Quick Tortilla Soup: A Hug in a Bowl

I remember the first time I encountered this Quick Tortilla Soup. It was a rainy Sunday, the kind that begs for comfort food, and the local newspaper was my weekend ritual. Tucked away on the food page, I spotted a recipe submitted by a Pam Anderson, promising “Perfect One Dish Dinners.” Skeptical but hopeful, I decided to give it a go. What emerged from my Dutch oven was nothing short of a revelation – a deeply flavorful, surprisingly light soup that instantly became a household staple. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, a true culinary embrace that I’ve come to rely on time and time again.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Dietary Type: Can be adapted for Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free diets

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this comforting soup to life:

• 2 large boneless chicken breasts, halved crosswise to form two thin cutlets
• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil, separated
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 large onion, cut into medium dice
• 4 large garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 tablespoons chipotle chiles in adobo, minced
• 2 quarts low sodium chicken broth
• 14 ½ ounces diced tomatoes (fire-roasted, if you can find them)
• 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, not drained
• 6 ounces corn tortilla strips
• 1 lime, cut into 8ths

Equipment Needed

You won’t need a lot of fancy gadgets for this soup, just the essentials:

• A Dutch oven or a large, heavy-bottomed soup kettle
• A plate for resting cooked chicken
• A cutting board and knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• A ladle for serving

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! This soup comes together remarkably fast, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a quick weekend lunch.

1. Sear the Chicken: Begin by heating your Dutch oven or soup kettle over medium-high heat. In a bowl, toss the chicken cutlets with the salt, chili powder, and 1 ½ teaspoons of the olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Carefully add the seasoned chicken to the hot pot. Sear the chicken, turning it only once, until it’s impressively brown on both sides. This should take about 5 to 6 minutes total. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a clean plate. You can either cut it into bite-size pieces now or wait until it cools enough to handle.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same hot pot, now empty of the chicken. Add the diced onion and sauté until it begins to soften, which typically takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Next, add the crushed garlic cloves and the minced chipotle chiles in adobo. Continue to sauté until the mixture is fragrant, about 1 minute longer. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

3. Build the Broth: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth, followed by the diced tomatoes and the undrained black beans. Bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Simmer and Meld Flavors: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer the soup partially covered. As a foam surfaces, skim it off. This step is crucial for blending the flavors and creating a cleaner broth. Continue to simmer for about 5 minutes.

5. Add Chicken and Finish: Stir the cut (or shredded) chicken back into the soup. Turn off the heat. The residual heat will ensure the chicken is warmed through and the flavors continue to meld.

6. Assemble and Serve: To serve, place a generous portion of tortilla strips in each individual bowl. Ladle the hot soup over the tortilla strips. Encourage each person to top their soup as desired. Finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lime.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For Extra Flavor: If you have time, consider poaching the chicken breasts directly in the chicken broth before starting the soup. This infuses the broth with even more chicken essence.
• Shredded Chicken Shortcut: For an even quicker soup, use a rotisserie chicken. Shred the meat and add it in step 5, skipping the searing step for the chicken.
• Chipotle Power: The amount of chipotle chiles can be adjusted to your spice preference. Start with the recommended amount, and if you love heat, feel free to add a bit more.
• Make it Quick: To really speed up the process, heat the chicken broth in the microwave while you are sautéing the onions and garlic. This saves precious minutes on the stovetop.
• Texture Play: The tortilla strips will soften in the hot soup, but if you prefer them with a bit more crunch, add them just before serving or serve them on the side.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Quick Tortilla Soup is best served piping hot, garnished to your heart’s content. The toppings are where this soup truly shines and allows for personalization.

Serving Suggestions:
The provided ingredients for topping are excellent starting points:

• Grated Pepper Jack Cheese: Adds a creamy, slightly spicy element.
• Diced Avocados: Provides a cool, rich contrast.
• Light Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream offers a tangy creaminess.
• Chopped Fresh Cilantro: Adds a burst of herbaceous freshness.
• Hot Red Pepper Sauce: For those who crave extra heat.

Storage Suggestions:

• Refrigerator: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash more broth or water if it has thickened too much. If reheating from the refrigerator, use the same stovetop method.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (approx.)	% Daily Value
Calories	332 kcal
Calories from Fat	96 kcal
Total Fat	10.7 g	16%
Saturated Fat	2.5 g	12%
Cholesterol	30.9 mg	10%
Sodium	348.2 mg	14%
Total Carbohydrate	35.8 g	11%
Dietary Fiber	11 g	43%
Sugars	3.6 g	14%
Protein	26.8 g	53%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable.

• Vegetarian/Vegan: For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute the chicken broth with a good quality vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add extra beans, corn, or even some diced firm tofu or tempeh for protein. Ensure your tortilla strips are vegan.
• Gluten-Free: Most corn tortilla strips are naturally gluten-free, but always check the packaging. Ensure any added spices or seasonings are also gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Simply omit the cheese and sour cream, or use dairy-free alternatives.
• Spicy Kick: If you love heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce directly into the soup during the simmering stage.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: What kind of tortillas work best for the strips?
A: Corn tortillas are traditional and provide the best flavor and texture. You can buy pre-made tortilla strips or easily make your own by cutting corn tortillas into thin strips and baking them until crisp.

Q: How do I prevent the tortilla strips from getting too soggy?
A: Add the tortilla strips to each bowl just before serving, allowing them to soften slightly in the hot soup without disintegrating.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will also work well. They tend to be more forgiving and can add a richer flavor.

Q: My soup seems a bit thin. How can I thicken it?
A: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can thicken it by mashing some of the black beans against the side of the pot with your spoon before adding the chicken, or by creating a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and stirring it into the simmering soup until thickened.

This Quick Tortilla Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s proof that incredible flavor doesn’t always require hours in the kitchen. I hope this dish brings as much warmth and comfort to your table as it has to mine. Share it with loved ones, experiment with your favorite toppings, and savor every delicious spoonful.