El Pollo Loco Chicken Tortilla Soup Without Tortilla Strips
El Pollo Loco is a popular fast-food chain in the United States that specializes in Mexican cuisine. One of their most famous dishes is the Chicken Tortilla Soup, which is a hearty and flavorful soup that is perfect for cold weather or when you're craving something warm and comforting.
However, if you're trying to cut down on carbs or are avoiding gluten, you might want to skip the tortilla strips that come with the soup. Fortunately, it's possible to enjoy the delicious flavors of El Pollo Loco's Chicken Tortilla Soup without the tortilla strips. In this article, we'll show you how to make this soup at home, without the added carbs.
What You'll Need
Here are the ingredients you'll need to make El Pollo Loco's Chicken Tortilla Soup without the tortilla strips:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (15 ounces)
- 1 can corn, drained (15.25 ounces)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
How to Make It
Here's how to make El Pollo Loco's Chicken Tortilla Soup without the tortilla strips:
- In a large pot, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chili powder, and ground cumin. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the chicken breasts to the pot and let cook for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
That's it! This recipe makes about 6-8 servings, depending on how much soup you like to eat. It's a great dish to make ahead of time and reheat throughout the week for a quick and satisfying meal.
Why You Should Make It
Not only is El Pollo Loco's Chicken Tortilla Soup without the tortilla strips delicious, it's also a healthy and nutritious meal option. Here are some of the benefits of this soup:
- Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue.
- Black beans are high in fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve digestion.
- Corn is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium.
- Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that can help protect against certain types of cancer.
- Cilantro is a good source of vitamin K, which is important for bone health.
- Lime juice is high in vitamin C, which can boost your immune system and help fight off infections.
Overall, El Pollo Loco's Chicken Tortilla Soup without the tortilla strips is a delicious and healthy meal option that you can easily make at home. Give it a try and see for yourself!