Best Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a bowl of something vibrant, comforting, and absolutely packed with flavor, look no further than this Best Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe! A swirl of savory tomato broth, tender chicken, sweet corn, and a tangle of toppings hits every note—smoky, spicy, fresh, and hearty. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly night or serve loved ones a meal that feels special with surprisingly little effort, this soup is the hug-in-a-bowl you’ll come back to again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this soup so unforgettable isn’t hard-to-find ingredients, but the magic that happens when simple pantry staples come together. Each addition brings a unique texture, a pop of color, or a blast of delicious flavor that turns this Best Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe into a weeknight staple.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, they cook quickly and shred beautifully for tender bites in every spoonful.
• Onion: A medium yellow or white onion adds savory depth right at the start.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic provides an aromatic backbone; don’t skimp for ultimate flavor.
• Red bell pepper: Sweet, crunchy, and packed with color, it makes every bowl pop.
• Jalapeño: For a gentle heat; remove the seeds for mild soup or leave some in for a spicy touch.
• Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: They imbue the broth with subtle smokiness and vibrant tomato flavor.
• Chicken broth: Use low-sodium for full control of saltiness, and opt for homemade if you have some handy.
• Black beans: They add extra heartiness and a creamy texture to every bite.
• Corn: Sweet corn kernels create bursts of color and flavor in the soup.
• Chili powder & cumin: These classic spices bring warmth and that signature Southwest taste.
• Salt & pepper: Just the basics, but absolutely vital for seasoning the whole pot.
• Lime: A squeeze at the end brightens everything up to perfection.
• Cilantro: For fresh, herby flavor—absolutely key for garnish.
• Corn tortillas: Sliced and toasted, they give the soup its irresistible signature crunch.

How to Make Best Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding a drizzle of oil. Toss in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño, stirring frequently until they’re just softened and fragrant—usually about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and let it cook for 30 seconds, just until you smell its rich aroma. This veggie medley lays down the savory foundation that every great soup needs.

Step 2: Add Spices and Tomatoes

Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the sautéed veggies, stirring so the spices coat everything evenly. Next, pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, giving the base a deep, smoky flavor that sets the Best Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe apart. Let this mixture sizzle for a minute or so for maximum flavor meld.

Step 3: Simmer with Chicken and Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, and gently nestle the chicken breasts into the bubbling mixture. Bring the pot to a low boil, then turn down to a gentle simmer. Leave it uncovered for about 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender enough to shred. The chicken absorbs all the zesty, smoky flavors along the way.

Step 4: Shred Chicken and Add Beans & Corn

Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Slide the tender shreds back into the soup along with the black beans and corn. Let the whole pot simmer for another 5 minutes to let everyone mingle and to heat the beans and corn through. The result: a soup packed with vivid taste and plenty of good-for-you ingredients in every bite.

Step 5: Toast Tortilla Strips

While your soup is bubbling, heat a skillet or oven to lightly crisp corn tortilla strips. Arrange them in a single layer and toast until golden and irresistibly crunchy. These strips are non-negotiable, adding the soup’s essential texture and authentic Southwestern vibes.

Step 6: Add Freshness and Serve

With the heat off, stir in a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice and a big handful of chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle your hot, colorful Best Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe into bowls and top with the toasted tortilla strips. The aroma alone will have everyone running to the table!

How to Serve Best Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Garnishes

The beauty of the Best Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe lies in the toppings. Don’t hesitate to pile on extras—try creamy avocado slices, tangy sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, or extra lime wedges. Each garnish builds a new layer of flavor and turns every bowl into a personal masterpiece.

Side Dishes

This soup is a meal on its own, but if you want to round out the lunch or dinner experience, serve it alongside warm, cheese-stuffed quesadillas, a crunchy salad with a bright vinaigrette, or a basket of salty tortilla chips. You’ll have a complete spread guaranteed to wow friends and family.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at parties or gatherings, set up a DIY soup bar! Keep the Best Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe warm in a crockpot and arrange bowls with different toppings so everyone can build their ideal bowl. Or serve mini soup shots as starters at your next get-together for a playful, bite-sized approach to this classic favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover soup covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, store tortilla strips separately so they stay crisp and are ready for sprinkling fresh over reheated soup.

Freezing

The Best Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Leave a little room at the top for expansion and freeze for up to three months. Hold off on adding garnishes or tortilla strips until serving day.

Reheating

Gently reheat your soup on the stove over medium heat or use the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each. Add a splash of extra broth if the soup has thickened up, and top with fresh garnishes and tortilla strips right before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a terrific shortcut. Just add it during the bean and corn step, heating through for that classic Best Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe goodness with even less prep.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Definitely. Swap the chicken for extra black beans or your favorite plant-based protein, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The vibrant flavors still shine, and the soup remains hearty and satisfying.

How can I adjust the spice level?

You control the heat! For mild soup, remove the seeds and ribs from your jalapeño, and use less chili powder. To amp things up, add a pinch of cayenne or some diced chipotle in adobo for a deeper smoky heat.

What’s the best way to get extra-crispy tortilla strips?

Brush sliced tortillas with a hint of oil, then bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Watch closely—the strips go from perfect to burnt quickly. This extra step makes the Best Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe even more irresistible.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Add all the soup ingredients (except the garnishes and tortilla strips) to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Shred the chicken, return it to the pot, and garnish as desired.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about ladling up a steaming bowl of the Best Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe, packed with vibrant flavors and topped just the way you like it. Whether it’s your first time making it or your fiftieth, this recipe is bound to become a beloved staple at your table—give it a try and see how quickly it disappears!

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