The Best Cozy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe You’ll Fall in Love With Every Spoonful

Nothing beats the comfort of a warm, flavorful bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup. With its rich, zesty broth, tender chicken, hearty beans and corn, and crisp homemade tortilla strips on top, this recipe brings the soul of Southwestern cooking straight to your kitchen. It’s easy to make, deeply satisfying, and loaded with layers of taste and texture.

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What is Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a classic Mexican-inspired dish that combines shredded chicken, tomatoes, beans, and corn in a spiced broth. It’s typically garnished with crunchy tortilla strips, avocado, fresh lime, and herbs like cilantro, delivering the perfect balance of warmth, zest, and crunch in every bite.

Why You’ll Love It

One-Pot Wonder: Easy cleanup and minimal mess!
Perfect for Meal Prep: Great for leftovers or freezing.
Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice to your taste.
Comfort Food at Its Best: Hearty, wholesome, and soul-satisfying.
Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

Chicken Tortilla Soup Variations

Veggie Swap: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables or jackfruit for a vegetarian version.
Creamy Option: Add a splash of cream or coconut milk for a silky texture.
Spice it Up: Toss in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky kick.
Slow Cooker Method: Let it simmer all day for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Chicken Tortilla Soup hot and loaded with toppings! Here are some tasty ideas:

Diced avocado
Fresh lime wedges
Shredded cheese
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Jalapeño slices
Extra tortilla strips for crunch

Pair it with warm cornbread, a fresh salad, or rice on the side for a complete meal.

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Ingredients

(Yields 6 servings)

Chicken Tortilla Soup

1 Tsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 lb chicken breasts (2 medium)
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
32 oz chicken broth
14 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
14 oz can corn, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup chopped cilantro (divided, save 1/4 for garnish)
1 lime, juiced
1 tsp salt (or to taste)

Homemade Tortilla Strips

1/4 cup olive oil
8 corn tortillas (6” size), sliced into thin strips

Toppings

1 large avocado, diced
Lime wedges, to serve

How to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup

1. Sauté Veggies:

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, and jalapeño. Cook until fragrant and soft (about 3–4 minutes).
Stir in cumin and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

2. Build the Base:

Add chicken breasts, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked. Remove, shred with forks, and return to the pot.

3. Add Beans and Corn:

Stir in black beans, corn, lime juice, and 3/4 of the cilantro. Let simmer 5–10 more minutes.

4. Prepare Tortilla Strips:

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Fry tortilla strips in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

5. Serve & Top:

Ladle soup into bowls. Top with avocado, tortilla strips, remaining cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

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Make Ahead & Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer-Friendly: Freeze (without toppings) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tortilla Strips: Store separately in a sealed bag to keep crispy.

Nutrition Per Serving

Calories: 511
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 54g
Cholesterol: 48mg
Fiber: 13g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 1083mg
Potassium: 1386mg
Calcium: 131mg
Iron: 5mg

Note: Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Final Thoughts

This Chicken Tortilla Soup is more than just a cozy meal—it’s a flavor-packed experience. With vibrant ingredients, easy steps, and comforting textures, it’s destined to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re cooking for the family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a warm bowl of goodness, this soup has your back.
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