Authentic Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe – Easy & Flavorful

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish that brings warmth and spice to any table. This soup is a perfect blend of tender chicken, tomatoes, beans, corn, and a rich broth infused with bold seasonings. Topped with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro, it’s a wholesome meal that is both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is a fantastic choice.

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Active Time: 30 minutes
• Resting Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Course: Main Course, Soup
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: ~350 kcal

Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Blender or immersion blender (optional)
• Baking sheet (for homemade tortilla strips)

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 small can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Toppings:

• 6 small corn tortillas (or store-bought tortilla chips)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onions and sauté for about 3 minutes until soft.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with spices.

Step 2: Add the Ingredients

5. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), black beans, corn, and green chilies.
6. Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7. Stir in the shredded chicken and let the soup cook for 15-20 minutes to develop the flavors.

Step 3: Blend (Optional)

8. If you prefer a slightly thicker soup, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup while leaving some texture. Alternatively, remove 1 cup of the soup, blend it in a blender, and return it to the pot.

Step 4: Final Touches

9. Stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro, then turn off the heat.
10. Let the soup rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Prepare Tortilla Strips

11. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
12. Cut corn tortillas into thin strips and spread them on a baking sheet.
13. Lightly brush with olive oil and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

14. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, and green onions.
15. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty touch.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~350 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 5g

Tips & Variations

• Make it Spicier: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Slow Cooker Method: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with extra beans or tofu and use vegetable broth instead.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is a crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful combination of bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and a satisfying texture. Whether enjoyed as a hearty meal or a comforting starter, this soup is guaranteed to warm you up and keep you coming back for more!

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Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.