Rotisserie Chicken Tortilla Soup: A Flavorful & Easy Weeknight Meal
Tortilla soup is a beloved classic, known for its rich, savory broth, tender chicken, and crispy tortilla strips. But who has hours to simmer a complex stock after a long day? That’s where the magic of rotisserie chicken comes in! This recipe leverages the convenience and flavor of pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to create a deeply satisfying and surprisingly quick tortilla soup that’s perfect for weeknights or any time you’re craving comfort food. We’ll explore how to maximize the flavor of your rotisserie chicken, build a flavorful base with simple pantry staples, and customize the soup with your favorite toppings. Get ready for a bowl of pure deliciousness!
Why Rotisserie Chicken is a Soup Savior
Let’s face it, rotisserie chicken is a culinary superhero. Here’s why it’s perfect for tortilla soup:
* **Convenience:** The chicken is already cooked and seasoned, saving you significant time and effort.
* **Flavor:** Rotisserie chickens are typically seasoned with herbs and spices, adding depth of flavor to the soup.
* **Cost-Effective:** Often, rotisserie chicken is more economical than buying raw chicken and the ingredients for seasoning it separately.
* **Versatility:** You can use the meat for the soup and save the carcass to make a flavorful homemade chicken broth for future use (bonus points!).
Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor
Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing Rotisserie Chicken Tortilla Soup:
* **Rotisserie Chicken:** 1 whole chicken, skin removed and shredded (about 3-4 cups of meat).
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. This is our starting point for sautéing aromatics.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. A foundational aromatic that builds a savory base.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves, minced. Adds pungent and essential flavor.
* **Jalapeño:** 1, seeded and minced (optional, for heat). Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
* **Chicken Broth:** 8 cups (32 ounces). Use low-sodium to control the salt level. You can also use homemade chicken broth for even richer flavor.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (14.5 ounce) can, undrained. Adds acidity and body to the soup.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons. Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds richness.
* **Chili Powder:** 2 tablespoons. Provides warmth and depth of flavor.
* **Cumin:** 1 teaspoon. Earthy and essential for Southwestern flavor.
* **Oregano:** 1 teaspoon, dried. Adds an herbaceous note.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Seasoning is key!
* **Corn Tortillas:** 6-8, cut into thin strips. These become our crispy tortilla strips.
* **Vegetable Oil:** For frying the tortilla strips. Canola or vegetable oil work well.
**Optional Toppings (Get Creative!)**
* Avocado, diced
* Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
* Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
* Lime wedges
* Cilantro, chopped
* Green onions, sliced
* Hot sauce
* Pickled jalapeños
Step-by-Step Instructions: Soup Success
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying Rotisserie Chicken Tortilla Soup:
**1. Prepare the Rotisserie Chicken:**
* Remove the skin from the rotisserie chicken and discard or save for another use (like making crispy chicken skin chips!).
* Shred the chicken meat using your fingers or two forks. Aim for bite-sized pieces.
* Set the shredded chicken aside.
**2. Sauté the Aromatics:**
* In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and jalapeño (if using) and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
**3. Build the Flavor Base:**
* Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, and oregano.
* Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the spices to bloom and release their flavors. This step is crucial for a flavorful soup.
**4. Add the Broth and Simmer:**
* Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
* Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will become.
**5. Make the Crispy Tortilla Strips:**
* While the soup is simmering, prepare the tortilla strips.
* Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a medium-sized skillet or pot.
* Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of tortilla into it; if it sizzles and browns quickly, the oil is ready.
* Carefully add the tortilla strips to the hot oil in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy strips.
* Fry the tortilla strips for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
* Remove the tortilla strips from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.
* Season the tortilla strips with a pinch of salt while they are still warm.
**6. Add the Chicken and Heat Through:**
* After the soup has simmered for at least 15 minutes, add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the pot.
* Stir well to combine and heat the chicken through. This should only take a few minutes.
**7. Season to Taste:**
* Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Remember that rotisserie chicken can be salty, so start with a small amount and add more to your preference.
**8. Serve and Garnish:**
* Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
* Top with the crispy tortilla strips and your favorite toppings, such as avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, lime wedges, cilantro, and green onions. The possibilities are endless!
Tips and Tricks for Tortilla Soup Perfection
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your desired spice level. For a milder soup, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before mincing it. You can also use a poblano pepper for a milder flavor.
* **Broth Boost:** For an even richer broth, use homemade chicken broth or add a chicken bouillon cube or a teaspoon of chicken bouillon powder to the soup. Remember to adjust the salt accordingly.
* **Vegetarian Option:** To make this soup vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and add black beans or corn for protein.
* **Slow Cooker Option:** This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Sauté the onion, garlic, and jalapeño as directed, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients (except the tortilla strips and toppings). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Freezing:** This soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
* **Make Ahead:** The soup base can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the chicken and tortilla strips just before serving.
* **Tortilla Strip Variations:** If you don’t want to fry the tortilla strips, you can bake them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss the tortilla strips with a little olive oil and salt, then spread them out on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
* **Spice it Up!** Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
* **Lime is Key:** Don’t skip the lime wedges! A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing tang.
Variations to Explore
* **Black Bean Tortilla Soup:** Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans for added protein and fiber.
* **Corn Tortilla Soup:** Add a can of drained sweet corn or use fresh corn kernels for a touch of sweetness.
* **Creamy Tortilla Soup:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving for a creamier texture.
* **Spicy Chipotle Tortilla Soup:** Add a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced) for a smoky and spicy flavor.
* **Green Chile Tortilla Soup:** Use green enchilada sauce instead of tomato paste for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Rotisserie Chicken Tortilla Soup is a complete meal in itself, but here are a few serving suggestions to round out your dinner:
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
* **Quesadillas:** Cheese quesadillas or chicken quesadillas.
* **Cornbread:** Warm cornbread with honey butter.
* **Mexican Rice:** Serve with a side of Mexican rice for a heartier meal.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Calories: 350-450
*Protein: 30-40g
*Fat: 15-25g
*Carbohydrates: 20-30g
*Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and toppings used.
Enjoy Your Delicious Rotisserie Chicken Tortilla Soup!
This Rotisserie Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful, easy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With the convenience of rotisserie chicken, you can have a hearty and delicious soup on the table in under an hour. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort and flavor! Don’t forget to get creative with your toppings and variations to make it your own signature soup. Happy cooking!