Chicken tortilla soup is one of those dishes that brings comfort with every spoonful. It’s warm, hearty, and full of bold flavors, making it a go-to meal whether you’re trying to chase away a chill or just want something satisfying and vibrant. Inspired by Mexican cuisine, this soup strikes the perfect balance between spicy, savory, and fresh.
What makes chicken tortilla soup stand out is its layering of textures. The broth is rich and flavorful, often infused with ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. It carries just enough heat to warm you up without overpowering the other flavors. Then comes the shredded chicken, tender and juicy, soaking up all the spices while adding protein and substance to the bowl.
But what really brings this soup to life are the toppings. Crisp tortilla strips are the star, offering a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the warmth of the broth. A handful of freshly chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, creamy avocado slices, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese all help build the perfect bite. Everyone can customize their bowl just how they like it, which makes it a great dish for serving a group.
This soup is also surprisingly easy to prepare. Many versions come together in one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Whether you’re using leftover rotisserie chicken, poaching fresh breasts, or cooking everything from scratch, it’s a meal that fits into even the busiest weeknight schedule.
Chicken tortilla soup also holds up well as leftovers, making it a smart option for meal prep. The flavors deepen overnight, and with the toppings added fresh, it feels like a new dish every time. It’s a comforting staple with a zesty kick, perfect for cozy evenings, casual get-togethers, or any day that calls for a little bit of warmth.
In short, chicken tortilla soup is a flavorful, feel-good classic that deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jalapeño seeds removed and finely chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14 ounces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups chicken cooked shredded
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup tortilla strips
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped fresh
- 1 avocado diced
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeno and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cumin, chili powder, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, shredded chicken, corn, and black beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- While the soup is simmering, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the tortilla strips on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until crispy.
- To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Nutrition
Soup is life! 🍜
I don’t know, it was okay but too spicy for my taste. Maybe less jalapeño next time?
I totally understand! I find jalapeños can be hit or miss. Maybe try bell peppers instead next time?
Less spicy? Why? More spice equals more flavor! Just handle it! 😜
I found it too spicy, maybe less jalapeño next time. Overall okay.
Yum! I could eat this every day 😍
I totally agree! This soup is so delicious 😋 Even my kids love it!
Looks good, but what’s with the avocado? Sounds weird to me. Can’t imagine it in soup.
Definitely making this again! Simple and delicious.
Pretty good, but I might add a little more salt and maybe a splash of lime right into the pot next time. Still, the texture with the beans and corn is great.
Could you skip the cilantro? I don’t like it—tastes like soap to me (sorry). Without it, though, the soup still hits.
Not bad, but I felt like it needed more salt. Next time I’ll under-season lightly during cooking and then adjust at the end. Tortilla strips were the best part.
Totally agree—this soup can use a little more salt. I’ve started seasoning lightly while it simmers and then doing a final pinch at the end too. Those tortilla strips are definitely the star.
Made this last night—so comforting! The jalapeño gives it a nice kick without ruining the flavor. Crispy tortilla strips are the best part.
Yes!! I made this too and the jalapeño is perfect—warm but not overpowering. My tortilla strips were extra crispy because I didn’t overcrowd the pan. Will absolutely make again.
Hmm I liked it, but mine got a little too spicy? I think I chopped the jalapeño with some seeds still in (oops). Also I forgot to add cilantro at first lol, but once I did it tasted way better. Still a solid soup.
Not sure about the cumin amount—felt a bit strong to me. Also I used jarred jalapeños instead of fresh and it tasted different. Would tweak before making again.
Totally makes sense—cumin can get punchy fast. I usually start with 1/2 tsp and then add more if it needs it. Jalapeños in a jar definitely change the flavor too (more tang/vinegar).
I tried it and it tasted kind of flat. I used low-sodium broth, so maybe that’s on me. Still, flavor-wise it needed a bit more oomph.
Sorry it felt flat! Low-sodium broth can definitely mute everything. I usually bump it with a bit more salt and maybe an extra pinch of cumin/chili powder—or even a squeeze of lime right into the pot near the end.
Chicken tortilla soup should be thicker, like stew thick. This one was more like broth with stuff floating. I’d add some corn tortillas blended or less broth next time.
Totally get what you mean. I love it when it’s more stew-like—more body. Maybe blending some of the corn/beans or using less broth would make a big difference.
Hmmm, mine wasn’t watery—maybe I let it simmer longer? I also used fewer broth cups. Not sure about blended tortillas though.
Wasn’t expecting much, but wow! This is super flavorful. Definitely a keeper.
Eh… it’s okay. I’m picky about soups and this one felt a bit bland even after salt/pepper. Wish there was something like smoked paprika or extra chili.
Hmm, I tried this last night. My kids were like ‘eww’ but I thought it was fine. I guess kids are picky.
One question: is the tortilla strips supposed to go in the oven or… like boil too? I baked them and they were good but I burned one tray oops.
I followed the recipe pretty closely, but my soup came out kind of bland. I had to add more salt and maybe a touch more cumin. The topping (avocado + cheese) saved it though.
This soup was delicious! My family loved it, especially the lime and avocado on top. Definitely making it again!
I agree, this soup is amazing! I always add extra lime for a zesty kick.
Sounds good, but I don’t get why people like avocado in soup. Seems kinda weird to me.
I didn’t have black beans so I used garbanzo instead. Still turned out great! 🥳
This recipe is really hard to follow. I don’t understand why it has so many steps. Can you make it simpler?