Tortilla soup is a classic comfort food, bursting with flavor and easy to customize. Using rotisserie chicken is a game-changer, drastically reducing prep time without sacrificing taste. This recipe delivers a vibrant, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for a casual dinner party.
What Makes This Rotisserie Chicken Tortilla Soup So Special?
This recipe elevates the classic tortilla soup by utilizing pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, saving you precious time and effort. We focus on building layers of flavor through a rich, flavorful broth, vibrant vegetables, and a sprinkle of fresh toppings. The result? A deeply satisfying soup that’s both quick and delicious.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 avocado, diced (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for garnish)
- Tortilla chips (for garnish)
- Shredded cheese (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Build the Flavor Base: Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, corn, black beans, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Simmer and Combine: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
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Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with diced avocado, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, tortilla chips, and shredded cheese (if desired).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Any cooked chicken will work perfectly in this recipe. Simply shred or chop it and add it during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
What kind of tortilla chips are best for this soup?
You can use any kind of tortilla chip you like! However, restaurant-style, lightly salted tortilla chips are a popular choice because they provide a nice crunch without overpowering the soup's flavor.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
How can I make this soup spicier?
For a spicier soup, add more cayenne pepper, or consider adding a diced jalapeño pepper along with the onion and garlic. A dash of your favorite hot sauce is also a great option.
What are some other vegetables I can add to this soup?
Feel free to add other vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. Add them along with the onions and garlic during the sautéing step.
Tips for the Best Tortilla Soup:
- Don't overcook the chicken: Adding the chicken at the end prevents it from becoming dry and tough.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper to your liking.
- Garnish generously: The toppings are what really make this soup special, so don't be shy!
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible: Fresh herbs and avocado will elevate the flavor of the soup.
This easy rotisserie chicken tortilla soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
