15 Minute Chicken Tortilla Soup PLUS! How To Make Chips Out Of Any Tortilla

My 15-Minute Chicken Tortilla Soup: A Weeknight Winner

As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner prep needs to be quick, easy, and, most importantly, delicious. This 15-minute chicken tortilla soup fits the bill perfectly. It's a vibrant, flavorful meal that's ready in a flash, even on the busiest of evenings. Forget takeout; this recipe is my secret weapon for satisfying my family's cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? I often use leftover chicken, making it even faster!

The recipe itself is incredibly versatile. I’ve adapted it countless times based on what’s in my fridge. Sometimes I add extra veggies, other times I skip the corn entirely. The beauty of this soup is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different spices or add your favorite toppings. My kids love it with a dollop of sour cream (when they're allowed!) and a sprinkle of cheese. But the real star of the show is the homemade tortilla chips. Forget store-bought; these crispy, flavorful chips elevate the entire experience. Making them is super simple, and the satisfaction of creating something so delicious from scratch is unmatched.

Beyond its speed and convenience, this soup is incredibly healthy. Packed with protein from the chicken, fiber from the veggies, and a satisfying amount of flavor, it's a guilt-free meal I can feel good about serving my family. It’s a perfect balance of healthy eating and time efficiency – something every busy mom appreciates.

The Secret to Speedy Success: Leftovers and Prep

My biggest tip for making this recipe even faster? Utilize leftovers! I often cook a large batch of chicken on the weekend and store it for quick weeknight meals. This cuts down prep time significantly. Another time-saving trick is to chop veggies ahead of time. On Sundays, I’ll prep onions, peppers, and even mince garlic, storing them in containers in the fridge. This pre-chopping makes weeknight cooking a breeze.

Beyond the Bowl: Tortilla Chip Magic

Making your own tortilla chips takes this meal to a whole new level. It’s incredibly satisfying to transform simple tortillas into crispy, flavorful companions for your soup. The process is incredibly simple: brush the tortillas with a little oil (I prefer avocado oil for its healthy fats), sprinkle with salt, and bake until golden brown and crispy. It adds a delightful crunch and a homemade touch that your family will adore.

Customization is Key: A Recipe for Everyone

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to different tastes and preferences. For instance, if you're vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken with black beans or lentils. Spice lovers can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of salsa – it’s a great way to introduce exciting new flavors. The possibilities are truly endless.

More Than Just a Meal: A Moment of Connection

In the midst of busy schedules and endless to-do lists, it’s important to carve out moments of connection with loved ones. Dinnertime is one of those precious opportunities. This quick and easy recipe allows me to focus on enjoying a delicious meal with my family, without the stress of hours spent cooking. It’s a reminder that healthy eating and quality time don't have to be mutually exclusive.

Ingredients That Make a Difference

I've always believed in using fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible. My preference is for organic produce and grass-fed meats. While it might cost a bit more, the difference in taste and overall health benefits is undeniable. And believe me, the taste difference in this recipe is noticeable. For the "friendly fats", I rotate between butter, avocado oil and coconut oil, depending on what I have on hand. The flavor variations are subtle, but they make a difference.

Beyond the Recipe: A Lifestyle Choice

This isn't just a recipe; it's a reflection of my lifestyle. It’s about finding healthy, convenient, and delicious options that fit into my busy life as a working mom. I hope this recipe inspires you to find your own shortcuts and create delicious, stress-free meals that you and your family can enjoy together.

Step-by-step

• Melt the friendly fat in a medium soup pot and add the onion and green & red peppers.
• Add a big pinch of sea salt to bring out their juices and sweeten them and cook them on medium heat for about 5 or so minutes.
• Add the garlic and tomato paste, stir, and cook for a minute or two.
• Add the bone broth, chicken, corn (if using), salsa, and seasoning and bring to a low simmer for a few minutes and then add in the spinach to wilt.
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• Garnish each bowl with green onions (if desired) and if you tolerate dairy you can use whole sour cream or freshly grated raw cheese.
• To make the guacamole, just put all the guac ingredients in a bowl and combine.
• Serve the soup, guacamole, and tortillas pan-cooked in butter or avocado oil to crisp and then cut into triangles.
• I like to sea salt the tops of the chips too.