Easy Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
A steaming bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup is the perfect comfort food that brings together bold flavors with a satisfying balance of textures. This classic dish combines tender chicken, hearty beans, fresh vegetables, and a flavourful broth that is spiced just right. Topped with crunchy tortilla strips and your favourite garnishes, it offers a wholesome meal that feels both nourishing and delicious.
What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to prepare at home. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a soup that tastes just as good as your favorite restaurant version. Whether you are cooking for a cozy family dinner or looking for a dish to impress guests, this Chicken Tortilla Soup delivers warmth, comfort, and vibrant flavor in every spoonful.
Why You Need This Recipe
This Chicken Tortilla Soup is the kind of dish that proves homemade meals can be both comforting and exciting. It combines the rich flavour of a seasoned broth with tender chicken, beans, and vegetables, creating a hearty soup that feels satisfying without being too heavy. The crispy tortilla strips add just the right crunch, while toppings like avocado, cheese, or fresh cilantro let you customize each bowl to your taste.
Another reason this recipe is worth making is its simplicity. With a handful of basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you can prepare a soup that tastes like it has been simmering all day. It is also a great way to use leftover chicken, making it both practical and economical. Whether you are looking for a weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or a crowd pleasing dish, this Chicken Tortilla Soup will quickly become a favourite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
A comforting bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup starts with simple ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked chicken breast | 2 cups, shredded | 330 |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | 240 |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium | 45 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 cloves | 15 |
| Red bell pepper, diced | 1 medium | 40 |
| Corn kernels | 1 cup | 125 |
| Black beans, rinsed | 1 can (15 oz) | 315 |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14 oz) | 90 |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups | 60 |
| Ground cumin | 1 tsp | 8 |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp | 6 |
| Paprika | ½ tsp | 4 |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste | 0 |
| Tortilla strips | 1 cup | 220 |
| Fresh cilantro, chopped | 2 tbsp | 1 |
| Avocado slices (optional) | ½ medium | 120 |
| Shredded cheese (optional) | ¼ cup | 110 |
Total per serving (approx. 1 bowl without optional toppings): 320–350 calories
How to Prepare
To begin making your Chicken Tortilla Soup, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper, then saute until the vegetables soften and release their aroma. This step builds a flavourful base for the soup. Next, stir in the cumin, chili powder, and paprika, allowing the spices to toast slightly and deepen in flavour.
Once the vegetables and spices are combined, add the shredded chicken, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes so the flavors can blend beautifully. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
When the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips for a satisfying crunch. You can also add fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or avocado slices for extra richness. Serve hot and enjoy a bowl of comforting, homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup that is full of flavor and warmth.
Pro Tips
To make the best Chicken Tortilla Soup, always saute your vegetables and spices first, as this step deepens the flavour and gives the broth a rich base. Using homemade chicken broth, if available, will also make the soup taste fresher and more comforting.
For perfectly tender chicken, consider using leftover rotisserie chicken or slow cooked chicken breast, as both add convenience and flavour. When it comes to tortilla strips, bake or air fry them instead of deep frying to achieve a crispy texture with fewer calories.
Finally, do not skip the toppings. Fresh cilantro, lime juice, avocado slices, and a little cheese transform the soup from simple to restaurant quality. Adjust spice levels with chili powder or fresh jalapenos according to your preference, ensuring every bowl suits your taste perfectly.
Perfect Pairings and Toppings
Chicken Tortilla Soup is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right sides and toppings can turn it into a complete and unforgettable meal. Warm, soft flour tortillas or a side of cornbread make wonderful accompaniments, adding a touch of heartiness to the table. A fresh green salad with a light citrus dressing also works beautifully, balancing the richness of the soup with a refreshing contrast.
When it comes to toppings, the possibilities are endless. A sprinkle of shredded cheese melts into the hot broth for added creaminess, while slices of avocado bring a buttery texture. Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice brighten the flavours and add freshness to each spoonful. For those who enjoy extra heat, jalapeno slices or a dash of hot sauce can provide a spicy kick. With these pairings and toppings, every bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup can be customized to suit your taste and make the meal even more satisfying.
Conclusion
Easy Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup is the kind of dish that brings comfort and flavour to the table with very little effort. Made with simple pantry staples, fresh vegetables, and tender chicken, it delivers a satisfying meal that is both hearty and wholesome. The crispy tortilla strips and customizable toppings make every bowl unique, letting you enjoy it exactly the way you like.
Whether you are cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or preparing something special for a cozy weekend meal, this Chicken Tortilla Soup is always a winning choice. It is warm, nourishing, and packed with bold flavours that will keep everyone coming back for more. Once you try it, this recipe is sure to become a regular favourite in your kitchen.
