Background and History
Chef John’s Chicken Tortilla Soup is a culinary masterpiece, marrying the robust flavors of Mexican cuisine with the comforting appeal of a hearty soup. With roots in traditional tortilla soup recipes, this dish brings a Chef John twist, combining tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a medley of spices for a truly satisfying culinary experience.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (e.g., Rotel)
6 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 cup frozen corn
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
Juice of 1 lime
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
Season Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a pot, heat vegetable oil and cook chicken until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, sauté diced onions until translucent. Add minced garlic, ground cumin, and chili powder. Cook until aromatic.
Combine Ingredients
Return the chicken to the pot. Add diced tomatoes, tomatoes with green chiles, chicken broth, bay leaf, frozen corn, and black beans.
Simmer
Bring the soup to a simmer. Cover and let it simmer for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Shred Chicken
Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot. Discard the bay leaf.
Finish and Serve
Stir in lime juice and season the soup with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and accompanied by tortilla chips.
Nutrition Facts
(Per Serving – based on 6 servings)
Calories: ~300
Protein: 25g
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 9g
Notes
Customize with toppings like avocado, cheese, or sour cream.
Make it spicier with additional chili powder or hot sauce.
Chef John’s touch often includes a squeeze of lime for brightness.
Allergy Warning
Check ingredients for potential allergens, especially in canned products.
Confirm any allergies to specific spices or garnishes.
Modify the recipe to accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies.
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