Chicken Tortilla Soup: A Keto Delight?

Chicken tortilla soup is a popular dish, but is it keto-friendly? The answer is yes, and there are plenty of recipes to choose from. This Mexican-inspired soup is hearty, healthy, and can be made in a few simple steps. It's also highly customisable, so you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Chicken tortilla soup ingredients

Chicken tortilla soup is a hearty, flavourful dish that can be made in a variety of ways. Here is a list of ingredients that can be used to make this soup:

Base Ingredients:

• Chicken broth/stock
• Chicken (breast, thighs, or rotisserie)
• Canned tomatoes (fire-roasted, diced, or petite)
• Beans (refried, chilli, or black)
• Vegetables (onion, garlic, bell peppers, jalapeno, zucchini, celery, etc.)
• Spices (cumin, chili powder, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, etc.)
• Olive oil or avocado oil

Optional Ingredients:

• Corn (canned, frozen, or fresh)
• Tortillas or tortilla chips
• Cheese (shredded Monterey jack, cheddar, or Mexican blend)
• Avocado
• Sour cream
• Lime
• Cilantro
• Ranch dressing
• Taco seasoning

Chicken tortilla soup toppings

Chicken tortilla soup is a tasty, hearty meal, and there are plenty of toppings to add to your bowl to make it even more delicious.

If you're looking for a keto-friendly option, you can use low-carb tortilla chips to add some crunch. You could also add some shredded cheese—Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar, or a Mexican blend are all great options.

For some extra creaminess, add some sliced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream. A squeeze of lime juice will add a zesty kick to your soup, and you can also sprinkle on some freshly chopped cilantro.

If you're not following a keto diet, you could add some black beans and corn to your soup for extra texture and flavour.

Chicken tortilla soup cooking methods

Chicken tortilla soup is a great dish for customisation, and can be made in a slow cooker, instant pot, or on the stove. Here is a guide to making chicken tortilla soup, with some customisation options.

Ingredients

You will need:

• Chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• Diced tomatoes (canned)
• Chicken (breast or thighs)
• Spices: cumin, chilli powder, salt, and pepper
• Fresh lime juice
• Fresh cilantro
• Onion
• Garlic
• Avocado oil or olive oil
• Jalapeno
• Optional: lime wedges, avocado slices, sour cream, cheese, and tortilla chips to serve.

Method

First, heat oil in a saucepan or pot and add onions. Cook until soft, then stir in the garlic and jalapenos. Cook for an additional minute, then add the chicken broth and the tomatoes. Bring to a boil.

Next, add the chicken and simmer until cooked through. For chicken thighs, this will take around 20 minutes. For chicken breast, this will take around 30 minutes. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks, then return it to the pot.

Finally, add the lime juice, cumin, and cilantro to the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Customisation

This soup can be customised in a number of ways. To make it creamier, mix in some cream cheese after removing the chicken. For a spicier soup, add more jalapenos or double the amount of chilli powder. For a milder soup, use a red or green pepper instead of a jalapeno. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with cauliflower rice.

Serving

Serve with lime wedges, tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and sour cream.

Storage

Allow the soup to cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, or in the freezer for up to three months.

Chicken tortilla soup nutritional information

Chicken tortilla soup is a tasty and nutritious meal, but its nutritional value depends on the ingredients used and how it's prepared. Here is a detailed breakdown of its nutritional information:

Calories and Macronutrients:

A cup of chicken tortilla soup typically ranges from 142 to 324 calories, depending on the recipe and ingredients used. It is a good source of protein and healthy fats, with around 9-15 grams of protein and 7-17 grams of fat per cup. The fat content can be adjusted by using different types of oil and toppings.

Carbohydrates:

Chicken tortilla soup can be keto-friendly if corn and beans are omitted. Traditional chicken tortilla soup may contain up to 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving, but keto-friendly versions can have as little as 10 grams of net carbs. The type of toppings and vegetables used can significantly impact the carb count.

Vitamins and Minerals:

Chicken tortilla soup provides a good amount of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. The specific amounts will vary depending on the ingredients used, but the soup can be a good source of these essential nutrients.

Sodium:

The sodium content of chicken tortilla soup can vary depending on the type of broth or stock used. It is recommended to use low-sodium or no-sodium-added broth to control the sodium levels in the soup.

Toppings and Customizations:

Chicken tortilla soup is often served with various toppings, such as cheese, avocado, sour cream, and tortilla chips. The nutritional information provided above may not include these toppings, so it is important to consider their impact on the overall nutritional profile of the dish.

Chicken tortilla soup serving suggestions

Chicken tortilla soup is a flavourful, hearty dish that can be served with a variety of toppings and sides. Here are some serving suggestions:

Toppings

• Avocado slices
• Cheese (Monterey jack, cheddar, or Mexican blend)
• Sour cream
• Freshly chopped cilantro
• Crispy tortilla strips or tortilla chips
• Lime wedges
• Jalapeño slices
• Guacamole
• Pico de gallo
• Green enchilada sauce

Sides

• Mexican salad (corn, tomato, avocado, basil, cherry tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini)
• Cucumber and tomato salad
• Cabbage slaw
• Cucumber salad
• Vegetarian quesadilla
• Chicken quesadillas
• Sopes or tamales
• Fish tacos
• Skirt steak tacos
• Guacamole and tortilla chips
• Salsa and tortilla chips
• Enchiladas
• Jicama sticks
• Mexican street corn
• Fried plantains
• Grilled corn salad
• Taquitos
• Scones
• Mexican street corn pasta salad
• Potato pancakes
• Mexican corn casserole

Frequently asked questions