Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup
A warm and flavorful soup that combines tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and just the right amount of spice for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1-2 pieces jalapeño peppers, minced (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Tortilla chips, for serving
- Avocado slices, for garnish
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack), for garnish
- Sour cream, for garnish
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Add the Peppers
- Stir in the diced bell pepper and minced jalapeños. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the peppers soften.
Cook the Chicken
- Push the vegetable mixture to the sides of the pot and place the chicken breasts in the center. Sear the chicken for about 2 minutes on each side until lightly browned.
Combine the Ingredients
- Pour in the chicken broth, then add the diced tomatoes, black beans, ground cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer the Soup
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, allowing it to simmer for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Shred the Chicken
- Using tongs, remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
Finish with Freshness
- Stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro for a fresh and zesty finish.
Serve the Soup
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a handful of tortilla chips, avocado slices, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
Adjust the spiciness by removing the seeds from the jalapeños or adding more if you love spice. For deeper flavor, consider using bone-in chicken thighs, and the soup flavors deepen over time, making it perfect for meal prep.