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Zesty Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Easy Homemade Lime Flavor Boost

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A quick and easy chicken tortilla soup with a zesty lime twist, smoky spices, and crispy tortilla strips, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450 g), trimmed and halved
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 medium white onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 2 fresh limes (about 3 tablespoons / 45 ml)
  • 4 corn tortillas, cut into thin strips and lightly toasted or fried
  • Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, extra lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat). Set aside.
  2. In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and reduce heat to simmer. Cook uncovered for 12-15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and let rest.
  3. In the same pot, add a splash of olive oil if needed. Sauté onion, garlic, and jalapeño until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add cumin, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat veggies, then add diced tomatoes with juices. Cook for 2 minutes.
  5. Pour warm chicken broth back into pot and bring to simmer. Shred chicken into bite-sized pieces and return to pot. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  6. Optional: Scoop 2 cups of soup into blender, pulse until smooth, and stir back into pot to thicken soup.
  7. Just before serving, stir in fresh lime juice. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. While soup simmers, toast tortilla strips in a skillet with a little oil until crisp and golden. Drain on paper towels.
  9. Ladle soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips, cilantro, avocado, cheese, sour cream, and lime wedges as desired.

Notes

Do not overcook chicken to keep it juicy. Blending part of the soup adds body without creaminess. Adjust spice level by removing jalapeño seeds or adding more heat. Frying tortillas adds crunch but oven-toasting is a lighter option. Add lime juice at the end for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken tortilla soup, lime soup, zesty soup, easy chicken soup, homemade tortilla soup, Mexican soup, quick soup recipe

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/zesty-chicken-tortilla-soup-recipe-easy-homemade-lime-flavor-boost/