Cold days call for a comfort food recipe that’s filling and full of flavor. And this chicken tortilla soup delivers all of that in one bowl.
This soup is packed with tender chicken, bold spices, and a rich tomato flavor that hits just right.
Top it with crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, and a squeeze of lime, and you’ve got a meal that feels special without the fuss.
This has everything you need to make the best chicken tortilla soup right in your own kitchen.
Nutritional Value
This soup is a well-balanced meal packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. It’s filling, flavorful, and fits well into a balanced diet.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Total Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 28g |
| Calcium | 180mg |
| Potassium | 620mg |
Values are calculated for 1 serving out of 4 total servings.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: 2 Cups, cooked and shredded
- Canned Black Beans: 1 Cup, drained and rinsed
- Canned Corn: 1 Cup, drained
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: 1 Cup
- Chicken Broth: 4 Cups
- Onion: 1, diced
- Garlic Cloves: 2, minced
- Olive oil, cumin, chili Powder: 1 Tablespoon
- Salt: 0.5 Teaspoons
- Lime: 1, juiced
- Tortilla strips and shredded cheddar cheese: 0.5 Cups
Let’s make Chicken Tortilla Soup
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a hot, hearty bowl ready in no time.
Step 1: Heat the Oil and Cook the Onion
Set a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm up for a minute.
Then add your diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and slightly golden.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices
Toss in 2 minced garlic cloves and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add 1 tablespoon each of cumin and chili powder, along with 0.5 teaspoon of salt.
Stir everything together so the spices coat the onion and garlic evenly.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Broth, Beans, and Corn
Pour in 1 cup of canned diced tomatoes and 4 cups of chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
Then add 1 cup of black beans and 1 cup of corn. Let everything simmer together for 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Finish with Lime
Stir in 2 cups of shredded chicken and let the soup simmer on low for 10 minutes.
Then squeeze in the juice of 1 lime, give it a good stir, and taste for salt.
Step 5: Serve and Top
Ladle into bowls and top with 0.5 cups of crispy tortilla strips and shredded cheddar cheese.
Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips and Tricks for The Best Chicken Tortilla Soup
Use the following alternatives and add your twist to the recipe.
Freshly Cooked Chicken
Freshly cooked and shredded chicken absorbs the broth better than pre-packaged chicken. It makes every bite juicier and more flavorful.
Toast Your Spices
Before adding the broth, let the cumin and chili powder cook in the pot for 30 to 45 seconds. This brings out a deeper, richer flavor in your soup.
Don’t Skip the Lime
The lime juice at the end is not optional. It cuts through the richness of the broth and gives the soup a fresh, balanced taste.
Make Your Own Tortilla Strips
Cut corn tortillas into thin strips, toss them in a little oil and salt, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes. They taste way better than store-bought ones.
Simmer Low and Slow
If you have the time, let the soup simmer on low heat for 20 to 25 minutes instead of 10. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors blend together.
Make This Your Go-To Recipe
There’s something really special about a soup that comes together this easily and still tastes this good.
One pot, simple ingredients, and about 30 minutes that’s honestly all it takes.
You can tweak the spices, swap the toppings, or throw in extra veggies based on what you have at home. It’s the kind of meal that works on a busy weeknight just as well as on a lazy Sunday.
Make it once, and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make Chicken Tortilla Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! This soup actually tastes better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat on the stove.
2. Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Cooking Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken works great and saves you time. Just shred it and add it in at Step 4.
3. What Can I Use Instead of Tortilla Strips?
Crushed tortilla chips work just as well. You can also use sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream as a topping.
