Chicken Tortilla Soup Bowl (Printer-Friendly)

Savory chicken, vegetables, and creamy cheese meld in a zesty southwestern-inspired bowl perfect for comforting meals.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Fats and Oils

01 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 cup diced green bell pepper
04 - 1 cup diced red bell pepper
05 - 1 large onion, diced
06 - 1 can (15 ounces) canned corn, drained
07 - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
08 - 1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes

→ Poultry

09 - 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (breast and thigh)

→ Liquids and Broth

10 - 4 cups low sodium chicken broth

→ Dairy

11 - ½ cup sour cream, full fat, softened
12 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
13 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

→ Seasonings

14 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste (double concentrate preferred)
15 - 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
16 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
17 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
18 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
19 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
20 - Juice of 1 lime (approximately 2 tablespoons)

→ Toppings

21 - 1 cup crushed tortilla chips

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Melt butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced green and red bell peppers and onion. Season with salt, pepper, cayenne, and chili powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes until vegetables are tender and onions are golden.
02 - Add tomato paste to the sautéed vegetables. Cook and stir for 2 minutes until paste darkens slightly and caramelizes on the pan bottom, enhancing depth of flavor.
03 - Pour in chicken broth, then add drained corn, black beans, shredded chicken, and diced tomatoes. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
04 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in softened sour cream, cream cheese, and taco seasoning. Continue stirring until dairy ingredients melt fully into the broth. Simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes to blend flavors and thicken slightly. Extend simmering if thicker consistency is preferred.
05 - Ladle hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, and a fresh squeeze of lime. Allow guests to customize seasoning and toppings to taste.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - Bring cream cheese to room temperature before adding to ensure smooth incorporation without lumps.
02 - Toast tortilla chips briefly in the oven for enhanced crunch and flavor.
03 - Soup can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to four days; add toppings just before serving.