A low-carb Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for chilly evenings or a quick weeknight dinner.
Packed with tender chicken, and zesty spices, and topped with low-carb garnishes, it’s a lighter take on the classic without sacrificing taste.
Serve it with fresh avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a delicious meal.
Low Carb Chicken Tortilla Soup
Equipment
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Immersion blender optional
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jalapeño seeded and diced (optional for spice)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken rotisserie chicken works well
- 1 medium zucchini diced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional for extra richness
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro plus more for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Low-carb tortilla chips or strips optional
- sliced avocado, sour cream, lime wedges Optional toppings
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and jalapeño. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the Spices:Stir in chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavor.
- Build the Base:Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables:Stir in the shredded chicken and diced zucchini. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until the zucchini is tender.
- Finish with Cream:Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Add shredded cheese if desired, stirring until melted and combined.
- Season and Garnish:Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in chopped cilantro just before serving.Serve:Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your choice of garnishes: avocado slices, sour cream, extra cilantro, or lime wedges. Add low-carb tortilla chips or strips for a satisfying crunch.
Video
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 15g
Nutrition
Cooking Tips
- Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding.
- Adjust Spice Level: Include the seeds of the jalapeño for extra heat, or skip it altogether for a milder soup.
- Thicker Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup for a creamier texture.
- Garnish Wisely: Low-carb options like avocado and cheese add flavor without increasing the carb count significantly.
Are There any Alternatives?
If you’re looking to customize this Low Carb Chicken Tortilla Soup or adapt it to suit your pantry, there are plenty of ingredient alternatives to consider. For protein, shredded turkey or even cooked ground beef can replace chicken for a different flavor profile.
If you’re vegetarian, omit the meat and add a can of black soybeans or some diced tofu to maintain the soup’s heartiness while keeping it low-carb.
For the vegetables, zucchini can be swapped for other low-carb options like yellow squash, diced bell peppers, or riced cauliflower, which adds a slightly thicker texture. If you can’t find canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, use plain diced tomatoes and add a touch of fresh or canned green chilies for that extra zing.
Instead of heavy cream, coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk can be used for a dairy-free version, though it may slightly alter the flavor. Lastly, if you don’t have low-carb tortilla chips, try making your own by baking or air-frying thinly sliced zucchini or cheese crisps for a crunchy topping.
Feel free to get creative with the spices too! Paprika can be swapped with chipotle powder for a smoky kick, and if you don’t have cumin, coriander makes a great substitute.
The Bottom Line
Low Carb Chicken Tortilla Soup offers a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and adaptable to various preferences.
Its combination of wholesome ingredients, bold spices, and creamy textures creates a dish that feels both nourishing and indulgent.
By adding simple swaps and creative garnishes, you can make this soup truly your own while maintaining its low-carb benefits.