If you’re craving a hearty, comforting, and slightly spicy soup that bursts with flavor, Chicken Tortilla Soup is the perfect choice.
This vibrant, colorful soup combines tender shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, savory spices, and crispy tortilla strips, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and festive.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prepping, this soup brings the warmth of home-cooked comfort straight to your table.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 950mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 25g
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
For Serving/Garnish:
- 4–6 corn tortillas, cut into strips and baked or fried until crisp
- 1 avocado, diced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. This step locks in flavor and keeps the chicken juicy when shredded later.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add diced onion, bell pepper, garlic, and jalapeño (if using). Sauté for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the peppers are tender. This forms the aromatic base of the soup.
Step 3: Add Spices and Tomatoes
Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir for about 30 seconds to toast the spices and release their full aroma. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, allowing them to simmer for 2–3 minutes. The tomatoes provide acidity and richness to the soup’s flavor profile.
Step 4: Build the Soup
Return the seared chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. During this time, the flavors meld together beautifully, giving the soup a deep, rich taste.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the soup and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the black beans and corn kernels. Simmer for an additional 5–10 minutes to heat the beans and corn through and integrate their flavors into the broth.
Step 6: Final Touches
Add the juice of one lime to the soup, which brightens the flavors and balances the spices. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat.
Step 7: Prepare Tortilla Strips
While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut corn tortillas into thin strips, lightly brush with olive oil, and bake for 10–12 minutes until crisp and golden. Alternatively, fry in a small pan with oil for 2–3 minutes until crunchy. These strips provide the signature texture contrast for your Chicken Tortilla Soup.
Step 8: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Spice Level: Adjust the jalapeño or chili powder according to your heat preference. For a mild soup, omit the jalapeño entirely.
- Homemade Broth: Using homemade chicken broth enhances flavor, but store-bought works perfectly for a quicker option.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with extra black beans, roasted vegetables, or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead.
- Toppings Variety: Don’t limit yourself—add roasted pumpkin seeds, pickled onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce for a twist.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Tortilla Soup
Comforting & Cozy: With warm broth, tender chicken, and crunchy tortillas, every spoonful delivers comfort and satisfaction.
Colorful & Nutritious: This soup is a rainbow of nutrients—vitamins from bell peppers, fiber from beans, and protein from chicken.
Versatile & Easy: Perfect for weeknights or hosting friends, this recipe can be adapted to any dietary need or personal flavor preference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just add it in step 5 and reduce simmering time since the chicken is already cooked.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Sear the chicken and sauté the vegetables first for flavor, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
How do I store leftovers?
Cool the soup completely, then store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Tortilla strips should be kept separate to remain crispy.
Can I freeze Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes very well. Avoid adding avocado or tortilla strips before freezing; add them fresh when serving. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful, colorful, and satisfying dish that brings a fiesta of taste to your table. With its tender chicken, savory broth, fresh vegetables, and crunchy tortilla strips, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Whether for a cozy night in, family dinner, or a festive gathering, this soup never disappoints. Prepare it ahead, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy a bowl of warm, vibrant flavors with every spoonful.