If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and full of flavor, Chicken Tortilla Soup IV is the answer. This soup is a hug in a bowl—packed with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a deliciously savory broth. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and makes you want to cozy up with a big bowl, especially on chilly days. Trust me, this one’s going to become a favorite!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Tortilla Soup IV
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect as a starter, main course, or even a meal prep option for busy weeks.
Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, yet it delivers a meal that feels special.
Quick and Easy: Just a few steps and you’re on your way to a flavorful, satisfying soup in no time.
Customizable: Want it spicier? Add more jalapeños or hot sauce. Prefer more veggies? Feel free to load it up!
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving it to your family, friends, or guests, it’s always a hit. The crispy tortilla strips on top make it extra fun and flavorful, and everyone loves a good soup!
Ingredients in Chicken Tortilla Soup IV
Here’s the magic of this soup—it’s made with simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture.
Chicken Breasts: The heart of this soup. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook up tender and soak in all the yummy broth.
Tortilla Chips: These crispy bits are key to the signature crunch. They add texture and give the soup its classic appeal.
Onions & Garlic: Aromatic and savory, these form the base of the soup’s flavor.
Tomatoes: The juicy, slightly tangy tomatoes bring sweetness and balance to the savory broth.
Chicken Broth: The flavorful liquid that ties everything together, making the soup hearty and comforting.
Jalapeños: Add a little heat and an extra layer of flavor to the broth.
Spices: A blend of cumin, chili powder, and paprika gives the soup a bold, smoky flavor.
Cheese & Sour Cream (optional): For topping, these bring creaminess and a delightful richness to each bowl.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your stovetop and preparing your large soup pot.
Cook the Chicken: In the pot, cook the chicken breasts over medium heat until they’re fully cooked through (about 8–10 minutes). Once done, remove and shred the chicken using two forks.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté the onions and garlic until softened and fragrant. Add the chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.
Add the Tomatoes & Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, followed by the spices. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
Add the Chicken: Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring it into the soup. Let everything simmer for about 10–15 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
Prepare the Tortilla Chips: While the soup simmers, prepare your tortilla strips by either frying them in a bit of oil or baking them in the oven for a healthier option. Set aside.
Finishing Touches: Once the soup is done simmering, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—more salt, pepper, or heat if you like.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, top with crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Enjoy the cozy, comforting goodness!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Chicken Tortilla Soup IV
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- A side of Mexican rice for a hearty meal
- Avocado slices or guacamole to complement the rich flavors
- A handful of cilantro for a fresh, herbaceous note
- Warm cornbread or crusty bread to scoop up every last drop of soup
- A chilled margarita or refreshing iced tea to wash it all down
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- For added depth of flavor, use homemade chicken broth if you have it.
- Want more veggies? Add corn, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition.
- Make it spicier by adding more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- For a smooth soup, blend part of it to thicken the broth before adding the chicken back in.
- This soup freezes beautifully, so make a double batch for later!
FAQ’s
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving.
2. Can I freeze Chicken Tortilla Soup IV?
Definitely. Allow the soup to cool, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.
3. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Of course! Just shred the rotisserie chicken and add it to the soup after the broth and spices are simmering.
4. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth, adding extra beans or veggies to make it hearty.
5. What if I don’t have tortilla chips?
You can substitute with crushed tortilla chips or even fried wonton strips for a similar crunch.
6. How do I make this soup spicier?
Add extra jalapeños, chili flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce to amp up the heat.
7. Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, just cook the ground chicken in the pot with the onions and garlic until browned, then proceed with the recipe as usual.
8. How can I make this soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of the soup before adding the chicken back in.
9. Can I use canned tomatoes?
Absolutely. Canned diced tomatoes work perfectly here. You can even use fire-roasted tomatoes for an added smoky flavor.
10. Can I add beans to this soup?
Yes, black beans or pinto beans would be a great addition to this soup for more protein and texture.
Conclusion
Chicken Tortilla Soup IV is the kind of dish that’s perfect for any occasion—a cozy dinner, a hearty lunch, or a comforting starter to a larger meal. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and loved by everyone. So grab your spoon and dig into this warm, flavorful bowl of goodness—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Chicken Tortilla Soup IV
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Halal
Description
Chicken Tortilla Soup IV is a zesty and comforting Mexican-inspired soup made with shredded chicken, tomatoes, beans, corn, and bold spices, topped with crispy tortilla strips and fresh garnishes.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- For serving:
- Crushed tortilla chips or strips
- Chopped cilantro
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Diced avocado
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes with green chilies and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Add black beans, corn, and shredded chicken. Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes to blend flavors.
- Season with salt, pepper, and lime juice to taste.
- Serve hot topped with tortilla chips or strips, cilantro, sour cream, cheese, and avocado.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
- Adjust spice levels to your preference by increasing or reducing chili powder and cayenne.
- This soup freezes well for make-ahead meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg