This Trader Joe’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is a hearty and flavorful recipe, which is made with black beans and corn. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in about 30 minutes.
Jump to RecipeTrader Joe’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed chicken broth
- 1 ¼ cups water
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 large boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup whole corn kernels, cooked
- 1 cup white hominy
- 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ cup crushed tortilla chips, or to taste
- 2 medium avocados, sliced, or to taste
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, or to taste
How To Make Trader Joe’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
- Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes, until soft.
- Bloom the spices: Stir in the chili powder and oregano and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the base: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, condensed chicken broth, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Add final ingredients: Stir in the black beans, cooked chicken, corn, hominy, green chiles, and fresh cilantro. Continue to simmer for 10 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle the hot soup into individual serving bowls. Top with crushed tortilla chips, sliced avocado, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and chopped green onions.
Recipe Tips
- How to make it creamy? For a creamier soup, you can stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream into each bowl just before serving. Mashing some of the avocado directly into the soup also adds a nice creaminess.
- Can I use rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and adds a ton of flavor.
- How to adjust the spice level? For a spicier soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or a finely diced jalapeño along with the onions and garlic.
- What’s the best way to cook the chicken? You can use any cooked chicken. Poaching the chicken breasts in simmering water until cooked through keeps them moist, or you can use leftover grilled or baked chicken for extra flavor.
What To Serve With Chicken Tortilla Soup
This soup is a meal in itself, but it’s also great with a few classic sides.
- Warm flour or corn tortillas
- A cheesy quesadilla for dipping
- A simple side salad with a lime vinaigrette
- A scoop of Mexican rice
How To Store Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will get even better the next day.
- Freeze: This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. It’s best to add the fresh toppings after reheating.
Chicken Tortilla Soup Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 352
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 34g
- Protein: 19g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Hominy is made from whole corn kernels that have been soaked in a mineral lime solution. This process, called nixtamalization, gives them a unique, slightly chewy texture and a distinct corn flavor that is a classic ingredient in many Mexican soups and stews.
Yes. Sauté the onion and garlic on the stovetop as directed, then transfer them to the slow cooker. Add all other ingredients except for the cooked chicken, cilantro, and toppings. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in the chicken and cilantro during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
The soup itself can easily be gluten-free. Ensure your condensed chicken broth is certified gluten-free and serve with gluten-free corn tortilla chips.
Try More Recipes:
- Trader Joe’s Black Bean Soup Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Trader Joe’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Course: SoupsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes25
minutes352
kcalA hearty and flavorful chicken tortilla soup, packed with chicken, beans, corn, and hominy in a rich, spiced tomato broth.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion & 3 cloves garlic
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed chicken broth
1 ¼ cups water
2 tsp chili powder & 1 tsp oregano
1 (15 oz) can black beans
2 cooked chicken breasts, cubed
1 cup corn & 1 cup hominy
1 (4 oz) can green chiles
¼ cup chopped cilantro
Toppings: Tortilla chips, avocado, Monterey Jack cheese, green onions.
Directions
- Sauté onion and garlic in oil until soft; stir in chili powder and oregano.
- Add crushed tomatoes, broth, and water; bring to a boil and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Stir in the beans, chicken, corn, hominy, chiles, and cilantro.
- Simmer for another 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Ladle into bowls and serve with desired toppings.
Notes
- Using a rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving shortcut for this recipe.
- The soup’s flavor deepens and is often even better the next day.
- Don’t skip the toppings! The crunchy chips, creamy avocado, and fresh cheese are essential to the experience.
- For a creamier soup, stir in a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt into each bowl.
