Cheddar And Tortilla Soup
A warm, cheesy tortilla soup with tender chicken, spicy cumin and cayenne, topped with scallions and crispy tortilla chips for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cayenne ⓘ
- 3 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 3 plum tomatoes, diced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce ⓘ
- 6 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 1/4 cup scallions ⓘ
- tortilla chips ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons of oil until softened.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until browned.
- Stir in ground cumin and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice or fresh cilantro just before serving. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the cayenne or add diced jalapeños. You can substitute shredded Monterey Jack cheese for a different taste. This soup also pairs well with sides like Mexican rice or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheddar and tortilla soup hot, garnished with scallions and additional cheese on top. For added crunch, top with tortilla chips just before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with Easy Burrito Casserole or a simple avocado salad for a delightful lunch or dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much during storage. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can alter the texture of the cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheddar And Tortilla Soup contains roughly 1116 calories, with 27g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (76% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), and protein (53% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1600mg per serving (70% 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 make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add beans like black beans or pinto beans for protein and texture.
How can I make this soup creamier?
To make the soup creamier, you can stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving. Alternatively, blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot for a thicker consistency.
What toppings can I use for this soup?
Great toppings include diced avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or additional shredded cheese. You could also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess and tang.
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).