- The Little Kitchen - https://www.thelittlekitchen.net -

Chicken Tortilla Soup with Black Beans and Zucchini

Chicken Tortilla Soup from thelittlekitchen.net

Chicken Tortilla Soup from thelittlekitchen.net

A little over a week ago, Charley's (our 10 year old Shepherd mix canine) MRI showed a pinched nerve in his lower back where he has a bulging disc. The recommendation by the surgeons is to do surgery to relieve the pressure and compression on the nerves. The scary part is if we do nothing, it can lead to paralysis of his hind legs and other not so fun stuff. We know that rest and meds won't work because he's been on so many meds for months now for other pain problems associated with hip dysplasia. The operation to fix his bulging disc is scheduled for tomorrow and since I have not been thinking about it too much, I haven't been too worried. But it's TOMORROW MORNING…it's getting closer and I'm getting more and more nervous. We're anxious to know if this is the right decision (who doesn't second guess themselves?) and at the same time are ready for him to be done with it and get to rehab and to healing. Please cross your fingers for us. I'm going to be a big ball of tense tomorrow.

In comes this soup, I'm going to be making another pot of this chicken tortilla soup this week. It's a big pot of comfort. I love soup because it's warm and comforting. I made this the week of my birthday and had it for leftovers for 4 or 5 days afterwards. It's really nice and easy and I love the addition of zucchini. I add the zucchini at the end so it doesn't overcook. Top this soup with tortilla chips, sour cream and sharp cheddar…all a must!

Chicken Tortilla Soup from thelittlekitchen.net

Chop the veggies.

Chicken Tortilla Soup from thelittlekitchen.net

Chicken Tortilla Soup from thelittlekitchen.net

Then chop the canned tomatoes. I love canned whole plum tomatoes so I use a 28 ounce can of those and chop up the tomatoes. Don't get rid of the tomato juice. That will add flavor to the soup!

Chicken Tortilla Soup from thelittlekitchen.net

Butter…everything with butter is better, right? I use butter and olive oil to start with in this soup and add the vegetables (but not the zucchini) and garlic along with my homemade taco seasoning all into my French oven. I have used other chicken tortilla soup recipes that are quick and easy but they didn't have the depth of flavor I was looking for. This one does…the taco seasoning has so many levels of flavor from the paprika to the chili powder and cumin that adds so much flavor along with the chicken and the vegetables.

Chicken Tortilla Soup from thelittlekitchen.net

This is after I add the drained and rinsed black beans, tomatoes and chicken broth.

Chicken Tortilla Soup from thelittlekitchen.net

After you bring it to a boil and allow to simmer, add the cooked chicken and zucchini and cook for another 5 minutes.

Chicken Tortilla Soup from thelittlekitchen.net

It's done and ready to serve.

Chicken Tortilla Soup from thelittlekitchen.net

The toppings are a must. And the next time I make this soup, I'm going to freeze some so if the craving hits me…even if it's in the middle of hot hot Florida summer, I can have a bowl. Make this…you'll thank me for it! Soup under 40 minutes, yay!


Check out the video I made for this recipe too!

Heart Recipe
Chicken Tortilla Soup from thelittlekitchen.net
Print Pin

Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6 to 8

Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon salted butter
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 Tablespoon homemade taco seasoning
  • 1 jalapeño, ribs and seeds removed, diced
  • 1/2 medium onion, diced
  • 1 large garlic clove, chopped
  • 1 28-ounce can whole tomatoes, chopped (keep tomato juice)
  • 1 14.5-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 14.5-ounce cans low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups diced zucchini, about one
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen or fresh corn
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, cubed (see Note)
  • crushed tortilla chips, cheddar cheese and sour cream for serving (optional)

Instructions

  • In a French oven or a large heavy bottom pot, melt butter and heat olive oil on medium heat for about 2 minutes. Add taco seasoning, jalapeño, onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes.
  • Add tomatoes, black beans and chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and allow soup to simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Add zucchini, corn and chicken and heat for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, if necessary.
  • Serve in bowls topped with crushed tortilla chips, cheddar cheese and sour cream.

Note:

  • You can use leftover cooked chicken or if you don't have any. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a boneless skinless chicken breast. Boil for 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from pot and place on a clean cutting board. Cut into cubes.

Chicken Tortilla Soup from thelittlekitchen.net

Here are some other recipes for you to try:

Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup from Aggie's Kitchen
Chicken Tortilla Soup from The Lemon Bowl
Chicken Tortilla Soup from PW

Share this post!