Name: Chicken Tortilla Soup: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe for Everyone
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: For the Soup:; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 jalapeño, diced (optional for heat); 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained; 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie is great); 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; Salt and pepper to taste; For the Tortilla Strips:; Corn tortillas, cut into strips; For Garnish:; Fresh cilantro for garnish; Lime wedges for serving; Avocado slices (optional); Shredded cheese (optional)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Tortilla Soup brings together all the best elements of Mexican-inspired flavors into one bowl. It’s flavorful, easy to make, and customizable for your preferred spice level. The combination of soft chicken, hearty beans, and crispy tortilla strips offers the perfect balance of textures, while the spices and lime bring a satisfying depth of flavor. Plus, it’s ready in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, diced (optional for heat)
1 bell pepper, diced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
4 cups chicken broth
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie is great)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste
Corn tortillas, cut into strips
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Lime wedges for serving
Avocado slices (optional)
Shredded cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Heat the Oil

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. This will serve as the base for sautéing your vegetables and spices.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add the diced onion, garlic, jalapeño, and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.

Step 3: Add Spices

Sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir everything together to combine, letting the spices toast for about 1 minute to bring out their flavor.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth

Add the chicken broth to the pot. Increase the heat and bring the broth to a simmer. This will help develop the flavors before adding the other ingredients.

Step 5: Incorporate Ingredients

Stir in the black beans, corn, shredded chicken, and diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 6: Simmer

Reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer for 20-25 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld together and create a rich broth.

Step 7: Prepare Tortilla Strips

While the soup is simmering, heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the tortilla strips until crispy and golden, about 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, remove the strips and drain them on paper towels.

Step 8: Adjust Seasoning

After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or chili powder depending on your taste.

Step 9: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls, then top with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and shredded cheese if desired. Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

For extra heat: Add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
For a creamy version: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top of the soup before serving.
For a vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and replace with more beans or roasted vegetables.
Add toppings: In addition to avocado and cheese, you can top with a sprinkle of cilantro, diced tomatoes, or pickled onions.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup keeps well in the fridge for a few days and can be made ahead. It also freezes well for future meals.

Can I use store-bought tortilla strips?

Yes, if you want to save time, you can use pre-made tortilla strips instead of frying your own.

What can I substitute for the chicken broth?

You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of the soup.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or spinach to make the soup even more hearty.

How can I make the soup spicier?

Increase the amount of jalapeño or chili powder, or add a splash of hot sauce to amp up the heat.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the vegetables and chicken first, then add everything to the slow cooker along with the broth, beans, corn, and tomatoes. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the flavors meld.

Can I use frozen corn and beans?

Yes, frozen corn and beans can be used instead of canned. Just make sure to thaw them first.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

You can substitute the chicken with ground beef, turkey if you prefer.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free tortillas or skip the tortilla strips altogether.

Conclusion

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a perfect balance of flavors and textures—rich, savory broth, crispy tortilla strips, and fresh toppings like cilantro and avocado. It’s easy to make, customizable, and sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a chilly evening or a flavorful addition to a casual dinner, this soup is a winner!