply warm on the stove or in the microwave until steaming.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Before freezing, let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Remember to leave some headspace as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even warming. If reheated from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for best results. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much while reheating.
FAQs
Can I use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts in the soup?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves time and adds extra flavor. Just stir it in after the soup has simmered and cook a little longer to combine all the flavors.
Is this soup spicy?
This Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is mildly spiced, primarily featuring cumin and oregano for warm earthiness. You can easily add heat by including chili powder, jalapeños, or hot sauce if you enjoy spicier flavors.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth to make a vegetarian version. For extra protein, consider adding more beans or even cooked lentils. The core flavors will still be vibrant and satisfying.
What can I substitute for Cabot cheese?
If you don’t have Cabot cheese, any good melting cheese like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend works well in this recipe. The cheese adds creaminess and a bit of tang that compliments the soup beautifully.
How do I make this soup gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you double-check that canned ingredients and broth don’t contain hidden gluten. Most store-bought chicken broths and canned vegetables are gluten-free, but it’s always wise to read labels.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and satisfying about a bowl of this Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe. It nourishes you with wholesome ingredients and warms your heart with its rich, layered flavors. Whether you’re cooking for your family or craving a healthy solo meal, this soup is guaranteed to become a favorite you’ll turn to time and again. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to comfort food!
“`
Print
Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 13 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken simmered with black beans, corn, fire-roasted tomatoes, and spices. Enhanced with fresh cilantro and creamy Cabot cheese, it offers a delicious balance of smoky, savory, and fresh flavors, perfect for a nutritious family meal.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 (15 ounce) cans fire-roasted, diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 Tbsp. ground cumin, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 whole chicken breasts (or 2–3 cups rotisserie chicken, chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese
- 2 cups Cabot Cheese (your favorite flavor)
Toppings (Optional)
- Cheese
- Red onion
- Cilantro
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Avocado
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic, cooking while stirring until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add Broth and Ingredients: Add the chicken broth, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, rinsed black beans, drained corn, ground cumin, dried oregano, and whole chicken breasts (if using) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and chicken to cook thoroughly.
- Shred Chicken and Add Cheese: After simmering, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup. If using rotisserie chicken instead, add it now. Stir in 2 cups of Cabot cheese and cook for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and soup is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls evenly. Top with your choice of optional toppings such as cheese, red onion, cilantro, sour cream, salsa, avocado, and tortilla chips. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for the whole chicken breasts to save time.
- Adjust the level of cumin according to your taste preferences.
- For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the soup or toppings.
- Leftover soup keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freezes nicely for up to 2 months.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce sodium content if desired.
