Ingredients
Creating chicken tortilla soup doesn’t require fancy ingredients. Most of these items are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store.
For the Soup:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best.
- Broth: Chicken broth or stock for a flavorful base.
- Vegetables: Onion, garlic, tomatoes (fire-roasted if possible), and jalapeños for a zesty kick.
- Beans: Black beans or pinto beans add heartiness.
- Corn: Fresh, canned, or frozen corn for a touch of sweetness.
- Spices: Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano.
- Lime juice: For a bright, tangy finish.
For the Toppings:
- Tortilla strips (store-bought or homemade)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
- Avocado slices
- Fresh cilantro
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Lime wedges
Got everything? Great! Now let’s get cooking.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Every great soup starts with aromatics. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, garlic, and jalapeños. Sauté until they’re fragrant and softened—this should take about 3–5 minutes.
Why is this step important? It builds the flavor foundation for your soup, so don’t rush it!
2. Build the Base
Once your aromatics are ready, stir in the spices: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Let them toast for about a minute. This step intensifies the spices and gives your soup that deep, rich flavor.
Next, add the tomatoes (crushed or diced), chicken broth, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil.
3. Cook the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts or thighs directly into the pot. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let the chicken cook for about 20–25 minutes.
How do you know it’s done? The chicken should be tender and easy to shred with a fork. Remove it from the pot, shred it, and set it aside.
4. Add the Beans and Corn
With your chicken cooked and shredded, it’s time to add the black beans and corn to the pot. Let them simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Combine Everything
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and give it a good stir. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken tortilla soup is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The combination of bold, comforting flavors and crunchy, creamy toppings makes it a hit every time. Plus, it’s simple to make, easy to customize, and perfect for any occasion.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, and let’s make this your new go-to soup recipe. Your taste buds will thank you!
