Chicken Tortilla Soup

Warm, savory, and loaded with flavor, this Chicken Tortilla Soup brings the vibrant spirit of Mexican cuisine right to your table. Tender chicken, sweet corn, and a perfectly spiced broth come together for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Top it all off with crispy baked tortilla strips and a generous sprinkle of melty Monterey Jack cheese, and you have a bowlful of comfort that’s both hearty and fresh. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxing weekend dinner, this soup is sure to be a family favorite all year round.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth

• 1 cup frozen corn kernels

• 1 cup chopped cooked chicken breast

• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce

• 1½ cups water

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon cumin

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 5 corn tortillas, cut into strips

• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until tender, about 3 minutes.

3. Stir in chicken broth, corn, chicken, tomato sauce, and water.

4. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange tortilla strips on a baking sheet and bake until crisp, about 10 minutes.

7. Ladle soup into bowls, top with baked tortilla strips, and sprinkle with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes

Kcal: 260 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Chicken Tortilla Soup – A Hearty Taste of Comfort

When it comes to soul-warming dishes that instantly transport you to a place of comfort and joy, Chicken Tortilla Soup sits proudly at the top. With its rich, savory broth, tender bites of chicken, bursts of sweet corn, and a slight kick of spices, this soup delivers everything you could want from a cozy meal. Topped with crisp tortilla strips and melty cheese, every spoonful offers a satisfying combination of textures and flavors that are sure to delight your taste buds.

Whether you’re preparing for a cozy night in, a casual family dinner, or a festive gathering, Chicken Tortilla Soup is a fantastic choice that feels both hearty and festive. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the familiar flavors of Mexican cuisine with minimal effort and maximum flavor payoff.

A Bit of History

Chicken Tortilla Soup is believed to have its roots in central Mexico, although like many traditional dishes, its origins are blended with the culinary creativity of many regions. Originally designed as a way to stretch simple, everyday ingredients like corn tortillas and chicken, this dish has evolved into a beloved staple not just in Mexico, but around the world.

The use of tortillas in soup likely comes from a traditional Mexican practice of repurposing day-old tortillas. Instead of discarding them, they were fried or baked until crispy and then used to add crunch and body to dishes. The addition of broth, chicken, vegetables, and spices transformed it into the complete meal we know and love today.

What Makes This Soup Special?

Unlike many other chicken soups that rely solely on herbs for flavor, Chicken Tortilla Soup layers bold, vibrant flavors. The base is often a richly seasoned tomato broth, seasoned with spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic, lending it a slightly smoky, earthy profile.

The addition of corn not only gives a pop of sweetness but also evokes classic Mexican street food flavors, making the soup feel both rustic and authentic. Chicken adds the hearty protein element, while tortilla strips introduce a delightful crunch that makes every bite more interesting.

Additionally, the toppings are where personal flair comes in cheese, avocado slices, sour cream, fresh cilantro, lime wedges each one adds its own texture and taste, allowing for endless customization.

Nutritional Benefits

Chicken Tortilla Soup isn’t just delicious; it can be quite nourishing too. Chicken is a lean source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. The broth, especially if homemade, can be rich in minerals and collagen. Corn provides fiber and essential vitamins like B6 and folate, and tomatoes bring an antioxidant boost, particularly lycopene, which supports heart health.

If you bake your tortilla strips instead of frying them, and control the amount of cheese and sour cream added, this dish can be a light, healthy meal that’s also extremely satisfying. It’s a versatile soup that can easily fit into a variety of dietary preferences gluten-free, dairy-free, or even low-carb with a few simple tweaks.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Use Homemade Broth: If time allows, use a homemade chicken broth for a richer, more flavorful base. It truly makes a difference.

• Choose Your Chicken Wisely: You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or quickly poach a couple of chicken breasts specifically for this dish. Shredded chicken thigh meat will be juicier if you prefer that.

• Tortilla Tips: Baking the tortilla strips instead of frying keeps the soup lighter while still offering that essential crunch.

• Adjust the Heat: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder if you love your soup with more spice, or keep it mild if you’re serving kids or those sensitive to heat.

• Play with Toppings: From diced avocados to crumbled queso fresco, the toppings are half the fun! They allow each person to customize their bowl just the way they like it.

• Fresh Lime Juice: A final squeeze of lime juice brightens the entire dish, enhancing all the other flavors beautifully.

Creative Variations

While traditional Chicken Tortilla Soup is hard to beat, here are a few fun twists you can try:

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add beans (like black or pinto) and extra veggies for hearty texture.

• Creamy Style: Stir a splash of heavy cream, coconut milk, or a dairy-free alternative into the soup for a creamier, luxurious version.

• Spicy Tomato Base: Roast your tomatoes and peppers beforehand to give the broth a deeper, smoky flavor.

• Slow Cooker Magic: This soup adapts beautifully to a slow cooker. Simply add all ingredients (except the tortilla strips and toppings) and let it simmer for hours.

• Add Rice or Beans: Bulk it up with cooked rice or beans for a super-filling meal, ideal for meal prepping lunches for the week.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a meal on its own, but if you want to round out the experience, serve it with:

• A side of Mexican rice

• A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette

• Warm, homemade cornbread

• Grilled street corn (elote)

It’s also a fantastic starter if you’re planning a larger Mexican-themed dinner party featuring tacos, enchiladas, or fajitas.

Why You’ll Love It

This soup is more than just a meal it’s an experience. The warm broth comforts you from the inside out, the colorful toppings add excitement to your bowl, and the depth of flavors keeps every bite interesting. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight but special enough to serve to guests.

Since it’s so customizable, it’s also a great option for picky eaters. Everyone can add their favorite toppings and make their bowl their own. And if you’re meal prepping, it reheats beautifully, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld.

Conclusion:

Chicken Tortilla Soup perfectly captures what great home cooking is all about: warmth, flavor, and comfort. It’s simple but layered, humble but impressive, hearty yet fresh. Whether you’re looking for a cozy winter meal, an easy way to use up leftover chicken, or a colorful starter for a Mexican-themed dinner, this soup will not disappoint.

Its universal appeal, bold taste, and satisfying crunch make it a timeless favorite and once you try it, it might just become a regular feature on your meal rotation. Give it a go, and don’t forget to get creative with your toppings!