Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting, hearty dish that brings the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine into a one-pot wonder. Packed with tender shredded chicken, black beans, sweet corn, crushed tomatoes, and warming spices, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner. Finished with crispy homemade tortilla strips and fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro, this soup is a flavorful and satisfying meal in a bowl.

Ingredients

For the Soup (Serves 6):

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 lb chicken breasts (about 2 medium)

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 (32 oz) carton chicken broth

• 1 (14 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (14 oz) can corn, drained and rinsed

• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped (reserve 1/4 cup for garnish)

• 1 lime, juiced

• 1 tsp salt, or to taste

For the Homemade Tortilla Strips:

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 8 corn tortillas (6-inch), cut into thin strips

Toppings:

• 1 large avocado, diced

• 1 lime, cut into wedges

• Additional cilantro (from above)

Directions

Make the Tortilla Strips:

1. Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

2. Cut tortillas into thin strips.

3. Fry the strips in batches until crispy and golden.

4. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Make the Soup:

1. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.

2. Add chopped onion, garlic, and jalapeño. Sauté until softened.

3. Add chicken breasts, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.

4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes.

5. Remove chicken, shred with forks, and return to the pot. Simmer for 5 more minutes.

6. Stir in lime juice just before serving.

7. Serve hot with tortilla strips, diced avocado, additional cilantro, and lime wedges.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 511 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 54 g

• Protein: 30 g

• Fat: 22 g

Flavor Profile: Layers of Comfort

One of the defining features of Chicken Tortilla Soup is its complex yet accessible flavor. It’s a dish that manages to be bold and comforting all at once.

• The Base: The broth is tomato-forward, with the crushed tomatoes offering a slight acidity that balances beautifully with the savory depth of chicken broth. Spices like chili powder and cumin give it warmth and complexity, while garlic and onion build the aromatic foundation.

• The Fillers: Black beans and corn add bulk and texture, as well as earthy sweetness. These humble ingredients elevate the soup into a filling, satisfying meal.

• The Protein: Chicken is the star here—typically simmered until tender, then shredded to soak up all the delicious flavors of the broth.

• The Garnish: What takes this soup over the top is the toppings. Crisp tortilla strips offer crunch and contrast, while avocado adds creaminess. A final squeeze of lime juice brightens every bite, and chopped cilantro introduces a burst of freshness.

Together, these components create a symphony of flavors and textures that feel like a warm hug in a bowl.

Health Benefits: Nutritious and Filling

Not only is Chicken Tortilla Soup delicious—it’s also a nutritional powerhouse, especially when made with wholesome ingredients.

• High in Protein: With shredded chicken as a primary ingredient, this soup offers around 30 grams of protein per serving, making it ideal for anyone looking to build muscle, maintain energy, or stay fuller for longer.

• Rich in Fiber: The inclusion of black beans and corn provides a healthy dose of fiber, aiding in digestion and supporting gut health.

• Loaded with Antioxidants: Tomatoes and spices like cumin and chili powder are rich in antioxidants that help fight inflammation.

• Customizable Calories: While it delivers robust flavor, this soup can easily be made lower in calories and fat by baking the tortilla strips instead of frying them or omitting high-fat toppings like cheese or sour cream.

As comfort food goes, it’s one of the rare options that’s actually good for you—without sacrificing taste.

Serving Suggestions: Make It a Meal

Chicken Tortilla Soup is wonderfully versatile. Serve it on its own for a light yet filling meal, or round it out with a few sides to create a festive table spread.

Here are some ideas to serve with it:

• Mexican Rice: A small serving of fluffy rice complements the soup’s textures and soaks up extra broth.

• Guacamole and Chips: Offer guac and tortilla chips for an extra touch of indulgence (or keep the chips for dunking!).

• Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with lime vinaigrette pairs well and balances the meal with extra greens.

• Quesadillas: Serve a mini cheese or veggie quesadilla on the side for kids or extra-hungry guests.

For drinks, try a classic agua fresca (like hibiscus or watermelon), or even a light Mexican lager to complete the experience.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about Chicken Tortilla Soup is how easy it is to customize based on what you have on hand or what you’re craving.

Here are a few creative takes:

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for extra beans or diced zucchini, and use vegetable broth.

• Creamy Tortilla Soup: Stir in a little sour cream or heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier texture.

• Spicy Kick: Add extra jalapeños or even a chipotle pepper in adobo for a smoky heat.

• Cheesy Twist: Top with shredded cheddar or a handful of cotija cheese before serving.

• Slow Cooker Method: Combine all ingredients (except lime juice and toppings) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Shred the chicken and add lime juice just before serving.

The basic template is endlessly adaptable—just don’t skip the crispy tortilla strips!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a meal-prepper’s dream. It stores well and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. Store tortilla strips separately to keep them crisp.

• Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully (without the toppings). Simply cool completely and freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened during storage.

Why It Belongs in Your Recipe Rotation

There’s something timeless about Chicken Tortilla Soup. It’s unfussy but feels special. It’s packed with nutrition but never tastes like health food. It’s the kind of recipe you can make on a Sunday and eat throughout the week, or whip up on a whim with pantry staples. It’s also ideal for feeding a crowd, impressing guests, or simply warming up after a long day.

Even better, it’s a dish that invites creativity, whether you’re adding seasonal vegetables, experimenting with spices, or tweaking the toppings to suit your mood.

In an age when we’re constantly searching for meals that check all the boxes—easy, healthy, comforting, and affordable—Chicken Tortilla Soup stands out as a true weeknight hero.

Conclusion

Whether you’re new to Mexican-inspired cooking or a seasoned pro, Chicken Tortilla Soup deserves a spot in your kitchen rotation. Its layers of flavor, vibrant toppings, and nourishing ingredients make it far more than just soup—it’s a celebration in a bowl.

Warm, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable, it embodies everything we love about comfort food. So the next time you’re craving something hearty and wholesome, pull out your soup pot and let the aroma of cumin, tomatoes, and lime fill your home. Your taste buds—and your dinner guests—will thank you.