7 Minute Prep Chicken Tortilla Soup (Authentic Taste)

Key Takeaways

Chicken Tortilla Soup, a comforting and flavourful dish, is now easily achievable in just 7 minutes of preparation thanks to evilchefmom. This simple yet authentic recipe delivers a rich and satisfying experience, perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner. Explore the ease of creating your own spicy chicken soup, a delightful mexican soup, with our guide, featuring delicious taco soup variations.

What Makes This Chicken Tortilla Soup So Quick to Prepare?

This Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is quick due to the efficient use of pre-cooked chicken, canned tomatoes, and readily available spices, reducing cooking time without sacrificing flavour.

The secret to this 7-minute prep Chicken Tortilla Soup lies in leveraging convenience without compromising on taste. We utilise pre-cooked chicken, which significantly cuts down on cooking time. Using canned diced tomatoes and chicken broth as a base allows for immediate flavour infusion. The recipe focuses on combining these ingredients with essential spices, creating a vibrant and authentic Mexican flavour profile in a fraction of the time. This method ensures that even on the busiest of weeknights, a delicious and hearty meal is within easy reach. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and adaptability, offering a comforting and satisfying dish that is ready in minutes.

Here’s a breakdown of why each component contributes to the speed:

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  Pre-Cooked Chicken: Instead of spending time cooking raw chicken, using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken reduces the preparation time by at least 20-30 minutes. A typical chicken breast takes around 20 minutes to cook through in a pan, whereas a whole chicken can take over an hour in the oven.
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  Canned Tomatoes and Broth: Canned diced tomatoes and pre-made chicken broth eliminate the need to chop fresh tomatoes or simmer broth from scratch, saving approximately 15-20 minutes. Making chicken broth from scratch can take up to 1.5-2 hours.
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  Simple Spices: The use of dried spices such as cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder provides a quick and easy way to add flavour without the need for extensive chopping or sautéing.
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  Minimal Sautéing: The recipe avoids extensive sautéing of vegetables, which can add time. Instead, the focus is on combining the ingredients and letting them simmer briefly to meld the flavours.

How Do Mexican Flavors Enhance Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Mexican flavours like cumin, chili powder, and a tomato base provide a warm, earthy, and slightly spicy profile that defines authentic Chicken Tortilla Soup.

The essence of Chicken Tortilla Soup lies in its vibrant Mexican flavours, which transform a simple chicken soup into a culinary delight. Cumin offers a warm, earthy base, while chili powder introduces a gentle heat and depth. The tomato base, traditionally made from stewed or diced tomatoes, contributes a subtle sweetness and acidity that balances the spice. These key ingredients work in harmony to create the soup’s signature taste, reminiscent of traditional Mexican cuisine. By understanding and utilising these flavours, you can easily transport your taste buds to Mexico with every spoonful.

Here’s how each flavour component plays its crucial role:

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  Cumin: This spice, derived from the Cuminum cyminum plant, is known for its earthy and warming flavour. It is a staple in Mexican cuisine and adds depth to the soup. According to a study published in the “Journal of Food Science,” cumin also has antioxidant properties that can provide health benefits.
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  Chili Powder: Chili powder is a blend of dried chili peppers and other spices, such as oregano, cumin, and garlic powder. It provides heat and complexity to the soup. The spiciness level can be adjusted by using different types of chili powder or adding fresh jalapeños.
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  Tomato Base: A tomato base, typically made from diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, or tomato paste, adds sweetness and acidity to the soup. It also provides a vibrant colour and helps to thicken the broth. Using high-quality canned tomatoes can enhance the overall flavour.

What Toppings Best Complement Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Crunchy tortilla strips, creamy avocado, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of cheese are the ideal toppings, adding contrasting textures and flavours to elevate the soup.

Toppings are essential for taking Chicken Tortilla Soup from good to extraordinary. Crunchy tortilla strips provide a satisfying texture contrast, while creamy avocado adds richness and healthy fats. A squeeze of lime brightens the flavours, and a sprinkle of cheese offers a savoury finish. These toppings not only enhance the taste but also add visual appeal, making the soup a complete sensory experience. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect topping blend.

Here’s a detailed look at why these toppings work so well:

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  Crunchy Tortilla Strips: These add a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soup’s soft texture. They can be store-bought or homemade by baking or frying corn tortillas cut into strips. According to the “Journal of Texture Studies,” the textural contrast in food can significantly enhance the eating experience.
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  Avocado: Creamy avocado provides a rich, buttery flavour and healthy fats. It also adds a cooling element that balances the soup’s spiciness. A study in the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” highlights the health benefits of avocados, including their high nutrient content and positive impact on cardiovascular health.
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  Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a bright, acidic note that enhances the other flavours in the soup. It also cuts through the richness of the broth and toppings, providing a refreshing contrast.
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  Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese, such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, or queso fresco, adds a savoury and melty element to the soup. The cheese complements the other flavours and provides a comforting finish.

How Can I Adjust the Spice Level of My Chicken Tortilla Soup?

The spice level can be easily adjusted by adding or reducing the amount of chili powder and jalapeños, ensuring the soup suits individual preferences.

Adjusting the spice level of Chicken Tortilla Soup is simple and allows you to tailor the dish to your personal preference. For a milder flavour, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the jalapeños altogether. If you prefer a spicier soup, add more chili powder, include the seeds and membranes of the jalapeños, or use a hotter variety of chili pepper. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly to achieve the perfect level of heat for your palate.

Here are some specific ways to control the spiciness:

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  Chili Powder: Start with a small amount of chili powder (e.g., 1 teaspoon) and add more gradually until you reach your desired level of heat. Different brands of chili powder can vary in spiciness, so it’s essential to taste and adjust.
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  Jalapeños: If you want to add fresh jalapeños, start with one pepper and remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavour. If you prefer a spicier soup, leave the seeds and membranes intact or use a hotter variety of chili pepper, such as serrano or habanero. Always handle chili peppers with care and avoid touching your eyes.
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  Cayenne Pepper: A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a quick burst of heat to the soup. Be careful not to add too much, as it can quickly overpower the other flavours.
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  Hot Sauce: A few dashes of your favourite hot sauce can add both heat and flavour to the soup. Experiment with different types of hot sauce to find one that complements the other ingredients.

Can I Make Chicken Tortilla Soup in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, Chicken Tortilla Soup can be easily adapted for a slow cooker, allowing for a hands-off cooking method and deeper flavour development.

Using a slow cooker to make Chicken Tortilla Soup is a convenient way to prepare a hearty and flavourful meal with minimal effort. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it simmer for several hours. This method allows the flavours to meld together, resulting in a richer and more complex soup. Slow cooking is particularly beneficial for busy individuals who want to come home to a delicious and ready-to-eat dinner.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Chicken Tortilla Soup in a slow cooker:

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   Combine Ingredients: In a slow cooker, combine pre-cooked chicken, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, corn, black beans, diced onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and any other desired spices.
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   Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the flavours have melded together.
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   Shred Chicken: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
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   Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favourite toppings, such as tortilla strips, avocado, lime, and cheese.

The slow cooker method not only simplifies the cooking process but also enhances the soup’s flavour by allowing the ingredients to simmer and meld together over a longer period. This results in a richer, more complex taste that is sure to impress.

How Can Corn Tortillas Thicken Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Blending corn tortillas into the soup adds a natural thickening agent, enhancing the texture and contributing a subtle corn flavour.

Using corn tortillas to thicken Chicken Tortilla Soup is a traditional and effective method that not only enhances the texture but also adds a subtle corn flavour that complements the other ingredients. Blending the tortillas into the soup creates a creamy and satisfying consistency, making it a more substantial and comforting meal. This technique is particularly useful if you prefer a thicker soup without using flour or other thickening agents.

Here’s how to use corn tortillas to thicken your soup:

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   Cut Tortillas: Cut 2-3 corn tortillas into smaller pieces.
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   Blend: Add the tortilla pieces to a blender with about 1 cup of the soup’s broth. Blend until smooth.
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   Add to Soup: Pour the blended mixture back into the soup pot and stir well.
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   Simmer: Simmer the soup for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the tortillas to fully incorporate and thicken the broth.

This method not only thickens the soup but also adds a unique flavour element that enhances the overall taste. The corn tortillas provide a subtle sweetness and earthiness that complements the other ingredients, creating a truly authentic Chicken Tortilla Soup experience.

What Are Some Variations of Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Variations include adding black beans, corn, different types of chili peppers, or using a vegetarian broth for a meat-free version.

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. Adding black beans and corn provides extra texture and nutrients, while using different types of chili peppers allows you to customize the spice level. For a vegetarian version, simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. These variations offer endless possibilities for creating your own unique and delicious Chicken Tortilla Soup.

Here are a few popular variations:

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  Black Bean and Corn: Adding black beans and corn to the soup provides extra fibre, protein, and a touch of sweetness. These ingredients also add a heartier texture to the soup.
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  Spicy Chipotle: For a smoky and spicy flavour, add a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the soup. Chipotle peppers are smoked jalapeños that add a unique depth of flavour.
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  Vegetarian: To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add extra vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or squash, to make it more filling.
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  Creamy: For a richer and creamier soup, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving. You can also add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

How Can I Store Leftover Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Leftover soup should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage.

Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and safety of leftover Chicken Tortilla Soup. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and heat it thoroughly on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Here are some tips for storing and reheating your soup:

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  Cool Completely: Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it to prevent condensation from forming inside the container.
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  Airtight Container: Store the soup in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odours from the refrigerator.
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  Freezing: When freezing the soup, leave some headspace in the container to allow for expansion.
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  Reheating: Reheat the soup thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to ensure that it is safe to eat.

What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Chicken Tortilla Soup is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, offering a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Chicken Tortilla Soup is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients that contribute to overall health and well-being. It is a good source of protein, which is crucial for muscle building and repair. The soup also contains various vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron, which support immune function and energy production. Additionally, the vegetables in the soup provide fibre, which aids in digestion and promotes satiety.

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional benefits:

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  💡 Verdict: This Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a flavorful and hearty meal with minimal effort. Its 7-minute prep time makes it ideal for busy schedules, while the authentic Mexican flavors and customizable toppings ensure a satisfying culinary experience every time.

Frequently Asked Questions