Great Value Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

When you think of comfort food, there are few things as universally loved as a warm, hearty bowl of chicken tortilla soup. It’s the perfect combination of savory, spicy, and crunchy, making it an ideal meal for any time of year. Whether you’re looking to enjoy it on a chilly evening or bring a burst of flavor to your lunch, this chicken tortilla soup recipe is sure to hit the spot.

But here’s the real kicker: this Great Value Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly easy to make. You don’t need hours of prep work or a long list of hard-to-find ingredients. With simple, affordable ingredients that you can find at almost any grocery store, you’ll have a rich, satisfying soup ready to enjoy in no time.

Let’s dive into the details of how to make this delicious and comforting dish!

Great Value Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a recipe that strikes the right balance between simplicity and incredible flavor, look no further. This Great Value Chicken Tortilla Soup is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare, full of wholesome ingredients, and best of all, it’s versatile. It allows you to customize it to your exact taste and dietary preferences, whether you want it extra spicy, extra hearty, or even vegetarian.

This recipe uses Great Value products, a popular choice for grocery shoppers looking for quality and affordability. It’s the type of dish that everyone can enjoy, no matter their cooking experience. Now let’s break down everything you’ll need and how to make this amazing soup.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need for this hearty and flavorful chicken tortilla soup. Most of them are pantry staples or can be easily found in the Great Value brand at your local store:

• Chicken breast (about 1 pound) – Boneless, skinless, and shredded after cooking.
• Great Value diced tomatoes (2 cans, 14.5 oz each) – Provides the rich, tangy base for your soup.
• Great Value chicken broth (4 cups) – This is what adds depth and richness to the flavor.
• Great Value frozen corn kernels (1 cup) – Adds a touch of sweetness and texture to the soup.
• Great Value black beans (1 can, drained and rinsed) – Gives the soup some protein and fiber.
• Onion (1 medium, chopped) – Provides a subtle, savory flavor.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – A must for an extra layer of depth in the taste.
• Great Value green chilies (1 can, diced) – For a mild, zesty kick.
• Great Value taco seasoning (1 packet) – The shortcut to a perfect flavor balance.
• Cumin (1 tsp) – A fragrant spice that gives the soup a warm, earthy undertone.
• Lime (1 for squeezing) – Adds freshness and balances the heat.
• Tortilla chips (for garnish) – These will add the crunch factor.
• Cheese (shredded cheddar or Mexican blend) – For that gooey, melty finish.
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish) – For a pop of color and flavor.

Cooking Instructions

Making this soup is as easy as it gets. Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Cook The Chicken

   • In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chicken breast and cook until browned on both sides (about 5-7 minutes per side).
   • Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly before shredding it with two forks.

2. Sauté The Aromatics

   • In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until they become soft and fragrant.

3. Add The Liquids And Seasonings

   • Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), green chilies, and black beans.
   • Stir in the taco seasoning and cumin. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

4. Incorporate The Chicken

   • Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and mix everything well.
   • Let the soup simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Add The Corn

   • In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the frozen corn kernels. Stir them in and let the soup finish cooking.

6. Final Touches

   • Squeeze in the juice of one lime to add brightness and balance to the soup.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding salt, pepper, or more taco seasoning if you like a stronger flavor.

7. Serve And Garnish

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, tortilla chips, and fresh cilantro (if using).

Ingredient Insights

Let’s break down the key ingredients in this soup and how they contribute to the dish’s flavor and texture:

• Chicken breast: This lean protein is the heart of the soup, providing substance and a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the bold spices.
• Taco seasoning: This ready-made seasoning mix is a time-saver and brings together the essential flavors of chili powder, garlic, onion, cumin, and paprika, giving the soup its signature taste.
• Canned tomatoes and green chilies: These two ingredients provide a base that’s both tangy and mildly spicy. The tomatoes offer acidity, which balances the richness of the broth, while the chilies add a zesty kick.
• Corn and black beans: These ingredients add both texture and nutrition, making the soup more filling and well-rounded. The corn brings sweetness, while the black beans pack in protein and fiber.
• Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime at the end of cooking gives the soup a burst of freshness and helps to balance out the spiciness.

Expert Tips

To really make your chicken tortilla soup stand out, here are a few expert tips:

• Use rotisserie chicken: If you’re short on time, swapping out the raw chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken can save you a lot of work. The pre-cooked chicken will still absorb all the flavors of the soup while cutting your cooking time in half.
• Make it spicier: If you like heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce or throw in some jalapeños with the onions and garlic. You can also use a spicier variety of green chilies for an extra kick.
• Let it simmer: The longer you let the soup simmer, the more the flavors develop. If you have time, let it cook for 30-45 minutes for the best results.
• Garnish generously: Don’t skimp on the garnishes. Extra cheese, chips, or cilantro can elevate your soup’s texture and taste.

Recipe Variations

While this chicken tortilla soup recipe is fantastic on its own, it’s also easy to tweak it to your liking. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Vegetarian version: Leave out the chicken and replace the broth with vegetable stock. Add extra beans (black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans) and some sautéed mushrooms for a hearty, meatless version.
• Spicy chicken tortilla soup: For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños to the mix or swap out the green chilies for a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
• Creamy version: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving for a creamy twist on the classic.
• Chicken and quinoa soup: For a healthier twist, add some cooked quinoa instead of corn for a protein-packed alternative.

Final Words

This Great Value Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is one of those dishes that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients, a short cooking time, and endless possibilities for customization, it’s a winner for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Plus, it’s a great meal prep option if you like to make food in advance.