Delicious & Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe: A Mexican-Inspired Classic

Imagine a warm, comforting bowl of healthy chicken tortilla soup. It’s easy to make and full of flavor. This Mexican-inspired classic is perfect for any time of the year. You can make it at home with simple ingredients and enjoy it quickly.

This soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Each serving has 540 calories, 32g of protein, and 15g of fiber. It takes just 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. So, you can have a healthy meal ready in 45 minutes.

Key Takeaways

• You can make a delicious and healthy chicken tortilla soup at home with an easy recipe.
• This Mexican-inspired classic is a crowd-pleaser, with high user satisfaction ratings.
• The recipe provides a good amount of nutrition per serving, including protein, fiber, and vitamins.
• With a short prep time and cooking time, you can have a healthy, homemade meal on the table in 45 minutes.
• You can customize the recipe to your taste, with options for toppings and spice levels.
• This healthy chicken tortilla soup recipe is a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal.

The Origins of Traditional Chicken Tortilla Soup

Exploring Mexican-inspired cuisine, you’ll find that chicken tortilla soup has a deep history. It comes from Mexico, where ingredients like enchilada sauce and whole tomatoes are key. These add flavor and show the soup’s cultural roots. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tortillas, so everyone can enjoy it.

The story of chicken tortilla soup’s evolution is interesting. It has grown to include healthier choices, like gluten-free options, while keeping its cultural essence. Fresh ingredients like onions and garlic enhance the soup’s taste without losing its health benefits. With about 385 calories per serving, it’s a nutritious and satisfying meal.

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 6 cups of low sodium chicken broth
• 3-4 dried ancho chili peppers
• 8 corn tortillas (or gluten-free alternatives)

Knowing the origins and evolution of chicken tortilla soup helps us value its cultural and culinary richness. Whether you seek a healthy meal or a tasty soup, traditional chicken tortilla soup is a great pick.

Health Benefits of Our Chicken Tortilla Soup

Our chicken tortilla soup is not just tasty, but also healthy and nutritious. It has 180 calories and 4 grams of fat per cup. This makes it a great choice for those wanting a best low-calorie meal. Plus, it’s packed with 21 grams of protein per cup, perfect for increasing your protein intake.

The spicy kick in the soup comes from various spices and peppers. These add health benefits. The black beans in the soup are full of fiber, iron, B vitamins, and folate. This makes the soup a great source of essential nutrients. Here are some key health benefits of our chicken tortilla soup:

• High in protein to support muscle growth and repair
• Rich in fiber to support healthy digestion and bowel function
• Good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, B vitamins, and folate
• Low in calories and fat, making it an excellent option for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight

Our chicken tortilla soup is a healthy and nutritious meal choice. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a delicious and best low-calorie meal. With its spicy taste and health benefits, it’s great for supporting overall health and well-being.

Nutrient	Amount per cup
Calories	180
Protein	21g
Fat	4g
Fiber	4g

Essential Ingredients for Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup

To make a tasty and healthy chicken tortilla soup, you’ll need some key ingredients. These include fresh veggies, protein, herbs, and spices. Using homemade items can make the soup taste better and be more nutritious. You’ll need chicken breasts, onion, jalapeños, garlic, and tortillas.

A slow cooker is a great way to make the soup. Just put all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it cook for hours. When you get home, you’ll have a hot, ready meal. You can also change the ingredients to fit your taste and diet.

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 jalapeños, diced
• 6 tortillas, cut into strips

Ingredient	Quantity
Chicken breasts	2 lbs
Onion	1 large
Garlic	3 cloves
Jalapeños	2
Tortillas	6

With these ingredients and a slow cooker, you can make a healthy and tasty chicken tortilla soup. It’s great for any weeknight or special event.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

To make this tasty chicken tortilla soup, just follow an easy recipe. Start by sautéing vegetables to add flavor. Next, cook the chicken and mix it with the veggies, diced tomatoes, and black beans.

This recipe is simple to follow. You’ll need 10 small corn tortillas cut into thin strips for the homemade tortilla strips. The soup recipe also calls for two 14.5-ounce cans of diced tomatoes and one 15-ounce can of black beans. Use 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, like from a rotisserie chicken, to make it even easier.

Here are the steps to prepare the soup:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings

The soup can last 5 to 7 days in the fridge or up to 6 months in the freezer. Keep the tortilla strips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Each serving has about 485 calories, 55g carbs, 28g protein, and 19g fat. It also has 3g saturated fat, 4g polyunsaturated fat, and 11g monounsaturated fat. The soup has 42mg cholesterol, 1873mg sodium, and 878mg potassium. It also has 12g fiber, 5g sugar, 979IU Vitamin A, 13mg Vitamin C, 117mg calcium, and 5mg iron. Enjoy a delicious and healthy homemade chicken tortilla soup with this easy recipe.

Nutrient	Value per serving
Calories	485
Carbohydrates	55g
Protein	28g
Fat	19g

Slow Cooker Method and Time-Saving Tips

Using a slow cooker is a great way to make a tasty and spicy chicken tortilla soup. It saves you time and effort. Just add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it cook for hours. This method is perfect for coming home to a meal that’s already ready, with a delicious aroma.

To start, chop the onions, bell peppers, and garlic. You can also cook the chicken and tortillas before. The secret to a great slow cooker soup is using the right ingredients and cooking it for the right time. A healthy chicken tortilla soup cooks in 4-6 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.

Prep Work and Ingredient Organization

Here are some tips for preparing and organizing your ingredients:

• Chop the onions, bell peppers, and garlic in advance
• Cook the chicken and tortillas ahead of time
• Measure out the spices and seasonings
• Prepare the slow cooker by adding a layer of oil to the bottom

Cooking Times and Temperature Settings

The cooking time and temperature depend on your preference and slow cooker type. Here’s a general guide:

Cooking Time	Temperature Setting
4-6 hours	High
6-8 hours	Low

By following these tips and using a slow cooker, you can make a delicious and spicy chicken tortilla soup. This method is one of the best for this soup. It saves time and effort while making a flavorful and healthy meal.

Customization Options and Spice Levels

Customization is key in the best Mexican-inspired dishes. You can make the soup spicier or milder, based on your taste. The recipe lets you choose between a taco seasoning packet or individual spices for seasoning.

A spicy kick can come from chili powder or hot sauce. For a milder flavor, use less jalapeno. This flexibility suits many tastes, from those who like it hot to those who prefer it mild. It also shows the diversity of flavors and ingredients in Mexican-inspired dishes.

Some popular customization options include:

• Adding diced onions or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture
• Using different types of protein, such as chicken breast or thighs, for varying levels of tenderness
• Incorporating various spices, like cumin or paprika, to enhance the flavor profile

This recipe is great for a delicious and healthy Mexican-inspired meal. You can adjust the spice level and ingredients to fit your taste and dietary needs. It offers a flexible flavor profile and many customization options.

Customization Option	Description
Spice Level	Adjust the amount of chili powder or hot sauce to suit your taste
Protein	Use chicken breast, thighs, or a combination of both for varying levels of tenderness
Vegetables	Add diced onions, bell peppers, or other vegetables to enhance flavor and texture

Serving Suggestions and Healthy Toppings

There are many ways to serve homemade chicken tortilla soup. You can add fresh garnishes, protein, and gluten-free tortillas. Corn tortillas or gluten-free chips are great for a gluten-free option. This recipe lets you have fun with toppings, making it a great family meal.

Healthy toppings include avocado, sour cream, and cheese. Jalapenos add spice. Cilantro, green onions, or lime juice add flavor and nutrients. These toppings make your soup both tasty and nutritious.

• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced bell peppers
• Sliced black olives
• Cooked black beans

These toppings enhance your soup’s texture, flavor, and nutrition. This easy recipe makes a healthy meal for any time.

Topping	Calories	Protein	Fat
Diced avocado	110	1g	10g
Sour cream	50	1g	5g
Shredded cheese	50	3g	4g

With these ideas, your chicken tortilla soup becomes a gluten-free, easy recipe. It’s both delicious and healthy. So, get creative and enjoy your soup with your favorite toppings!

Conclusion: Mastering Your Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Making a tasty and healthy chicken tortilla soup is within reach. This dish, inspired by Mexico, has become a simple recipe for home cooks. By following our guide and using smart tips, you’ll make a homemade soup that beats restaurant versions in taste and health.

With fresh veggies, protein, and herbs, your soup will be both cozy and nutritious. Using batch cooking and slow cookers saves time. Yet, it keeps the dish’s true flavor and spirit.

You can adjust the soup’s heat to your liking. Try different garnishes and toppings to make it look and taste even better.

Learn to make your own healthy chicken tortilla soup. Enjoy the benefits of a easy recipe that brings Mexico’s flavors to your home.

FAQ

What are the origins of chicken tortilla soup?

Chicken tortilla soup comes from Mexico’s rich food traditions. It has changed over time to include healthier foods. Yet, it keeps its cultural roots.

What are the health benefits of chicken tortilla soup?

This soup is good for you because of its protein, fiber, and vitamins. The spices might also offer health perks.

What are the essential ingredients for making healthy chicken tortilla soup?

You need fresh veggies like tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Also, chicken, herbs, and spices for taste. And gluten-free options for everyone.

Can I make chicken tortilla soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, using a slow cooker makes it easy and saves time. Just prep well, adjust cooking times, and follow storage and reheating tips.

Can I customize the spice level of the chicken tortilla soup?

Definitely! You can make it as mild or spicy as you like. This lets you tailor the flavor to your liking, making it a personal Mexican dish.

What are some healthy topping options for chicken tortilla soup?

Choose toppings like avocado, lime wedges, and onions. You can also add more protein with chicken or queso fresco. Gluten-free tortillas are great too.