Description
This chicken tortilla soup is warm, hearty, and full of bold Mexican-inspired flavors. Tender chicken, corn, beans, and spices come together in a flavorful broth topped with crispy tortilla strips and your favorite garnishes. Perfect for a comforting dinner, whether made in the crockpot, on the stove, or with creative twists like ground chicken or rice.
Ingredients
1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (or 1 pound ground chicken) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional) 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed (optional) 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 8 corn tortillas, cut into thin strips Vegetable oil for frying tortilla strips 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and jalapeño for 2–3 minutes. 2. Add chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika; cook 30 seconds. 3. Add chicken (whole breasts/thighs or ground), broth, tomatoes, corn, beans, salt, and pepper. 4. Bring to a boil, then simmer 20–25 minutes (or cook ground chicken through if using). 5. If using whole chicken pieces, remove, shred with forks, and return to the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning. 6. Fry tortilla strips in hot vegetable oil until crispy; drain on paper towels. 7. Serve soup hot, topped with tortilla strips, cilantro, lime wedges, and optional garnishes.
Notes
• Use rotisserie chicken to save time. • For a creamy variation, stir in a little heavy cream at the end. • Omit beans for a bean-free version, or add rice for extra heartiness. • Store leftovers (without tortilla strips) in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: chicken tortilla soup, crockpot tortilla soup, Mexican soup, ground chicken tortilla soup, chicken tortilla soup with rice