Indulge in comfort and flavor: the ultimate chicken tortilla soup recipe from scratch

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of homemade chicken tortilla soup, a culinary masterpiece that will warm your soul and delight your taste buds. Embark on this gastronomic journey with us, as we guide you through the art of crafting this beloved dish from scratch.

The Essence of Flavor: The Perfect Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (10 ounce) can tomato soup
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

The Ritual of Preparation: Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Culinary Alchemy: Creating the Broth

• Place the chicken in a large pot filled with water.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool.
• Strain the broth into a clean pot.

2. Aromatic Symphony: Sautéing the Vegetables

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.

3. The Gathering of Flavors: Adding the Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes

• Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced tomatoes, tomato soup, diced green chilies, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and chicken broth.
• Stir to combine.

4. The Resurrection: Shredding the Chicken

• Remove the chicken from the bones and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
• Add the shredded chicken to the soup.

5. The Final Touch: Simmering and Seasoning

• Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

6. The Art of Presentation: Garnishing

• Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Culinary Variations: Exploring Different Dimensions

• Spicy Symphony: Add an extra can of diced green chilies or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.
• Vegetarian Delight: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the chicken. Add extra beans and vegetables for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian option.
• Creamy Indulgence: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or sour cream for a rich and creamy texture.

The Culinary Canvas: Serving Suggestions

• Tortilla Temptation: Serve with warm corn or flour tortillas for dipping or scooping.
• Cheese Delight: Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese for a flavorful topping.
• Avocado Embrace: Top with sliced avocado for a refreshing and creamy addition.

The Enduring Legacy: Preservation and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Can I use a rotisserie chicken instead of cooking one from scratch?
A: Yes, using a rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut. Simply remove the skin and shred the meat before adding it to the soup.

Q: What if I don’t have chicken broth?
A: You can use vegetable broth or water instead. However, chicken broth will add a richer flavor to the soup.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
A: Yes, you can add any vegetables you like, such as diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers.

Q: How do I make the soup thicker?
A: You can thicken the soup by adding a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) or by mashing some of the beans.

Q: Can I use different types of beans in the soup?
A: Yes, you can use any type of beans you like, such as pinto beans, navy beans, or kidney beans.