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chicken tortilla soup recipe

Colorful Chicken Tortilla Soup

Owen ParkerOwen Parker
A vibrant chicken tortilla soup topped with crispy tortilla strips, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8 bowls
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Sharp knife

Ingredients
  

Soup Base

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
  • 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Tortilla Strips

  • 4 corn tortillas cut into strips
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for frying

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, and cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add diced onion and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic, cumin, and chili powder, and cook for another minute. Add chicken broth, tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
  • Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it using two forks and add it back to the pot. Let it warm through for about 5 minutes.
  • While the soup is cooking, heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry tortilla strips until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels and season with salt.

Serving

  • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips. Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice if desired.

Storage

  • Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.

Notes

Pro Tips: For extra crunch, ensure the oil is hot before frying the tortilla strips.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.
How to Serve: Top with fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime for added zest.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the soup base a day in advance without the tortilla strips.
Keyword chicken tortilla soup, Mexican chicken soup, tortilla soup recipe