Stovetop Chicken Tortilla Soup

My Go-To Stovetop Chicken Tortilla Soup

As a busy working mom, I need recipes that are quick, easy, and satisfying. This Stovetop Chicken Tortilla Soup fits the bill perfectly! It's become a staple in our house, a comforting bowl of flavor that's ready in under 30 minutes. The beauty of this soup lies in its adaptability. Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño, or swap out the chicken for leftover shredded pork or even beans for a vegetarian option. It's a blank canvas for your culinary creativity, and the best part? The leftovers are just as delicious the next day! I often double the recipe to have enough for lunches throughout the week, saving me precious time and energy. This soup isn't just about convenience; it's also incredibly versatile. I've served it to friends and family, and it's always a hit, regardless of the occasion – a casual weeknight dinner or a more formal gathering. The vibrant colors and aromatic spices make it visually appealing too, adding a touch of warmth and cheer to any meal.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is its simplicity. There's no need for complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Everything is readily available at your local grocery store. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze! I often find myself craving this soup, not just during the colder months, but year-round. There's something so satisfying about a warm, flavorful bowl of soup, regardless of the weather outside. And this one is particularly special because it’s a recipe I can easily adjust to suit my family’s preferences and what I have on hand in the pantry. Sometimes, I add a dollop of sour cream or avocado for extra creaminess, while other times, I'll throw in some extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition. It's a recipe that truly grows with you and adapts to your needs. The versatility of this recipe is what makes it so valuable to me; it’s a reliable, quick, and tasty meal that I know I can always count on.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
• Add some greens: Toss in a handful of chopped cilantro or spinach at the end of cooking.
• Boost the protein: Add black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Change up the chicken: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or shredded pork for a quick and easy meal.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add more beans for a hearty vegetarian option.
• Garnish generously: Top with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, tortilla chips, avocado, or a squeeze of lime.

This Stovetop Chicken Tortilla Soup is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients and a little bit of creativity. It's a recipe I'll continue to make and tweak for years to come, and I hope you'll give it a try too!

Step-by-step

• Dice 1 large onion.
• Finely chop 1 jalapeño (remove seeds if you prefer less spice).
• Mince 2 cloves garlic.
• Measure 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon chili powder, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin.
• Combine 2 cups chicken stock and 1 cup water in a pot.
• Add the onion, jalapeño, garlic, oregano, chili powder, and cumin to the pot.
• Add 2 - 14.5 ounce cans of diced tomatoes.
• Add the juice of 1 lime.
• Add 1 - 25 ounce can of drained hominy.
• Add 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken (add more if desired).
• Simmer until heated through, adding salt to taste.