Skip to content 
Warm up with this incredibly flavorful chicken tortilla soup recipe! It is a comforting bowl packed with tender chicken, savory broth, and a perfect blend of spices. This easy-to-follow recipe brings the vibrant tastes of Mexico right to your kitchen, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. You will love how simple it is to prepare, yet it delivers such a rich and satisfying experience with every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
You will quickly fall in love with this homemade chicken tortilla soup for many reasons. This easy chicken tortilla soup recipe offers incredible taste and convenience.
- Quick to Make: From start to finish, you can have a hearty meal on the table in under an hour.
- Hearty & Satisfying: Loaded with protein and vegetables, it is a complete and filling meal on its own.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or add your favorite toppings to suit your taste.
- Flavorful: A rich broth combined with aromatic spices creates a truly authentic Mexican flavor profile.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It is a comforting dish that everyone, from kids to adults, will enjoy.
Ingredients
This chicken tortilla soup recipe uses fresh, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Always choose high-quality components for the best flavor.
- 2 Tbsp light olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced (use 1 for mild, 2 for medium heat)
- 32 oz chicken broth (low sodium is best for controlling salt)
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 lb chicken breasts (2 medium, boneless, skinless; or use 3 cups shredded leftover rotisserie chicken)
- 15 oz can corn, drained and rinsed (frozen corn works too)
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 1/2 Tbsp lime juice, from 1 lime, or to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for tortilla strips)
- 8 corn tortillas (6″ tortillas)
- 1 large avocado, diced (for serving)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
Note on chicken: If using rotisserie chicken, add it during the last 5 minutes of simmering to prevent it from becoming tough.
Equipment
Gather these basic kitchen tools before you begin cooking.
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Frying pan (for tortilla strips)
- Slotted spoon or tongs
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious chicken tortilla soup recipe. Preparing homemade tortilla strips adds an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
Tortilla Strips:
- Stack the 8 corn tortillas and cut them into thin strips, about 1/4 inch wide.
- Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add a single layer of tortilla strips to the pan. Do not overcrowd.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy strips to a plate lined with paper towels. Sprinkle lightly with salt while still warm.
- Repeat with the remaining tortilla strips until all are cooked. Set aside.
Chicken Tortilla Soup:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of light olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped yellow onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeno peppers. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the chicken breasts, chili powder, cumin, and 1 teaspoon of salt to the pot.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
- Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and place them on a cutting board.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can dice the chicken.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Stir in the drained corn and black beans. Continue to simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and heat through.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice.
- Taste the soup and adjust salt, lime juice, or chili powder as needed.
- Ladle the hot chicken tortilla soup into bowls. Garnish generously with the crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, and fresh lime wedges.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the best results for your homemade chicken tortilla soup with these helpful hints. A great chicken tortilla soup is easy to make when you know a few tricks.
- Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeno. For more spice, leave some seeds in. For less, omit the jalapenos entirely.
- Shredding Chicken: For super easy shredding, use a hand mixer directly in the pot on low speed once chicken is cooked through and removed from heat.
- Preventing Soggy Tortillas: Always add tortilla strips just before serving. They will get soggy if left in the soup too long.
- Flavor Deepening: Simmer the soup for an extra 10-15 minutes after adding the beans and corn for a richer flavor.
- Bitterness: If your soup tastes a bit bitter, a pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity from the tomatoes.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile chicken tortilla soup recipe is fantastic on its own or with various toppings. Store any leftovers carefully.
Serve the soup immediately after preparing, allowing guests to add their preferred toppings. Essential garnishes include crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, and lime wedges. Other popular additions are sour cream, shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or a dollop of guacamole.
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Store tortilla strips separately to maintain their crispness.
For variations, try adding a can of diced green chiles for a smoky kick. You can also use different proteins, like ground turkey or even shrimp. A vegetarian version is possible by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth, adding extra beans or lentils for protein.
Nutrition
This chicken tortilla soup recipe is a wholesome and nutrient-packed meal. It provides a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins from the vegetables. Enjoy a satisfying meal that fits well into a balanced diet.
Many sources emphasize that a well-made chicken tortilla soup, with its blend of vegetables and protein, can be a supportive dish for digestive health. For more information on its gut-friendly benefits, you can explore this article on chicken tortilla soup and digestion.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Carbs | 32 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
FAQ
Got questions about making this fantastic chicken tortilla soup recipe? Here are some common inquiries.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the soup base (without the cilantro, lime juice, and tortilla strips) 1-2 days in advance. Reheat and add fresh ingredients just before serving.
Q: What if I do not have fresh cilantro?
A: You can substitute dried cilantro, but use about 1/3 the amount as dried herbs are more potent. Fresh cilantro offers a brighter flavor.
Q: Can I freeze chicken tortilla soup?
A: Absolutely! Freeze the soup (without tortilla strips or avocado) in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat.
Q: How can I make this soup creamier?
A: Stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or a swirl of sour cream at the very end. You can also blend a small portion of the soup with an immersion blender for a thicker texture.
Conclusion
This chicken tortilla soup recipe offers a wonderful balance of vibrant flavors and comforting warmth, perfect for any occasion. It is surprisingly easy to make, delivering a deeply satisfying meal that tastes like it simmered all day. With its customizable toppings and make-ahead potential, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your home. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure deliciousness!
