Description
Warm up with creamy, comforting Chicken Tortilla Soup made with smoky turkey bacon, fresh vegetables, and plant-based cheese for cozy nights. This flavorful soup combines rich smoky notes, a little spicy kick, and wholesome ingredients enhanced with apple cider vinegar, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a satisfying and nourishing meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 4 slices smoky turkey bacon
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 large bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Liquids and Creaminess
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
Garnishes and Toppings
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Tortilla strips for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop onions, garlic, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Cook the smoky turkey bacon until crisp, then crumble into bite-sized pieces. Shred the cooked chicken and set everything aside for easy access during cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics and Veggies: In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic over medium heat until translucent and fragrant. Add the diced bell peppers and cook for a few more minutes until softened to create a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add Spices and Liquids: Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, stirring well to coat the veggies. Pour in vegetable broth, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and diced tomatoes. Bring everything to a simmer to meld the flavors.
- Incorporate Chicken and Beans: Add shredded chicken, black beans, and half of the turkey bacon into the pot. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes so the chicken absorbs the seasoning layers.
- Stir in Creaminess and Finish: Lower the heat and stir in the plant-based cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and the remaining turkey bacon just before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh vegetables and good-quality vegetable broth to enhance natural flavors.
- Toast spices in the sauté step to unlock deeper aromas and tastes.
- Adjust the chili powder or add diced jalapeños to control the spice level.
- The soup tastes even better when made ahead, allowing flavors to develop.
- Serve tortilla strips separately to keep them crispy until serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Chicken Tortilla Soup, creamy soup, turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, comforting meal, gluten free, easy soup, healthy dinner
