Zesty Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe: Homemade Comfort in a Bowl

Simmering with robust flavors, this chicken tortilla soup promises a culinary adventure that’ll warm your soul.

Mexican kitchens inspired such delightful comfort food generations ago.

Tender shredded chicken mingles with crisp tortilla strips, creating a harmonious blend of textures.

Aromatic spices dance through rich broth, inviting memories of cozy evenings.

Fresh cilantro and zesty lime juice brighten each spoonful with vibrant notes.

Hearty vegetables add depth and nutrition to this classic dish.

Come join the delicious journey and savor every comforting bite.

Reasons to Enjoy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

• Savor Quick Comfort
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like a pro, making this recipe adaptable for different tastes and dietary needs without losing an ounce of flavor.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love the rich, hearty blend of tender chicken, crispy tortilla chips, and melted cheese that makes every spoonful a celebration.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup meets maximum satisfaction with this simple, straightforward recipe that directs all energy toward creating a mouthwatering meal without unnecessary kitchen chaos.

Ingredients Needed for Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

• Chicken: Tender, cooked meat that provides the main protein for the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a robust flavor base for the soup.
• Ground Cumin, Chili Powder: Warm spices that add depth and traditional Mexican-inspired taste.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright herb that brings a fresh, herbal note to the soup.

• Chicken Broth, Water: Liquid base that creates the soup's consistency and carries the flavors.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and texture to the soup.
• Corn: Sweet vegetable that provides additional texture and flavor.

• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy base that adds texture and traditional Mexican soup element.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Creamy cheese that melts and adds richness to the soup.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing aromatics and adding a smooth cooking base.

How to Prepare Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Step 1: Fire Up The Pan

Drizzle olive oil into a roomy saucepan and warm it over medium heat, creating a sizzling cooking surface.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Toss in chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring and dancing them around the pan until the onions transform into a soft, translucent delight.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Water

Let these ingredients mingle and create a flavor-packed base.

Step 4: Boil And Simmer

Crank up the heat until the liquid bubbles energetically, then dial it back to a gentle simmer. Allow the soup to relax and blend its flavors for 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 5: Add Hearty Ingredients

• Corn kernels
• Chopped chicken
• Fresh cilantro

Stir and warm everything until the chicken is heated through.

Step 6: Create The Perfect Bowl

Crush tortilla chips directly into serving bowls, creating a crunchy foundation.

Step 7: Finish With Cheesy Goodness

Cascade the steaming soup over the chips and crown each bowl with a generous sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Serve piping hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

• Swap chicken with tofu or black beans for a vegetarian version that's equally delicious and protein-packed.
• Enhance the soup's depth by roasting tomatoes and garlic beforehand for a richer, smokier flavor profile.
• Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder or adding fresh jalapeños for extra heat that suits your taste.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to make this soup a quick weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, knowing the flavors will continue to develop and improve overnight.

Flavor Variations of Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

• Vegetarian Fiesta Soup: Replace chicken with black beans and vegetable broth for a hearty meat-free version that keeps all the original flavor profiles.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced jalapeños, extra chili powder, and a splash of hot sauce to elevate the heat and create a bolder soup experience.
• Seafood Coastal Remix: Substitute chicken with fresh shrimp or white fish chunks for a light, oceanic take on the classic recipe that brings coastal vibes to the bowl.
• Green Chile Power Soup: Include roasted green chiles, swap Monterey Jack for pepper jack cheese, and add a dollop of sour cream for a New Mexico-inspired variation with deeper pepper notes.

Pairing Suggestions for Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

• Pair Zesty Margaritas: Complement the soup's spicy Mexican flavors with a classic lime margarita that balances the heat and enhances the overall dining experience.
• Serve Crisp Mexican Beer: Select a light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial to cut through the soup's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Create Avocado Salad Sidekick: Prepare a simple avocado and lime salad with fresh cilantro to echo the soup's ingredients and add a cool, creamy texture contrast.
• Select Smooth Red Sangria: Mix a fruity red sangria with hints of orange and apple to provide a sweet and tangy accompaniment that matches the soup's vibrant profile.

Storage Guidelines for Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Pour soup into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick.

FAQs About Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

• Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time in preparing this soup.

• Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild heat level from chili powder, but you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili powder according to your preference.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Substitute chicken with black beans or extra firm tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a vegetarian version.

• What if I don't have fresh cilantro?

Dried cilantro can be used as a substitute, though fresh cilantro provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor to the soup.

Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican chicken tortilla soup delivers a spicy, comforting symphony of flavors that dance across your palate. Simmering with tender chicken, zesty tomatoes, and crisp tortilla strips, this soul-warming dish promises a culinary journey you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 cup chopped cooked chicken breast

Vegetables and Spices:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup whole corn kernels
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

Base and Toppings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can condensed chicken broth
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 7 ounces (198 grams) tortilla chips
• 1/2 cup shredded monterey jack cheese

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a medium saucepan over moderate heat until shimmering.
2. Sauté diced onions and crushed garlic until onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Sprinkle ground cumin and chili powder into the pan, stirring to release their aromatic oils.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and water, creating a rich, flavorful base.
5. Increase heat and bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer for 7-8 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld together.
6. Introduce corn kernels and pre-cooked, shredded chicken into the simmering soup, stirring gently to distribute evenly.
7. Add freshly chopped cilantro and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until chicken is thoroughly heated.
8. Crush tortilla chips directly into serving bowls to maintain their crisp texture.
9. Ladle the piping hot soup over the chips, ensuring each bowl receives an equal portion.
10. Generously sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top and serve immediately while steaming hot.

Notes

• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and create a healthier version of the soup.
• Swap chicken with black beans or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly alternative that maintains the soup’s rich flavor profile.
• Consider roasting fresh tomatoes and garlic beforehand to enhance the depth and complexity of the soup’s taste, creating a more robust and smoky foundation.
• Prep ingredients in advance and store in airtight containers to make weeknight cooking faster and more convenient, reducing overall preparation time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 335 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 640 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg