There is something magical about Chicken Tortilla Soup that warms the heart and tickles the taste buds. Imagine a bowl filled with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and zesty spices, simmering away to create a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen. delicious chicken enchiladas Each spoonful bursts with flavors that dance on your palate, making even the grumpiest of people crack a smile.
This dish isn’t just nourishment; it’s a trip down memory lane, reminding me of cozy family dinners where laughter mingled with the sizzling sound of ingredients hitting the pot. Whether it’s a rainy day or a casual gathering with friends, Chicken Tortilla Soup sets the perfect stage for unforgettable moments. comforting chicken soup spicy chicken appetizer Get ready to dive into this delightful recipe that promises to elevate any occasion! For more inspiration, check out this Cajun chicken pasta recipe recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Tortilla Soup showcases incredible flavor without overwhelming prep time
- Customize it easily based on what’s in your pantry
- Its vibrant colors make it an eye-catching dish on any table
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings with friends and family
One chilly evening, I made this soup for my friends, who were skeptical at first but ended up asking for seconds—and thirds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust depending on how many you’re feeding.
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Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
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Yellow Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; avoid any sprouting ones.
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Bell Peppers: Red or green peppers add color and crunch; chop them finely.
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Diced Tomatoes: Use canned diced tomatoes for convenience and rich flavor; choose those with green chilies for an extra kick.
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Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control saltiness while enhancing depth.
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Cumin Powder: This spice brings warmth and earthiness; don’t skip it!
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Paprika: A touch of smoked paprika adds depth; regular paprika works too if that’s what you have.
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Black Beans: Rinse canned beans well before adding; they pack protein and fiber.
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Corn Kernels: Fresh or frozen corn gives sweetness; it’s like sunshine in a bowl!
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Cilantro (for garnish): Fresh cilantro brightens every bite; chop finely before serving.
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Lime Wedges (for serving): A squeeze of lime juice elevates flavors beautifully at the table.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping all your vegetables—onions, bell peppers, and garlic—until they are fine enough to blend seamlessly into the soup.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, toss in the onions and garlic until they turn translucent and fragrant.
Add Chicken: Place your chicken breasts in the pot next. Cook them until lightly golden on both sides—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
Add Veggies & Spices: Stir in bell peppers, diced tomatoes (with their juice), black beans, corn kernels, cumin powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper as you mix everything together for about three minutes.
Pour in Broth: Carefully pour in chicken broth—this will be the base of your delicious soup! Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low.
Simmer Away: Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and flavors meld beautifully together.
After cooking is done, remove chicken breasts from the pot. Shred them using two forks before returning them to their flavorful bath in the soup.
Serve each bowl hot with fresh cilantro sprinkled on top and lime wedges on the side for those who love that zesty kick!
Now you have a heartwarming Chicken Tortilla Soup that’s sure to impress everyone around your dinner table! Enjoy! autumn squash soup.
You Must Know
- This Chicken Tortilla Soup is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl
- The blend of spices and fresh ingredients creates an aroma that fills your kitchen with pure comfort
- Perfect for cozy nights, but versatile enough for any occasion!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic for flavor, then add chicken and broth before veggies. This sequence builds layers of taste and ensures everything cooks evenly.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for beans or add corn for sweetness. Extra toppings like avocado or cheese can elevate your soup to gourmet status!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When choosing chicken, opt for skinless thighs; they are juicier and more flavorful than breasts
- Always taste as you go, adjusting seasoning to your preference
- Fresh lime juice added just before serving brightens flavors wonderfully
There’s nothing quite like the moment when my kids slurp down this soup and ask for seconds, their smiles saying it all.

FAQ
Can I make Chicken Tortilla Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with black beans or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian version.
What toppings work best with Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Top with avocado, cilantro, cheese, or crispy tortilla strips for added crunch.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking to kick up the heat!
Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a heartwarming dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and bold spices into a comforting bowl of goodness. Perfect for any occasion, this flavorful soup is easy to make and sure to delight everyone at your table. With its rich aroma and delicious taste, it’s more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to gather and enjoy memorable moments with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (red or green), chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by chopping the onions, bell peppers, and garlic.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the onions and garlic until translucent.
- Add the chicken breasts and sear them until lightly golden on both sides (5-7 minutes).
- Stir in the bell peppers, diced tomatoes (with juice), black beans, corn, cumin powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for about 3 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil; reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it with forks, then return it to the soup.
- Serve hot with fresh cilantro on top and lime wedges on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg




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