Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup: Amazing Comfort

Healthy chicken tortilla soup has been my go-to comfort food for years, especially on chilly evenings. I remember the first time I tried making it myself – the aroma of spices filling my kitchen was incredible, and the taste was even better! It’s amazing how something so flavorful can also be so good for you. This version is a fantastic low-calorie chicken tortilla soup that doesn’t skimp on taste. If you’re wondering how to make healthy chicken tortilla soup that’s both satisfying and nourishing, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup

This soup is a winner for so many reasons. It’s packed with incredible flavor, making it the best healthy chicken tortilla soup I’ve ever had. Plus, it’s surprisingly quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.

• Incredibly flavorful with a satisfying texture.
• Super quick to make, ready in just over an hour.
• Packed with nutritious ingredients for a guilt-free meal.
• A budget-friendly option that stretches well.
• Family-friendly and customizable with everyone’s favorite toppings.
• It’s a fantastic chicken tortilla soup for weight loss, keeping you full and satisfied.
• Enjoy a delicious light chicken tortilla soup experience without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients for Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Gather these wholesome ingredients for a truly satisfying soup:

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil – our base for sautéing aromatics
• 1 small red onion, chopped – adds a sweet, mild bite
• 3 garlic cloves, minced – essential for flavor
• 4 cups chicken broth – use low-sodium to control salt
• 2 (15 ounce) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes – these bring an amazing depth of flavor
• \u00bc cup chopped fresh cilantro – for a burst of freshness
• 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained – a key component of this chicken tortilla soup with black beans
• 1 can corn, drained – adding sweetness and texture to our chicken tortilla soup with corn
• 1 Tbsp. ground cumin, plus more to taste – warm, earthy spice
• \u00bd teaspoon dried oregano – classic soup herb
• 2 whole chicken breasts or 2-3 cups rotisserie chicken, chopped – lean protein
• 2 cups Cabot Cheese, your favorite flavor – for creamy richness
• Salt and pepper to taste – to enhance all the flavors
• Toppings (Optional): Cheese, red onion, fresh cilantro, sour cream, salsa, avocado, tortilla chips

How to Make Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup

This recipe makes it so simple to create a delicious and nourishing soup right on your stovetop. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this flavorful dish!

1. Step 1: Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the 1 small red onion, chopped, and 3 garlic cloves, minced. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 3 minutes. This is the first step to building those amazing flavors.
2. Step 2: Pour in the 4 cups chicken broth, 2 (15 ounce) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes, \u00bc cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained, 1 can corn, drained, 1 Tbsp. ground cumin, and \u00bd teaspoon dried oregano. If you’re using whole chicken breasts, add them now. Stir everything together to combine these wonderful ingredients.
3. Step 3: Bring the soup to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover loosely and let the soup cook for 1 hour. This slow simmer allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the chicken cooks through perfectly. This part is key to an easy healthy chicken tortilla soup.
4. Step 4: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot. Shred them using two forks until you have bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. If you’re using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, simply stir it in now.
5. Step 5: Now it’s time for some creamy goodness! Stir in the 2 cups Cabot Cheese. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is completely melted and integrated into the soup, making it wonderfully rich.
6. Step 6: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle this comforting soup into bowls. For a truly delightful experience, top with your favorite garnishes like extra cheese, red onion, fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, salsa, creamy avocado slices, and of course, crunchy tortilla chips. Enjoy this quick healthy chicken tortilla soup!

Pro Tips for the Best Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Elevate your soup game with these simple tricks:

• Always use fire-roasted tomatoes; they add an incredible smoky depth that plain diced tomatoes just can’t match.
• Don’t skip the cheese! Melting it into the soup creates a richer, more satisfying broth.
• Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Broth and canned goods can vary in saltiness.
• Shredding the chicken while warm makes it easier to get those perfect, tender strands.

What’s the secret to perfect Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

The secret lies in building layers of flavor. Using fire-roasted tomatoes provides instant depth, while letting the soup simmer allows the spices and chicken to fully infuse the broth for the best healthy chicken tortilla soup experience.

Can I make Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup is fantastic for meal prep. You can make the entire soup (up to step 5) a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove before adding the cheese and final seasonings.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Avoid overcooking the chicken; it can become dry and tough. Also, don’t add salt too early, as the broth and canned ingredients already contain sodium. Seasoning at the end ensures perfect balance.

Best Ways to Serve Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup

This soup is so versatile, you can enjoy it in so many ways! It’s delicious on its own, but I love serving it with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For an extra kick, consider making a spicy healthy chicken tortilla soup by adding a diced jalapeño or a dash of your favorite hot sauce during the simmering process. For more information on healthy eating, you can check out resources on healthy cooking.

The real magic happens with the toppings! Pile on shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, creamy avocado slices, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and some finely chopped red onion. Don’t forget those crunchy tortilla strips – they add the perfect texture contrast. This soup is also wonderful paired with a light quinoa salad for extra fiber and protein.

Nutrition Facts for Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup

This nourishing soup offers a great balance of nutrients, making it a satisfying and guilt-free option. Enjoy a hearty bowl packed with goodness.

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Nutritional values are estimates for this light chicken tortilla soup and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For more details on nutritional information, please refer to our privacy policy.

How to Store and Reheat Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup

One of the best things about this skinny chicken tortilla soup is how well it stores and reheats. Once the soup has cooled completely, which usually takes about an hour on the counter, transfer it to airtight containers. This is perfect for meal prepping lunches or dinners for the week. Stored properly in the refrigerator, your delicious soup will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. You can find more information on our terms of use regarding food storage.

For longer storage, this soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You might need to add a splash more chicken broth or water if it seems too thick after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup

What is healthy chicken tortilla soup?

Healthy chicken tortilla soup is a nourishing and flavorful dish that typically features lean protein like chicken, plenty of vegetables such as tomatoes, corn, and beans, and a flavorful broth. It prioritizes wholesome ingredients and often uses lower-sodium broth and less added fat compared to traditional recipes, making it a nutritious choice for a satisfying meal. For questions about data privacy, please see our GDPR information.

Why make healthy chicken tortilla soup?

You should make this soup because it’s incredibly satisfying and good for you! It’s a wonderful way to get a hearty meal that’s packed with protein and fiber, helping you feel full and energized. It’s also a fantastic option for meal prep, providing delicious leftovers. Plus, it’s a comforting way to incorporate more vegetables and lean protein into your diet without feeling deprived.

Can I substitute the chicken in this healthy chicken tortilla soup recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for a vegetarian chicken tortilla soup, simply omit the chicken and add more beans or hearty vegetables like sweet potatoes. For a different protein, you could use turkey or even firm tofu. Just ensure any substitutions are cooked or can be simmered in the broth to absorb the flavors.

How do I make this chicken tortilla soup gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally quite close to being gluten-free chicken tortilla soup! The main concern would be the tortilla chips used as a topping. Ensure your chicken broth and any other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free. If you use corn tortillas (cut and baked until crisp) instead of fried tortilla chips, you’ll maintain a gluten-free status.

Variations of Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup You Can Try

This recipe is a fantastic starting point, but don’t be afraid to get creative! It’s easy to adapt this soup to fit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to explore:

• Vegetarian Chicken Tortilla Soup: Simply omit the chicken and add an extra can of beans (like pinto or kidney) or some hearty diced sweet potatoes. You could also add firm tofu for extra protein.
• Spicy Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup: Craving a kick? Add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the onions and garlic, or stir in some red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce towards the end of cooking.
• Gluten-Free Chicken Tortilla Soup: This recipe is already very close to being gluten-free chicken tortilla soup. Just ensure your chicken broth and any other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free. For toppings, opt for corn tortilla strips or skip the chips altogether.
• Slow Cooker Version: For an even easier approach, combine all ingredients (except cheese and toppings) in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred chicken and stir in cheese before serving.

Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup: Amazing Comfort

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• Author: basmer1517
• Total Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is a comforting, nutritious, and flavorful meal. It’s made with fire-roasted diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, fresh cilantro, and tender chicken. Wholesome ingredients and zesty seasoning create a hearty soup. Topped with cheese, avocado, sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips, this easy one-pot dish is filling and delightful for the whole family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 (15 ounce) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 Tbsp. ground cumin, plus more to taste
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 whole chicken breasts or 2–3 cups rotisserie chicken, chopped
• 2 cups Cabot Cheese, your favorite flavor
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Toppings (Optional): Cheese, red onion, fresh cilantro, sour cream, salsa, avocado, tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chopped fresh cilantro, rinsed black beans, drained corn, ground cumin, dried oregano, and the whole chicken breasts if using. Stir to combine all ingredients.
3. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer. Cover loosely and cook the soup for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.
4. Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot (or add prepared rotisserie chicken if using).
5. Stir in 2 cups of Cabot Cheese and let the soup cook for an additional 10 minutes to melt the cheese thoroughly.
6. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, then garnish with your choice of optional toppings such as cheese, red onion, cilantro, sour cream, salsa, avocado slices, and tortilla chips. Enjoy warm.

Notes

• You can substitute rotisserie chicken for cooked chicken breasts to reduce prep time.
• Adjust the amount of cumin to suit your preferred spice level.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze nicely for up to 3 months.
• For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control sodium levels.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 13 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

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