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Delicious Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful, spicy, and comforting Mexican-inspired soup made with tender chicken, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of seasonings, topped with crispy tortilla strips and fresh garnishes. This hearty soup is perfect for cozy nights and can be made in less than an hour for a quick and satisfying meal.

 

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional for extra heat)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra spice)
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed into small pieces
  • Garnishes: sliced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and extra tortilla chips

Instructions

  • Sauté the vegetables:
    In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the tomatoes and seasonings:
    Stir in the diced tomatoes, green chilies (if using), chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Add the chicken and corn:
    Stir in the shredded chicken and frozen corn, simmering for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through.
  • Finish the soup:
    Add the lime juice and adjust seasoning if needed. If the soup is too thick, you can add more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
  • Serve and garnish:
    Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crushed tortilla chips, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro. Add extra tortilla chips for crunch, if desired.

Notes

  • To make this soup spicier, add extra cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
  • For a vegetarian version, use beans and extra vegetables in place of the chicken.
  • You can prepare the soup ahead of time, and it will store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
  • For an extra creamy texture, stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking.

Keywords: Chicken Tortilla Soup, easy chicken soup, Mexican soup, spicy chicken soup, tortilla soup recipe, comfort food soup, homemade tortilla soup, healthy soup, chicken soup with tortilla chips, hearty chicken soup.