Description
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a cozy and hearty meal packed with smoky turkey bacon, fresh vegetables, and creamy plant-based cheese. This easy-to-make soup combines vibrant flavors of chipotle seasoning and fresh lime juice, delivering a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and zesty notes. Ideal for busy weeknights, it offers a nutritious and flexible recipe that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, tender and shredded
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels
- Optional: diced jalapeños for spicier version
Broth and Base
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chipotle seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1/2 cup shredded plant-based cheese
- Crispy tortilla strips
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional: sliced avocado or guacamole for topping
Optional Add-ins
- Zucchini or carrots, diced, for additional nutrition and texture
Instructions
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Chicken: Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. Season chicken breasts lightly, then add to the pot and cook until no longer pink inside. Remove and shred with two forks.
- Sauté the Fresh Vegetables: Using the same pot with the bacon drippings, add diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook for several minutes until onions become translucent and peppers soften.
- Build the Soup Base: Add crushed tomatoes, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), chicken broth, chipotle seasoning, and corn kernels into the pot. Stir well, scraping any bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer to blend flavors.
- Combine Chicken and Adjust Seasoning: Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir. Simmer gently for 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more chipotle seasoning if desired.
- Finish with Lime and Plant-Based Cheese: Just before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice into the soup. Ladle into bowls and top each with shredded plant-based cheese, chopped cilantro, and crispy tortilla strips for added crunch.
Notes
- Use homemade chicken broth for richer flavor without excess sodium.
- Do not skip smoked turkey bacon as it adds key smoky depth.
- Simmer gently on low heat to meld flavors and keep chicken tender.
- Fresh lime juice is essential to brighten and balance the soup.
- Add tortilla strips just before serving to maintain their crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Chicken Tortilla Soup, Smoky Soup, Comfort Food, Plant-Based Cheese, Gluten Free Soup
