If you’re looking for a delicious way to use leftover turkey, this turkey tortilla soup is the answer! A perfect post-holiday dish, it’s packed with bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and a touch of spice. The blend of green chiles, tomatoes, and taco seasoning creates a rich and comforting soup that’s perfect for cool weather. Top each bowl with crispy tortilla chips and melted cheese for a dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Turkey Tortilla Soup
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (5 milliliters)
- 1 cup chopped onions (150 grams)
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (30 grams)
- 6 cups chicken broth (1.4 liters)
- 2 cups diced turkey (450 grams)
- 28 oz diced green chiles (4 x 7 oz cans or 800 grams)
- 16 oz diced tomatoes (450 grams)
- 10 oz frozen corn (280 grams)
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro (8 grams)
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (60 grams)
- 1 package tortilla chips (enough to top each bowl)
How to Make Turkey Tortilla Soup
Saute the onions
Heat olive oil in a 5-quart (4.7-liter) saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and saute for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add green chiles
Stir in the diced green chiles and cook for 1 minute. Fresh or frozen green chiles work best, but canned chiles (four 7 oz cans) are a great alternative.
Incorporate the tomatoes
Add the diced tomatoes to the pot and stir to combine.
Mix in the taco seasoning
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning packet and stir thoroughly to evenly coat the vegetables.
Add the turkey
Stir the diced turkey into the pot, mixing it well with the other ingredients.
Pour in the chicken broth
Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the corn
Stir in the frozen corn, allowing it to warm up in the simmering soup.
Simmer the soup
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer until hot and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes.
Stir in the cilantro
Add the freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of fresh flavor. Stir well before removing the soup from heat.
Serve with toppings
Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with tortilla chips and a generous sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Tips for the Best Turkey Tortilla Soup
- Adjust Spice Level: If you like a spicier soup, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap turkey for black beans or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This turkey tortilla soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the savory goodness of leftover turkey with the vibrant flavors of Mexican-inspired spices. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a post-holiday meal. The crispy tortilla chips and melted cheese add the perfect finishing touch to every bowl.
Transform your holiday leftovers into something extraordinary with this hearty turkey tortilla soup. Its bold flavors, simple preparation, and satisfying ingredients make it a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. Gather your family around the table and enjoy this delicious dish today!
