There’s something about a steaming bowl of chicken tortilla soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day or honestly, any day. It’s cozy, satisfying, and packed with bold flavors that hit all the right notes. This version, Chicken Tortilla Soup IV, is a flavor-packed twist on the classic that’s got just the right amount of spice, hearty goodness, and irresistible crunch from those golden tortilla strips.

Whether you’re curled up on the couch for a solo dinner or serving this up to a hungry group of friends, this soup is guaranteed to bring smiles. It’s got everything: juicy shredded chicken, tender beans, sweet corn, tangy tomatoes, and a spice-infused broth that’s pure comfort in a bowl. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Tortilla Soup IV

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep it reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples like beans, corn, tomatoes, and tortillas, this soup delivers big flavor without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy: Throw everything in a pot and let it work its magic no complicated steps or techniques required.

Customizable: Add more spice, swap in different veggies, or top it with all your favorite fixings. This soup welcomes creativity.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Chicken Tortilla Soup IV

Here’s the magic of this soup it’s made with everyday ingredients, but the flavor payoff is out of this world. Let’s break it down:

Cooked Shredded Chicken: Tender, juicy chicken that soaks up all the goodness of the broth. Rotisserie chicken works great here for extra ease.

Chicken Broth: The savory base of the soup rich and full-bodied, it ties everything together.

Canned Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds a tangy, slightly spicy depth to the broth. Fire-roasted tomatoes are a bonus!

Black Beans: Creamy and hearty, these beans make the soup extra filling.

Corn Kernels: Sweet pops of texture and color that brighten up every bite.

Onion & Garlic: The aromatic base because every good soup starts with these two.

Chili Powder, Cumin & Paprika: A trio of spices that bring smoky warmth and bold flavor.

Tortilla Strips: Fried or baked, they’re the crunchy topping that makes every spoonful more fun.

Olive Oil: For sautéing your aromatics and getting those flavors going.

Salt & Pepper: The trusty finishing touches to enhance all the other flavors.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

If you’re making homemade tortilla strips, start by preheating your oven to 400°F or heating oil in a skillet for frying.

Combine Ingredients

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant about 3–4 minutes. Then stir in the chili powder, cumin, and paprika to toast the spices and deepen the flavor.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Your pot is ready to go! No extra prep needed here unless you’re using a slow cooker, in which case you’ll transfer everything over at this point.

Assemble the Dish

Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, and shredded chicken. Stir well to combine and bring everything to a gentle boil.

Cook to Perfection

Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20–25 minutes to let all the flavors meld together. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Finishing Touches

While the soup simmers, crisp up your tortilla strips either by baking them until golden or giving them a quick fry. Let them drain on paper towels and sprinkle with a little salt.

Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crunchy tortilla strips. Add optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flair.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 300–350 (approximate)
(Note: exact values may vary depending on portion and toppings)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Tortilla Soup IV

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve with warm cornbread, cheesy quesadillas, or a fresh green salad. You can also set up a soup bar with toppings like shredded cheese, diced avocado, jalapeños, sour cream, lime wedges, and chopped cilantro let everyone build their perfect bowl!

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
– Use rotisserie chicken for a major time-saver.
– Want more veggies? Add zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
– Make it creamy by stirring in a splash of cream or a scoop of Greek yogurt.
– For a smoky kick, add chipotle peppers in adobo.
– Store leftovers in an airtight container they’re great for up to 3 days.
– Freeze extra soup (without the toppings) for an easy meal later.
– Bake your tortilla strips for a healthier twist.
– Add a handful of rice or quinoa to make it even heartier.
– Taste and adjust spices to your liking more chili powder for heat, more cumin for warmth.
– Don’t skip the lime at the end it brightens up the whole bowl.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it’s perfect for this soup and cuts down on prep time significantly.

2. How spicy is this recipe?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat by adding or reducing chili powder or adding fresh chilies.

3. Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just sauté the onions and garlic first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

4. Are tortilla strips necessary?
They’re a signature part of this dish, but you can skip or replace them with crushed tortilla chips in a pinch.

5. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken broth for veggie broth and use extra beans or tofu instead of chicken.

6. How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

7. Can I freeze Chicken Tortilla Soup IV?
Yes! Just leave out the toppings and freeze the soup for up to 2 months.

8. What are good toppings for this soup?
Cheese, avocado, sour cream, lime juice, jalapeños, and cilantro are all delicious choices.

9. Can I add rice or grains to the soup?
Definitely! Add cooked rice or quinoa to bulk it up and make it even more filling.

10. What type of beans can I use?
Black beans are traditional, but pinto beans or even kidney beans work great too.

Conclusion

Chicken Tortilla Soup IV is one of those magical meals that hits every craving in one bowl comforting, spicy, hearty, and totally customizable. Whether you’re making it for your family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe brings big flavor with minimal fuss. So grab your spoon (and maybe a few extra tortilla strips), and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite soup.

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