Description
This Chicken Tortilla Soup combines tender chicken breast, smoky turkey bacon, black beans, diced tomatoes, and aromatic spices to create a comforting and rich soup. Finished with melty plant-based cheese and crispy corn tortilla strips, this hearty soup is perfect for chilly evenings or a satisfying lunch. Customizable with various toppings and plant-based options, it delivers bold flavors and warming textures in every bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Base Ingredients
- 1 lb tender chicken breast, diced
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
Aromatics and Spices
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Cheese and Garnishes
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
- 4 corn tortillas, cut into strips
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Avocado slices, for garnish (optional)
- Plant-based sour cream, for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy and browned. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until fragrant and translucent, creating the flavorful base of the soup.
- Add Spices and Tomatoes: Sprinkle in ground cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, stirring for about 30 seconds to release their aromas. Pour in the diced tomatoes and let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Incorporate Broth, Chicken, and Beans: Pour in the chicken broth, add the diced chicken breast and drained black beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked and flavors meld.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the plant-based cheese until melted and creamy. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crispy tortilla strips and the cooked smoked turkey bacon for a satisfying crunch and flavor boost.
Notes
- Use fresh spices to enhance the flavor vibrancy.
- Simmer soup gently to keep the chicken tender.
- Prepare crispy tortilla strips and garnishes in advance for convenience.
- Mash some black beans into the soup if you prefer a thicker texture.
- Add a squeeze of lime or a splash of grape juice at the end to balance acidity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Chicken Tortilla Soup, comfort food, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon soup, spicy soup, gluten free soup
