Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that has been a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries. This rich, hearty soup brings together tender shredded chicken, savory vegetables, and crispy tortilla strips all swimming in a deliciously spiced broth. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to serve at your next gathering, Chicken Tortilla Soup offers a satisfying balance of flavors and textures that everyone can enjoy. The warm broth combined with the crunch from fried tortillas and the creaminess of avocado or sour cream makes each spoonful an absolute delight.
Originating in Mexico, this dish has evolved with many variations over time, but the base ingredients remain consistent: chicken, tomatoes, garlic, spices, and tortillas. What sets this soup apart from others is the crispy tortilla strips, which are fried to golden perfection and added to the soup for both flavor and texture. These tortilla strips not only add a delightful crunch but also absorb some of the flavorful broth, enhancing the overall experience of the dish.
One of the reasons this recipe has stood the test of time is its versatility. You can adjust the spice levels, add extra vegetables, or even serve it with different toppings to make it your own. It’s a perfect dish for any season: hearty enough for colder months and light enough to enjoy in warmer weather. Whether you like it mild or spicy, with lots of toppings or just a few, Chicken Tortilla Soup is a dish that satisfies every craving.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 4 corn tortillas (8-inch / 20cm)
- ⅓ cup (70g) vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 tbsp olive oil, for sautéing
- 1 medium onion (160g), chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, diced and seeded
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 14 oz (400g) can diced tomatoes
- 14 oz (400g) can tomato puree
- 3 cups (750ml) vegetable stock
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 ½ tsp (7g) salt
- 1 pound (450g) chicken breast
- 14 oz (400g) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup (160g) corn, frozen or canned
For Garnishing:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream
- Avocado slices
- Lime slices
- Tortilla strips (prepared)
- Jalapeño slices
Steps to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Tortilla Strips
Start by cutting the corn tortillas into thirds, then cut each third into ½ inch (1cm) strips. This will give you the perfect crispy tortilla strips to add to the soup later.
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the tortilla strips in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the tortilla strips from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced jalapeño. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and softened. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Once the vegetables are softened, add the cumin and chili powder to the pot. Give everything a quick stir to allow the spices to bloom and become fragrant, which should take about 1 minute.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Broth
Next, pour in the canned diced tomatoes and tomato puree. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Add the vegetable stock, dried oregano, and salt, and bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
While the soup is simmering, add the chicken breast to the pot. Make sure the chicken is submerged in the broth. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. You can check if the chicken is done by cutting into it and ensuring that the meat is no longer pink.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
Step 5: Add Beans and Corn
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir it into the soup. Add the black beans and corn to the soup and let everything simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the beans and corn to warm up and absorb the flavors of the broth.
Step 6: Serve the Soup
Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls. Top each bowl with a handful of crispy tortilla strips for crunch. Then, garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, slices of avocado, lime wedges, and optional jalapeño slices for an extra kick of heat.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Serve the soup hot, and enjoy the comforting, delicious layers of flavors and textures in every spoonful!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 370
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 7g
Why This Recipe is Timeless
Chicken Tortilla Soup has become a staple in kitchens around the world, and it’s easy to understand why. The combination of tender shredded chicken, savory vegetables, and crispy tortilla strips gives the soup a balance of textures that is satisfying and comforting. The warm broth provides a perfect base, while the fried tortilla strips add a delightful crunch, making each bite a unique experience.
What makes this recipe truly timeless is its versatility. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less jalapeño, making it as mild or spicy as you like. The soup can be customized to include additional ingredients like beans, corn, or even other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini. Whether you prefer your soup with more or less spice, or topped with your favorite garnishes, Chicken Tortilla Soup offers a versatile canvas for flavor exploration.
Additionally, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for sharing at gatherings or family dinners. It’s easy to make in large batches, and leftovers can be stored and enjoyed for a few days, making it a great meal prep option. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re craving something flavorful and filling, this soup is always a great choice.
FAQs
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, Chicken Tortilla Soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In fact, the flavors often develop even more as it sits. When reheating, simply add a bit of water or broth to thin it out if needed.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by swapping the chicken for a plant-based protein such as tofu, tempeh, or beans. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make the soup fully vegetarian.
What can I use instead of tortilla strips?
If you don’t have time to fry tortilla strips, you can simply crush some tortilla chips and sprinkle them on top of the soup for added crunch.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, Chicken Tortilla Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little water or broth to adjust the consistency.
- Freezing: To freeze, store the soup in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When reheating, you may need to add more liquid as the soup may thicken during freezing.
Conclusion
Chicken Tortilla Soup is the epitome of comfort food: hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. With the perfect balance of textures from the tender chicken, savory broth, crispy tortillas, and creamy toppings, it’s no wonder this dish has become a classic. The beauty of this soup lies in its ability to be both easy to prepare and impressively delicious. From cozy dinners to special occasions, this dish is always a winner. With its rich flavors and customizable toppings, Chicken Tortilla Soup will continue to be a beloved recipe in kitchens for generations to come. Whether you’re looking to share a bowl with family or simply treat yourself to a hearty meal, this soup is a go-to option that never disappoints.