Homemade Panera Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
If you’ve ever found yourself craving the heartwarming embrace of the Panera chicken tortilla soup recipe, you’re in for a treat.Today, I’m excited to guide you through the creation of a restaurant-worthy dish that’ll transport you straight to flavour paradise. My very own Homemade Panera Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe.
Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Bowls for serving
Ingredients
- 6 oz. boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chilli powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
- 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- Homemade or store-bought tortilla strips for garnish
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese for topping
Instructions
- Prepare The Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In your soup pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper. Cook until the veggies are tender.
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle cumin, chilli powder and cayenne pepper over the veggies. Stir to coat them in the aromatic spices.
- Simmer With Flavors: Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, corn, and black beans. Stir well. Slice the seared chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot.
- Bring To A Boil: Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to simmer for 20-25 minutes to let the flavours meld.
- Finish With Freshness: Stir in fresh cilantro and lime juice just before serving. This adds a burst of freshness to the soup.
- Serve And Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with tortilla strips for a delightful crunch and a sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack cheese for a creamy finish. Dive into your homemade Panera Chicken Tortilla Soup and relish the harmonious blend of flavours.
Notes
Perfect Cooking Tips
- Perfectly Seared Chicken: Achieve a golden-brown sear on chicken by patting it dry before seasoning. Sear in a hot pot for 2-3 mins each side.
- Flavorful Base: Enhance soup depth by sautéing onions until translucent. Add garlic, bell pepper, and spices for aromatic richness.
- Spice Control: Adjust cayenne to taste for the right level of heat, and balance cumin, chilli powder, and paprika for a nuanced flavour profile.
- Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh cilantro and lime juice just before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Perfect Garnish: Top with crunchy tortilla strips and melted Monterey Jack cheese for a textural and cheesy finish.
- Consistent Simmer: Simmer for 20-25 mins to let flavours meld, ensuring a perfectly balanced and hearty soup.
- Serve Hot: Ladle into bowls immediately to enjoy this Panera-inspired delight at its warmest and most flavorful.