Benny'S Tortilla Soup
A hearty, flavorful tortilla soup with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and spicy seasonings, perfect for comforting gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup oil ⓘ
- 1 large or jumbo yellow onion ⓘ
- 2 jalapenos ⓘ
- 2 or 3 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 3 or 4 large carrots ⓘ
- 4 to 6 ribs celery ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. raw chicken breast ⓘ
- 3 tsp. Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 48 oz. chicken broth ⓘ
- 10 to 12 corn tortillas ⓘ
- sour cream ⓘ
- grated cheddar cheese ⓘ
- chopped cilantro ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter and heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in chopped jalapenos and minced garlic; cook for another minute.
- Add diced carrots and diced celery; cook until vegetables are slightly tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add diced chicken breast and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in Tabasco sauce, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and lemon pepper.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well to combine.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes to develop flavors.
- Meanwhile, cut the corn tortillas into strips.
- Add tortilla strips to the soup and cook for an additional 10 minutes until they soften.
- Serve hot, garnished with sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro, and diced avocados or guacamole if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using a mix of fresh and dried herbs like thyme or oregano. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead. Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of jalapenos or Tabasco sauce. For creaminess, you could add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This tortilla soup is fantastic served with a side of warm cornbread or a fresh garden salad. For a complete meal, pair it with Chicken N Cheese Enchilada or Angela'S White Enchiladas. Garnish each serving with fresh avocado slices, a sprinkle of lime juice, and extra cilantro for a burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain consistency. Avoid microwaving, as it may alter the texture of the tortillas.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Benny'S Tortilla Soup contains roughly 1371 calories, with 60g protein, 228g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (760% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2257mg per serving (98% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover chicken in this tortilla soup?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken can save time and enhance flavor. Simply shred the chicken and add it during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through without overcooking.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To amp up the heat, add more jalapenos, increase the amount of Tabasco sauce, or include a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also serve with hot salsa or diced fresh chili on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Is it possible to make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance. Just cook it as directed, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Just reheat and add the tortilla strips before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).