Tortilla soup with a twist: is canned chicken the answer?

If you’re a fan of chicken tortilla soup, you may have wondered if you can use canned chicken to make it. The answer is a resounding yes! Canned chicken is a convenient and budget-friendly alternative to fresh chicken, and it works just as well in this delicious soup.

Benefits of Using Canned Chicken

There are several advantages to using canned chicken in chicken tortilla soup:

• Convenience: Canned chicken is readily available and doesn’t require any preparation, making it a time-saving option.
• Budget-Friendly: Canned chicken is typically less expensive than fresh chicken, making it a good choice for those on a budget.
• Long Shelf Life: Canned chicken has a long shelf life, so you can keep it on hand for when you need it.

Choosing the Right Canned Chicken

When choosing canned chicken for chicken tortilla soup, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Packed in Water vs. Broth: Canned chicken can be packed in either water or broth. For chicken tortilla soup, you’ll want to choose canned chicken packed in water to avoid diluting the soup.
• Light vs. Dark Meat: Canned chicken comes in both light and dark meat varieties. Dark meat has a richer flavor, while light meat is leaner. Either type can be used in chicken tortilla soup, depending on your preference.
• Sodium Content: Check the sodium content of the canned chicken you choose. Some brands can be high in sodium, so if you’re watching your salt intake, opt for a low-sodium variety.

How to Prepare Canned Chicken for Chicken Tortilla Soup

To prepare canned chicken for chicken tortilla soup, simply drain and rinse it. You can then shred the chicken with a fork or use a food processor to chop it into smaller pieces.

Can I Use Canned Chicken in Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Yes, you can certainly use canned chicken in chicken tortilla soup. It’s a convenient and budget-friendly alternative to fresh chicken, and it works just as well in this delicious soup.

Recipes

Here are two recipes for chicken tortilla soup that use canned chicken:

Canned Chicken Tortilla Soup (Easy Recipe)

Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) canned chicken, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced green chiles, undrained
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Tortilla chips, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté the onion and garlic in a little bit of oil until softened.
2. Add the canned chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, green chiles, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and chicken broth.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the soup has thickened.
4. Stir in the cilantro.
5. Serve the soup with tortilla chips.

Canned Chicken Tortilla Soup (Spicy Version)

Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) canned chicken, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced green chiles, undrained
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Tortilla chips, for serving

Instructions:

1. Follow the same instructions as above, but add the cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Tortilla Soup

Here are a few tips for making the best chicken tortilla soup:

• Use a variety of vegetables. In addition to the onion and garlic, you can add other vegetables to your soup, such as bell peppers, carrots, or celery.
• Season to taste. Don’t be afraid to add more spices or seasonings to your soup if you want it to be more flavorful.
• Serve with your favorite toppings. Chicken tortilla soup is delicious served with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado.

Recommendations:

Using canned chicken in chicken tortilla soup is a great way to save time and money without sacrificing flavor. With its convenience, budget-friendliness, and long shelf life, canned chicken is an excellent choice for this delicious and versatile soup. So next time you’re craving chicken tortilla soup, don’t hesitate to reach for a can of chicken!

Popular Questions

Q: Can I use canned chicken in other soups?

A: Yes, canned chicken can be used in a variety of soups, including chicken noodle soup, chicken and rice soup, and chicken and vegetable soup.

Q: Can I freeze chicken tortilla soup?

A: Yes, chicken tortilla soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let the soup cool completely before freezing it, and be sure to store it in an airtight container.

Q: How can I make chicken tortilla soup thicker?

A: There are a few ways to make chicken tortilla soup thicker. You can add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to the soup and cook it until it thickens. You can also add mashed potatoes or beans to the soup.