Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup

Oh, hey there! You’re in for a treat today with this Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup! It’s one of those dishes that wraps you up in a warm hug—comforting, flavorful, and just the right amount of spice. Imagine a tangy salsa verde base, combined with tender chicken, crispy tortilla strips, and a sprinkle of cheese to top it all off. Trust me, once you dig in, you’ll be hooked. This soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience. You’ve got to try it!

Why You’ll Love Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner at home or making a big batch for a get-together, this dish has you covered. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

• Versatile: It’s perfect for busy weeknights, or you can serve it up at a gathering and watch as everyone asks for the recipe. This soup is super adaptable, too—you can make it as spicy or mild as you like!
• Budget-Friendly: Using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, this dish proves that comfort food doesn’t need to break the bank. You’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary.
• Quick and Easy: This isn’t one of those complicated recipes that’ll have you scrambling around the kitchen. It’s simple, straightforward, and easy to make.
• Customizable: Want to take it up a notch? Add extra toppings like avocado, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime. You can really make it your own.
• Crowd-Pleasing: I promise, whether you’re serving it to the kiddos or a crowd of friends, everyone will be going back for seconds. It’s that good!

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to bring this flavorful soup to life:

• Chicken Breasts: The protein that makes this soup hearty and satisfying. When cooked, they become tender and juicy, soaking up all the flavors of the broth.
• Salsa Verde: The star of the show! This tangy, green sauce adds so much depth and flavor to the soup. It’s got that perfect balance of heat and zest.
• Chicken Broth: Adds richness and helps create the soul-soothing base for the soup. You can also use vegetable broth if you prefer a lighter version.
• Onion: Sweet, savory, and aromatic. It’s the base of many great soups, adding that perfect depth of flavor.
• Garlic: There’s just something about garlic that makes everything taste better. It adds a lovely fragrance and a savory kick.
• Tortillas: Corn tortillas, cut into strips and crisped up in the oven or on the stove, bring texture to the soup. They give it that signature tortilla crunch you know and love.
• Cumin: This warm spice adds a little depth and smokiness to the soup, balancing out the brightness of the salsa verde.
• Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end adds the perfect zesty finish, brightening up the flavors.
• Cheese: A little shredded cheese (like Monterrey Jack or cheddar) on top is the cherry on top. It melts into the soup, creating a creamy richness.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive in? Here’s how you make this vibrant, flavorful soup:

1. Cook the Chicken

Start by cooking the chicken breasts. You can either cook them on the stove in a skillet or poach them in the broth—either way works! Once cooked through, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cumin, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen should be smelling amazing by now!

3. Add the Salsa Verde

Pour in the salsa verde and chicken broth. Stir everything together, bringing it to a simmer. This is where all the magic happens—the salsa verde infuses the broth with its tangy, bold flavors.

4. Add the Chicken

Stir the shredded chicken into the soup, letting it warm through and soak up all those delicious flavors. Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes so everything can meld together.

5. Make the Tortilla Strips

While the soup is simmering, cut your tortillas into strips and heat some oil in a pan. Fry the strips until they’re crispy and golden, then drain them on a paper towel. These crispy strips are the perfect texture contrast for the soup.

6. Final Touches

Once the soup is done, taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end will give it that extra zing.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls, topping with the crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, and any other toppings you like (avocado, cilantro, etc.). Serve it up hot and enjoy the comforting, zesty goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup

This soup is perfect on its own, but here are a few ways you can elevate it even more:

• Fresh Salads: A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette would balance the richness of the soup and give it a fresh contrast.
• Crusty Bread: Serve it with a slice of warm, crusty bread for dipping. A nice sourdough or baguette would work wonders!
• Toppings: Avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime are all perfect additions.
• Cornbread: If you want to make this a true feast, serve it with a side of cornbread. The sweetness of the cornbread pairs beautifully with the spicy soup.

Presentation tip: Serve your soup in colorful bowls, and top with extra lime wedges or fresh cilantro for that pop of color!

Additional Tips

Here are a few helpful tips to make your Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup even better:

• Make it Spicy: If you like your soup spicy, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
• Prep Ahead: You can cook the chicken and make the tortilla strips the night before to save time when you’re ready to serve.
• Dietary Adjustments: This dish can be made gluten-free by using corn tortillas for the strips and checking that the broth is gluten-free.
• Storage Tips: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
• Freezing: This soup freezes really well! You can freeze it for up to 3 months—just let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A1: Yes! Simply swap the chicken for beans (like black beans or pinto beans) and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still get that amazing flavor!

Q2: Can I make the tortilla strips in the oven?
A2: Absolutely! Just toss the tortilla strips in a bit of oil, spread them out on a baking sheet, and bake at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months!

Q4: Can I use store-bought salsa verde?
A4: Yes, store-bought salsa verde works just fine! If you want, you can add extra lime or a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

Q5: Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
A5: Of course! You can add corn, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.

Q6: How do I reheat leftovers?
A6: Reheat the soup gently on the stove over low heat. If it’s too thick, you can add a little extra broth or water to loosen it up.

Q7: Can I double the recipe?
A7: Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure you’ve got a big enough pot to hold all the ingredients!

Q8: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
A8: Definitely! Using rotisserie chicken will save you time and still taste delicious. Just shred it and add it to the soup when the broth is simmering.

Q9: Can I add beans to this soup?
A9: Yes, black beans or pinto beans would make a great addition and add some extra protein and fiber.

Q10: How spicy is this soup?
A10: It has a nice mild spice from the salsa verde, but you can always adjust the heat to your liking by adding jalapeños or hot sauce!

Conclusion

Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup is everything you want in a comforting bowl of soup—tangy, savory, and perfectly spiced. It’s easy to make, customizable, and sure to be a hit at the table. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing it with loved ones, it’s the kind of dish that’ll warm your soul. So grab your ingredients and dive into this delicious, satisfying soup—you won’t regret it!

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