Hearty Chicken Tortilla Soup with Crispy Tortilla Strips

Looking for the perfect tortilla soup recipe? This hearty version is packed with flavor & easy to make! Even better, Chicken Tortilla Soup For Two! Get the recipe now.

June 3, 2025
By Ethan Navarro.

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Alright, let's dive headfirst into the world of tortilla soup recipe . Ever find yourself craving a bowl of pure comfort that's also bursting with flavour? That's exactly what this recipe is!

Hearty Chicken Tortilla Soup: A Hug in a Bowl

This isn't just any soup. this authentic chicken tortilla soup recipe takes inspiration from generations of mexican cooking. it delivers a vibrant explosion of flavour.

Expect a rich, savory broth, tender chicken, and oh-so-crispy tortilla strips!

Think of it as a culinary hug! it's an easy recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner. this tortilla soup recipe stove top method makes it simple.

You get about 6 servings, so there's enough to share... or not!

Hearty Chicken Tortilla Soup with Crispy Tortilla Strips Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (US: about 1 cup / Metric: about 150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped (US: about 1 cup / Metric: about 150g)
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat - about 1 teaspoon)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (US: about 1 3/4 cup / Metric: about 411g)
• 6 cups chicken broth (US: about 1.4 litres)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained (US: about 1 3/4 cup / Metric: about 425g)
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained (US: about 1 3/4 cup / Metric: about 425g)
• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!) (US: about 450g)
• 1 lime, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 6 corn tortillas, cut into 1/4-inch strips
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (30 ml)
• Pinch of salt
• 1 avocado, diced
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using) and cook for another 3 minutes, until fragrant.
• Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Bring to a simmer.
• Add black beans and corn to the soup. Simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
• Stir in the shredded chicken and lime juice. Heat through. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper.
• While the soup is simmering, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tortilla strips and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt.
• Ladle soup into bowls. Top with crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges. Now you have a perfect tortilla soup recipe!

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450 calories

Fat:20g

Fiber:10g

Recipe Info

Category:Soup

Cuisine:Mexican

Why You'll Absolutely Love This Soup

Honestly, the benefits are endless. this hearty chicken tortilla soup is packed with protein and vitamins. it’s super satisfying and nourishing! plus, the chicken makes it extra filling.

It is perfect for a chilly evening or any time you need a pick-me-up.

This recipe is special because it's endlessly customizable. you can adjust the spice level and add your favourite toppings. what's stopping you to try this chicken tortilla soup recipes homemade ?.

The real magic comes from simmering all those delicious flavours together. it creates a soup that's greater than the sum of its parts.

Let's Gather the Goods

Ready to get cooking? Let's round up our ingredients!

Alright, let's dive into what makes this hearty chicken tortilla soup so darn good: the ingredients! trust me, it's all about using quality stuff for the best flavour.

I remember one time i skimped on the chicken broth, oh my gosh, the soup was so bland! lesson learned!

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Okay, so here's what you'll need for this awesome authentic chicken tortilla soup recipe , designed for about six people.

If it’s just for you and your bestie, check our chicken tortilla soup for two version below!

• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
• Yellow onion: 1 medium , chopped (US: about 1 cup / Metric: about 150g)
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced
• Red bell pepper: 1 , chopped (US: about 1 cup / Metric: about 150g)
• Jalapeño (optional): 1 , minced (about 1 teaspoon)
• Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can, undrained (US: about 1 3/4 cup / Metric: about 411g). Look for good quality ones!
• Chicken broth: 6 cups (US: about 1.4 litres). PRO TIP: good quality broth makes a world of difference.
• Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
• Chili powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Smoked paprika: 1/4 teaspoon
• Black beans: 1 (15 ounce) can, rinsed and drained (US: about 1 3/4 cup / Metric: about 425g)
• Corn: 1 (15 ounce) can, drained (US: about 1 3/4 cup / Metric: about 425g)
• Cooked chicken: 3 cups shredded (US: about 450g). Rotisserie chicken is the bomb for this. Chicken Soup Tortilla perfection!
• Lime juice: 1 lime , juiced
• Salt and black pepper: To taste
• Corn tortillas: 6 , for strips
• Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml), for frying tortillas

When it comes to chicken, rotisserie chicken is my absolute go-to. It saves so much time, and honestly, it's usually seasoned really well anyway. You know?

Seasoning Notes

Spice it up! cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika is where it's at. they give that authentic chicken tortilla soup recipe flavour.

Don't skip them! if you want to get a little funky, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Boom. you can also use taco seasoning mix. want extra hearty chicken tortilla soup ?

Equipment Needed

Alright, equipment! This is where the easy crop pot meals simplicity comes in.

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for simmering the soup
• Large skillet or frying pan: For the tortilla strips
• Slotted spoon: To get those strips out of the oil
• Cutting board and sharp knife: For chopping and prepping

Don't have a Dutch oven? No worries! A large pot works just fine.

I've even made this in my chicken tortilla soup recipe crockpot once. it was lush. want a tortilla soup stove top version? simply simmer in a pot.

Seriously! this recipe for tortilla soup is so versatile.

Alright, let's get this show on the road! we are diving into the world of chicken tortilla soup . this tortilla soup recipe is so easy.

Trust me; it's proper lush. it brings sun and warmth to any night. it's like a cuddle in a bowl.

Prepping Like a Pro

First, let's get organised. this is called "mise en place," sounds fancy, right? all it means is, having everything prepped before you even turn on the hob.

Chop 1 medium yellow onion . mince 2 cloves of garlic . dice 1 red bell pepper. finely chop 1 jalapeño , if you're feeling brave! draining the beans and the corn ahead can save time.

Honestly, it's a game changer. it makes cooking so much easier. remember, safety first, be careful with that knife, yeah?

Top Tip: Mise en Place

Prep all your ingredients before you start cooking. Having everything ready saves time. This makes the cooking process smoother.

Making the Magic Happen

Here’s how to make it. Remember that timing and temps are highlighted:

1. Sauté the onion in 2 tablespoons olive oil on medium for 5 minutes .
2. Add garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook for another 3 minutes .
3. Stir in 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes , 6 cups of chicken broth , 1 teaspoon of ground cumin , 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder , and 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika . Bring to a simmer.
4. Add 1 (15 ounce) can black beans and 1 (15 ounce) can corn . Simmer for 15 minutes .
5. Stir in 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken and juice from 1 lime . Heat it through.
6. For the tortilla strips, fry strips from 6 corn tortillas in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil for 2- 3 minutes . They need to be golden and crispy. Season with salt.
7. Serve the soup with tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, and cilantro.
8. Serve with love!

Pro Tip: Tortilla Strip Perfection

Fry tortilla strips in batches. This ensures even crispness. Don’t overcrowd the pan! For a Hearty Chicken Tortilla Soup , you must do this.

Ace Advice and Avoiding Disasters

Fancy some chicken tortilla soup for two ? simply halve the recipe! a classic cock-up is not letting the soup simmer long enough.

It needs time to mingle. using a chicken tortilla soup recipe crockpot is a super easy option. just chuck everything in! this is the best recipe for tortilla soup .

If you fancy an authentic chicken tortilla soup recipe , then find some proper mexican spices! i made this soup once and burned the tortilla strips.

It was a disaster. don't be like me. watch them carefully. make-ahead? you can prep the soup base a day before.

Just add the chicken and tortilla strips when serving. you can even make easy crop pot meals using this as inspiration!

The joy of making chicken tortilla soup recipes homemade is unreal. it's a great way to use up leftovers. plus, nothing beats the taste of homemade, does it? especially on a chilly night.

So, get in the kitchen and give it a go. you won't regret it! seriously the chicken soup tortilla experience is unique and something so easy to cook on tortilla soup stove top .

Alright, let’s talk recipe notes for my hearty chicken tortilla soup with crispy tortilla strips . honestly, this tortilla soup recipe isn’t rocket science.

You know? but a few tweaks can make it truly chef's kiss . i’m all about that authentic chicken tortilla soup recipe vibe, without slaving away all day.

Serve it up, buttercup!

This soup is all about presentation. ladle into bowls. top with crispy tortilla strips. a dollop of sour cream or greek yogurt? yes, please! fresh cilantro adds a pop of color.

A wedge of lime is essential. i always make a big batch. it’s perfect for a casual night. maybe add some mexican rice? or quesadillas? for drinks, margaritas, of course!

Storing Tips and Tricks

Got leftovers? lucky you! this soup is even better the next day. trust me. refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze it! thaw it out. reheat on the stove. easy peasy .

Variations: Spice it up or mellow it out

Want a chicken tortilla soup for two ? simply halve the ingredients. or make a big batch. freeze the rest.

For my veggie pals? easy! omit the chicken. add sweet potato. boom! vegetarian tortilla soup recipe .

Nutrition: Goodness in a bowl

Let's keep it real. this soup has about 450 calories. each serving has 35g of protein. also 20g of fat.

There are 40g of carbs. plus, 10g of fiber. winner, winner! this hearty chicken tortilla soup is packed with goodness.

Listen, don't be intimidated! this tortilla soup recipe is a winner. whether you use the tortilla soup stove top method or go for the chicken tortilla soup recipe crockpot , you got this.

This soup is adaptable. it's forgiving. most importantly, it’s delicious. this is one of my fave easy crop pot meals .

So grab your ingredients. get cooking. you'll have a bowl of pure comfort. you will not regret trying the chicken soup tortilla today.