Description
Mexican chicken tortilla soup blends hearty protein with zesty southwestern flavors. Spicy broth, tender chicken, and crisp tortilla strips create a satisfying meal for those craving bold, nourishing comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) white beans or chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or spinach (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Foundation: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, establishing a flavorful base for the culinary preparation.
- Protein Searing: Introduce chicken breasts to the heated surface, developing a golden-brown crust and sealing in succulent flavors through precise browning on both sides.
- Resting Phase: Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside, preserving the moisture and allowing residual heat to continue gentle cooking while preparing subsequent ingredients.
Notes
- Select Quality Protein: Choose fresh, organic chicken breasts with minimal fat for a lean, nutritious soup base that enhances overall flavor and health benefits.
- Control Cooking Temperature: Maintain medium heat to ensure chicken browns evenly without burning, creating a perfect caramelized exterior that locks in moisture and develops rich taste.
- Prevent Overcooking: Remove chicken from heat when it’s golden-brown on the outside but slightly undercooked inside, as it will continue cooking during the subsequent preparation stages.
- Rest Meat Properly: Allow chicken to rest briefly after initial searing, which helps redistribute internal juices and ensures tender, succulent protein when added back to the soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg