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Chicken Tortilla Soup

Featured in Warm and Comforting Bowls.

You've got to try this incredible Mexican chicken soup that's become my absolute go-to for busy weeknights! Everything comes together in one pot, starting with tender shredded chicken that simmers with this amazing blend of Mexican spices, creating the most flavorful broth you can imagine. But what really takes it over the top are the crispy homemade tortilla strips that add the perfect crunch, and chunks of creamy avocado that make every spoonful extra special. The combination of warm, spicy broth with cool, creamy avocado and those crunchy tortilla strips creates this perfect balance that'll have everyone asking for seconds!
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Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 20:53:56 GMT
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A warm bowl of soup garnished with avocado, tortilla strips, and cilantro, surrounded by fresh avocado halves and lime wedges. Pin it
A warm bowl of soup garnished with avocado, tortilla strips, and cilantro, surrounded by fresh avocado halves and lime wedges. | tastygusto.com

My Chicken Tortilla Soup has become our favorite cozy dinner fix. It's loaded with tender shredded chicken beans corn and those irresistible crispy tortilla strips on top. I love how everything comes together in one pot making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something homemade and delicious.

What Makes This Soup So Good

Think of all your favorite taco flavors transformed into a warm comforting bowl of soup. The tomato and chicken broth base gets so rich and flavorful and I love that everyone can add their own toppings. It's one of those dishes that makes the whole family happy with minimal fuss in the kitchen.

Everything You Need

  • Chicken Breasts: Just 2 medium ones or grab a rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • Onion: 1 medium chopped up nice and fine.
  • Garlic: 3 cloves minced they add such great flavor.
  • Jalapeño: 1 chopped adjust if you like it spicier.
  • Chicken Broth: 6 cups low-sodium makes it nice and rich.
  • Crushed Tomatoes: 1 can for that perfect base.
  • Corn: 1 cup adds lovely sweetness.
  • Black Beans: 1 can drained and rinsed makes it extra filling.
  • Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons brightens everything up.
  • Seasonings: Your favorite Mexican spices to taste.

Let's Make It Together

Start With The Flavor Base
Heat up some oil in your soup pot cook those onions garlic and jalapeño until they smell amazing about 5 minutes.
Build Your Soup
Add your chicken tomatoes broth beans corn and all those wonderful spices bring it up to a boil.
Let It Simmer
Turn down the heat let it cook for 25 minutes then pull out the chicken shred it and put it back in.
Final Touch
Squeeze in that lime juice taste and adjust your seasonings let it simmer a few more minutes.

My Best Tips

Using leftover chicken makes this even quicker and homemade broth takes it to the next level. Love it spicy? Add extra jalapeños. Save your avocado slicing for the last minute so it stays pretty and always taste for salt especially if you're using store-bought broth.

Making Those Crispy Strips

Want to fry them? Heat up some oil and fry thin tortilla strips until golden. For a lighter version toss them with a little oil and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes they get just as crispy.

A bowl of hearty soup is topped with avocado, cilantro, and tortilla strips, surrounded by fresh ingredients. Pin it
A bowl of hearty soup is topped with avocado, cilantro, and tortilla strips, surrounded by fresh ingredients. | tastygusto.com

Topping Ideas

This is where the fun happens load up your bowls with sour cream those crispy tortilla strips shredded cheese fresh cilantro and creamy avocado. Add some lime wedges and jalapeños if you like it zesty. It's perfect on its own or with some warm dinner rolls.

Keeping It Fresh

Your soup will stay good in the fridge for 3-4 days. Want to freeze it? It'll keep for 2 months just leave off the toppings. When you're ready to eat thaw it overnight in the fridge then warm it up slowly on the stove.

A bowl of hearty soup topped with avocado, tortilla strips, cilantro, and colorful vegetables. Pin it
A bowl of hearty soup topped with avocado, tortilla strips, cilantro, and colorful vegetables. | tastygusto.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the tortilla strips ahead?
Yes, the tortilla strips can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container. They'll stay crispy for several days.
→ How spicy is this soup?
With seeded jalapeño, it's mildly spicy. Leave seeds in for more heat or omit jalapeño entirely for a milder version.
→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, use shredded rotisserie chicken added near the end of cooking. Reduce simmering time to 15 minutes since chicken is already cooked.
→ What can I substitute for fresh cilantro?
While fresh cilantro adds authentic flavor, you can use fresh parsley or omit if you don't enjoy cilantro.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, freeze the soup without toppings. Add fresh avocado and crispy tortilla strips when serving.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

A warming soup featuring tender chicken, black beans, corn, and homemade crispy tortilla strips. Perfect for cold weather and ready in 45 minutes.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 tablespoon olive oil.
02 1 medium onion, chopped.
03 3 garlic cloves, minced.
04 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced.
05 1 teaspoon ground cumin.
06 1 teaspoon chili powder.
07 1 lb chicken breasts (2 medium).
08 20 oz can crushed tomatoes.
09 32 oz chicken broth.
10 14 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed.
11 14 oz can corn, drained and rinsed.
12 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped, divided.
13 1 lime, juiced.
14 1 teaspoon salt.
15 1/4 cup olive oil (for tortilla strips).
16 8 corn tortillas.
17 1 large avocado, diced.
18 Lime wedges for serving.

Instructions

Step 01

Cut tortillas into strips. Fry in batches in hot oil until crisp. Drain on paper towels.

Step 02

Cook onion, garlic and jalapeño in oil until softened.

Step 03

Add chicken, corn, beans, spices, tomatoes, cilantro and broth. Simmer 25 minutes.

Step 04

Remove and shred chicken. Return to pot with lime juice. Simmer 5 more minutes.

Step 05

Top with tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro and lime wedges.

Notes

  1. Can make tortilla strips ahead.
  2. Adjust jalapeño for desired spice level.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot.
  • Skillet for tortillas.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • None.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 540
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 32 g