How to make Heart-Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup
This healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup couldn’t be easier. We took our favorite recipe and lightened it up by reducing the fat and sodium — without sacrificing any of the bold, comforting flavor. If you prefer a creamier texture, add one ripe avocado. It gives the soup a thicker consistency without the added unhealthy fats or extra sodium.
To boost the protein and fiber, we stir in a can of black beans. Want to make it fully plant-based? Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use vegan cheese. Black beans, veggie broth, and plant-based toppings make this a delicious, hearty vegan option that still tastes amazing.
And like all great soups, it’s even better the next day. I imagine it freezes well, but truthfully… it never lasts more than a day in our house.
Time to get your Chicken Tortilla Soup on!
Ingredients
8-10 servings
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ c sweet onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 4 medium vine-ripe tomatoes or 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons green chiles (mild), diced
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon pepper, ground, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon cumin, ground
- 1 teaspoon turmeric, ground
- Use 2 (32 oz.) boxes of chicken broth, add more if desired.
- 1 (15.5 oz) can black beans (optional)
- 1 ripe avocado (optional)
- 2 c cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 c cheddar cheese + ¼ c for garnish, freshly grated
- sour cream, to taste (optional)
- ½ cup cilantro, finely chopped
- tortilla strips or chips, to taste
Directions
- In a soup pot or slow cooker, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Add chicken broth.
- Next, add the tomatoes, green chiles, salt, pepper, and cumin.
- Cover and cook on low 2-4 hours (longer is better especially if using a slow cooker).
- Use an immersion blender to blend ingredients. If adding an avocado do so before blending.
- Add the chicken.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese. Cook until cheese is evenly melted into the soup.
- Ladle soup into bowls. Top with sour cream, cheese, tortilla strips, and cilantro.
- For a thicker soup, place tortillas strips or chips in the bowl before adding soup. Enjoy!
