Hearty Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe: A Bowl of Zesty Comfort

Hearty chicken tortilla soup beckons with its vibrant medley of flavors that dance across your palate.

Southwestern comfort finds its perfect expression in this soul-warming dish.

Mexico’s culinary traditions shine through each spoonful of richly seasoned broth.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with crisp tortilla strips, creating a textural symphony.

Bright cilantro, zesty lime, and robust spices collaborate to deliver an unforgettable taste experience.

Colorful ingredients promise a meal that nourishes both body and spirit.

Dive in and let this soup transport you to a world of delicious adventure.

Chicken Tortilla Soup with Zesty Flavor

• Savor Comfort Quickly: This chicken tortilla soup delivers warm, hearty flavors with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy weeknights or when craving a satisfying meal.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows personalized toppings like avocado, sour cream, or extra cheese, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with vibrant ingredients and mild spices, this soup appeals to both kids and adults, creating a delightful shared dining experience that brings everyone together.
• One-Pot Wonder: Streamlined cooking process using a single pot means less cleanup, reducing kitchen stress and letting you enjoy your meal without dreading dishwashing afterward.

Ingredients for Flavorful Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Chicken: Shredded protein that provides the hearty base for the soup.
• Tomatoes: Adds rich, tangy flavor and creates the soup's vibrant base.
• Chicken Broth: Provides the liquid foundation and enhances the overall soup flavor.

• Onions, Garlic, Bell Peppers: Create a flavorful and fragrant starting point for the soup.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and adds a subtle richness.
• Spices: Blend of seasonings that adds depth and complexity to the soup.
• Lime Juice: Brightens the flavor with a fresh, citrusy note.
• Tortilla Strips, Cilantro: Crispy and fresh toppings that add texture and herbal freshness to the finished soup.

How to Prepare Chicken Tortilla Soup Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Place a large pot on the stovetop and drizzle olive oil, heating it over medium warmth. Toss chopped onions into the pot and cook until they become soft and see-through.

Add minced garlic and diced bell peppers, stirring and letting them dance together for a few minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then gently lower the heat, allowing the liquid to simmer softly and develop deep flavors.

Step 3: Introduce Protein and Spices

• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let everything bubble together for about ten minutes, allowing the spices to mingle and infuse the soup with rich, bold taste.

Step 4: Brighten and Garnish

• Crispy tortilla strips
• Fresh chopped cilantro

Serve hot and enjoy the vibrant, comforting flavors of this classic Mexican-inspired soup.

Tips for Rich and Tasty Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easier shredding and leaner protein.
• Swap chicken with black beans or tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains robust flavor profiles.
• Prepare tortilla strips ahead of time by cutting corn tortillas into thin strips and baking until crispy for a healthier alternative to deep-frying.
• Use homemade chicken broth for richer taste, or low-sodium store-bought broth to control salt content.
• Adjust spice levels by adding more chili powder or including diced jalapeños for extra heat and complexity.

Flavorful Variations on Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Vegetarian Southwest Soup: Replace chicken with black beans or tofu, using vegetable broth for a plant-based version that maintains robust southwestern flavors.
• Spicy Green Chile Variation: Swap bell peppers with roasted green chiles and add jalapeños for an extra kick of heat and depth of flavor.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Soup: Eliminate tortilla strips and use spiralized zucchini noodles instead, keeping the soup's core spices and protein intact for a lighter meal option.
• Instant Pot Quick Version: Transfer all ingredients to an instant pot, cooking on high pressure for 15 minutes to create a faster, one-pot meal with the same authentic taste profile.

Pairings That Complement Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Grab a crisp Corona or Modelo Especial to complement the soup's spicy and tangy flavors, cutting through the richness with its light, refreshing character.
• Create a cool side dish with diced avocados, lime juice, and cilantro to balance the soup's warmth and add a fresh, creamy texture.
• Serve homemade or store-bought tortilla chips on the side for extra crunch, perfect for dipping and adding a satisfying textural contrast to the soup.
• Mix a classic margarita using fresh lime juice to echo the soup's citrus notes and provide a bright, tangy accompaniment that enhances the overall dining experience.

Storage Tips for Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Microwave Reheating: Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until soup reaches 165°F. Add a splash of chicken broth if soup seems thick.
• Stovetop Reheating: Pour soup into a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a little broth if needed. Warm gently until heated through, avoiding rapid boiling that can break down ingredients.

FAQs

• Is this soup spicy?

The heat level depends on the chili powder or jalapeños you use. For a milder version, reduce the spice or use mild chili powder.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option and adds delicious flavor to the soup.

• How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace chicken with black beans or extra firm tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

• Do I need fresh tortilla strips?

No, you can use store-bought tortilla chips or corn chips as a crunchy topping if you prefer a quicker option.

Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken tortilla soup from Mexico delivers a symphony of bold flavors and comforting textures. Zesty ingredients and simple preparation make this dish a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups (950 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups (475 ml) cooked and shredded chicken breast
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• Corn tortillas (for strips)
• Fresh lime juice (to taste)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat, gently sautéing onions until they turn translucent and soft.
2. Incorporate minced garlic and diced bell peppers, continuing to cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth, elevating the heat to create a rapid boil before reducing to a gentle simmer.
4. Introduce shredded chicken and a blend of aromatic spices, allowing the mixture to simmer for approximately 10 minutes to develop deep, rich flavors.
5. Brighten the soup with a zesty splash of fresh lime juice, creating a vibrant taste profile.
6. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, generously topping with crisp tortilla strips and fresh cilantro leaves for added texture and visual appeal.
7. Serve immediately while piping hot, ensuring each portion captures the robust and comforting essence of this classic Mexican-inspired soup.

Notes

• Swap chicken for a plant-based protein like tofu or jackfruit to create a vegetarian version of this hearty soup.
• Toast whole spices before grinding to enhance their depth and release more complex flavor profiles.
• Prep extra shredded chicken during batch cooking to quickly assemble this soup on busy weeknights, saving time and energy.
• Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content and accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining rich taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg