A Fiesta in a Bowl

My first encounter with chicken tortilla soup was during a trip to a small town in Mexico. The aroma of roasted chilies, the crunch of freshly fried tortilla strips, and the bright flavors of lime and cilantro instantly made it unforgettable. It wasn’t just a soup—it was an experience, a celebration of bold flavors and textures in every bite.

This recipe brings the essence of that memory to your kitchen, combining tender chicken, smoky spices, and vibrant toppings into a single comforting bowl. Whether you’re gathering with family or warming up on a chilly evening, chicken tortilla soup delivers joy and satisfaction with every spoonful.

Great food doesn’t just fill you up—it tells a story.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: Smoky, spicy, and tangy notes combine for a bold and satisfying taste.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in one pot.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap toppings, or make it vegetarian.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: A hearty dinner, a party centerpiece, or an easy weeknight meal.

Chicken tortilla soup is a reminder that comfort food can also be vibrant and exciting.

Ingredients: A Blend of Bold and Fresh

This recipe makes 4 hearty servings, perfect for sharing or saving leftovers.

For an enhanced flavor and homemade touch, consider using our homemade chicken broth with shredded chicken. It’s the perfect base for this soup, adding depth and richness while saving time on preparing the chicken separately. Simply substitute the chicken broth and shredded chicken in this recipe with your homemade version. Now, let’s dive into the rest of the ingredients!

For the Soup:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 jalapeño (seeded and diced; optional for heat)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans (rinsed and drained)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• 4 corn tortillas (sliced into strips, fried or baked)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 1 avocado (sliced or diced)
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 lime (cut into wedges)

Equipment Needed

• arge pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle
• Baking sheet (for tortilla strips, if baking)

The toppings are the fun part—get creative and make it your own!

Step-by-Step Guide to Chicken Tortilla Soup

Creating chicken tortilla soup is like assembling a vibrant mosaic—each step adds a unique layer of flavor, color, and texture. From the aromatic base to the bold spices and crunchy toppings, this soup is a celebration of bold, comforting flavors. Let’s dive in and bring this festive dish to life.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and jalapeño. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Tip: Sautéing the vegetables first releases their natural sweetness and builds a flavorful base.

Step 2: Add the Spices

Stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the spices are fragrant, ensuring they don’t burn.

Tip: Toasting the spices enhances their flavor and gives the soup its signature warmth.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes.

Tip: Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for an extra smoky depth of flavor.

Step 4: Add the Chicken and Beans

Stir in the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn. Simmer for another 10 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld together.

Tip: If you’re using raw chicken, add it in Step 3 and simmer until cooked through, then shred.

Step 5: Finish with Lime and Seasoning

Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the lime juice and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Tip: Lime juice adds a bright, tangy note that balances the richness of the soup.

Step 6: Prepare the Tortilla Strips

Slice corn tortillas into thin strips and either fry them in hot oil until golden and crispy, or bake them at 375°F (190°C) with a light drizzle of oil for 10–12 minutes.

Tip: Homemade tortilla strips elevate the soup and add a satisfying crunch.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips, shredded cheese, avocado slices, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Tip: Arrange the toppings like a mini buffet so everyone can customize their bowls.

Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.
— Harriet Van Horne

More Tips for Perfect Tomato Basil Soup

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken: It’s a quick and easy way to add tender, flavorful chicken to the soup.
2. Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the jalapeño and chili powder to suit your heat tolerance.
3. Don’t Skip the Lime: Lime juice is essential for brightening the flavors and balancing the smoky spices.
4. Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
5. Toppings Matter: Crispy tortilla strips, creamy avocado, and tangy sour cream take this soup to the next level.

Serving Suggestions: A Bowl of Possibilities

Pair with Mexican Rice

Serve alongside a side of Mexican rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Add a Fresh Salad

Pair with a simple green salad or a tangy jicama slaw to complement the soup’s bold flavors.

Taco Night Companion

Use this soup as a starter for a taco or fajita night—it’s the perfect warm-up!

Set the Mood

Serve with a cold margarita or a refreshing agua fresca to complete the meal.

Chicken tortilla soup is a celebration—serve it with joy and creativity.

Make It Your Own: Creative Variations for Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken tortilla soup is wonderfully versatile, offering endless possibilities to tailor it to your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some inspired ideas to make this comforting dish uniquely yours:

Vegetarian Version

Replace the chicken with hearty ingredients like diced sweet potatoes, zucchini, or roasted butternut squash. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add extra beans for protein.

Tip: Black beans and pinto beans are great options for boosting texture and flavor while keeping it plant-based.

Seafood Twist

For a coastal-inspired variation, swap the chicken for shrimp, crab, or chunks of firm white fish like cod or halibut. Add the seafood during the last 5 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.

Tip: A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the seafood enhances its delicate flavor.

Creamy Indulgence

Add a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half, or coconut milk to the soup for a rich, creamy base. It adds a touch of indulgence without overpowering the spices.

Tip: Blend a portion of the soup before adding the cream for an even silkier texture.

Spicy Kick

Turn up the heat by adding diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, extra jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce. This version is perfect for spice lovers who want to add a bold punch to their bowl.

Tip: Balance the heat with creamy toppings like sour cream or avocado slices.

Smoky Depth

Incorporate smoked chicken or add smoked paprika for a deeper, more complex flavor. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes also enhance the smoky profile of the dish.

Tip: Top with charred corn kernels for a smoky-sweet finishing touch.

Cheesy Delight

For cheese lovers, mix shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack directly into the soup, allowing it to melt into a gooey, comforting base.

Tip: Top with additional cheese before serving and broil the bowl briefly for a golden, bubbly crust.

Low-Carb Alternative

Skip the tortilla strips and replace the beans with extra vegetables like bell peppers, cauliflower, or green beans for a low-carb version.

Tip: Garnish with avocado and cilantro to keep it satisfying and nutrient-rich.

Toppings Bar Extravaganza

Set up a DIY toppings bar so everyone can customize their soup. Include options like diced tomatoes, sliced olives, shredded lettuce, and pickled jalapeños for a build-your-own experience.

Tip: Offering a variety of textures and flavors makes the meal interactive and fun for guests.

Instant Pot or Slow Cooker Adaptation

Adapt the recipe for an Instant Pot or slow cooker for ultimate convenience. Simply toss all the ingredients in and let the appliance do the work.

Tip: Use the sauté function in the Instant Pot to cook the aromatics before adding the rest of the ingredients for extra flavor.

The beauty of chicken tortilla soup lies in its adaptability—there’s no wrong way to enjoy this classic dish.

Storage and Reheating: Keep It Fresh and Delicious

Storage

• Refrigerator: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Chicken tortilla soup freezes beautifully! Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the soup without the tortilla strips and toppings, and add them fresh when reheating.

Reheating

• Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot and reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated evenly.
• From Frozen: Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding fresh toppings like tortilla strips, cheese, and avocado after reheating.

Tip: For a just-made taste, garnish reheated soup with freshly chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and crispy tortilla strips. These fresh elements bring the flavors back to life!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Chicken tortilla soup is a straightforward recipe, but there are a few common pitfalls that can impact its flavor or texture. Here’s how to avoid them and ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time:

Skipping the Sauté Step

Sautéing the onions, garlic, and spices at the beginning builds the base flavor for the soup. Skipping this step can result in a flat, one-dimensional taste.

Tip: Take your time with the aromatics—let them soften and release their natural sweetness.

Overcooking the Chicken

Adding pre-cooked chicken too early or leaving raw chicken simmering for too long can make it dry and stringy.

Tip: If using pre-cooked chicken, stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking to heat it through without overcooking.

Neglecting to Toast the Spices

Adding spices directly to the broth without toasting them first can lead to a less vibrant flavor.

Tip: Let the spices cook with the aromatics for 1–2 minutes to release their full potential.

Adding Tortilla Strips Too Soon

Tortilla strips are best added as a garnish just before serving. If added too early, they can become soggy and lose their crunch.

Tip: Serve the strips on the side or sprinkle them on top of each bowl right before eating.

Forgetting the Lime Juice

Lime juice is a game-changer in this soup, balancing the smoky spices and adding a bright, tangy finish. Skipping it can leave the soup tasting heavy.

Tip: Always stir in fresh lime juice at the end, off the heat, to preserve its vibrant flavor.

Remember, the magic of this soup lies in its balance of flavors and textures. Taste as you go, and don’t forget to adjust for salt, spice, and acidity.

Cooking is an art, and every detail adds to the masterpiece.

Conclusion: A Bold Bowl of Comfort

Chicken tortilla soup is a celebration of vibrant flavors, hearty ingredients, and endless creativity. It’s a dish that invites you to gather around the table, customize each bowl, and savor the warmth and joy it brings. Whether you’re recreating the magic of a Mexican kitchen or simply looking for a comforting meal, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your home.

FAQ

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes! Freeze the soup without the toppings for up to 3 months. Add fresh toppings after reheating.

What’s the best way to thicken the soup?

Blend a portion of the soup or stir in a cornstarch slurry for a thicker consistency.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Add a pinch of sugar or a splash of cream to balance the acidity.

What’s the secret to crispy tortilla strips?

Use fresh tortillas and fry or bake them until golden for the perfect crunch.

How can I make it less spicy?

Omit the jalapeño and use mild chili powder for a gentler heat.

What toppings go best with this soup?

Cilantro, avocado, sour cream, cheese, and crispy tortilla strips are classics, but feel free to get creative!

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! The flavors develop even more if the soup is made a day in advance.

What kind of chicken should I use?

Rotisserie chicken is convenient, but any cooked and shredded chicken works well.

How do I adjust the thickness?

Add more broth for a thinner soup or simmer longer to reduce and thicken.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your tortilla strips and broth are gluten-free.