Tortilla soup is the perfect comfort food that brings together a combination of rich flavors, savory broth, and satisfying textures. This Mexican-inspired soup is hearty, yet light, making it ideal for any season, whether you’re craving a warm, cozy dish during the colder months or something flavorful to enjoy year-round. The vibrant flavors of tomatoes, chili, and garlic come together in a satisfying broth, while crispy tortilla strips add a wonderful crunch, making every bite a delight.
The beauty of tortilla soup lies in its simplicity. It’s made with common pantry ingredients like tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices, but when combined, they create an explosion of flavor. The base of the soup is a flavorful broth that is gently simmered with aromatic ingredients like cumin, coriander, and chili powder. This combination of spices gives the soup its signature warmth and depth. As the soup simmers, the tomatoes and broth meld together, forming a rich, savory foundation that is both comforting and filling.
What sets tortilla soup apart is the addition of crispy tortilla strips. Fried to perfection, these strips float on top of the soup, adding a satisfying crunch to every spoonful. Whether you make your own or use store-bought tortilla chips, they elevate the dish, offering a wonderful textural contrast to the soft, warm soup. A squeeze of fresh lime and a sprinkle of cilantro adds a burst of freshness, balancing the richness of the broth.
This soup is highly customizable and versatile. You can add shredded chicken or beef for extra protein, or make it vegetarian by leaving out the meat and adding more vegetables like corn, beans, or zucchini. For those who love spice, you can kick up the heat by adding fresh chilies or hot sauce to taste. Tortilla soup is perfect for a cozy dinner, and its bold, flavorful profile will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup chicken shredded, cooked
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14 ounces
- 1 cup corn fresh or frozen
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 4 corn tortillas cut into strips and fried
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat some oil and sauté the onion until translucent.
- Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the chicken broth, shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, corn, cumin, and chili powder.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips.
My grandma makes the best tortilla soup, this was not the same. Disappointed.
This is so comforting—didn’t expect it to taste that hearty. I used canned chicken for speed and it still came out great!
Not bad, but 20 minutes is kind of short for me. I let it simmer closer to 35 and the onions tasted sweeter. Would definitely make again.
I tried this and it was way too salty for my taste. Maybe less salt next time?
Delicious! I added avocado slices and it made it perfect! 😍
That sounds amazing! Avocado definitely enhances it. Great idea! 🥑😊
The recipe is easy to follow but could use more spice. I like it hot!
I tried frying the tortillas, and mine turned out kinda soggy?? Maybe my oil temp was wrong. The soup itself was tasty, I just didn’t get the crunch.
I don’t know… It was kinda bland for my taste. Maybe add more spices?
I totally get what you mean! I added more cayenne and it really turned up the flavor!
I’m skeptical about frying strips—seemed like extra work for “little crunch.” But wow, it actually held up and didn’t get soggy instantly.
Really good flavor, but mine needed way more salt than the recipe suggested. Also I forgot to fry the tortillas at first and it felt kind of flat—crispy topping matters.
Tortilla soup? More like tortilla stew! Too thick for my liking.
But I think it tastes great as is! Maybe you just prefer lighter soups. Everyone’s taste is different!
I disagree! This soup is supposed to be hearty and filling! If you want it thinner, just add more broth.
Yum! My kids loved it. I added some avocado and it was delish!
Eh, not great. My aunt’s recipe is way better! This was just meh.
Super tasty! I added some avocado on top and it was delicious. Will make again!
Hated it! The broth was too salty for my taste.
This recipe is overly complicated. Do I really need 4 cups of broth?
Made this for dinner last night and it was soooo cozy. The cumin + chili powder combo is perfect, and the tortilla strips add that crunchy top. I used frozen corn and it still came out great.
Omg yes—cozy is the perfect word for this 😍 I’m making it again this week. The tortilla strips really do make it.
Tried it but mine was a bit bland until I added more chili powder and like… a splash of lime (idk if that’s “allowed” lol). Still good though!
Tortilla soup? Mmm… more like Tortilla slog. Didn’t like it.
I dunno about this recipe, the instructions seem a bit off. Who puts tomatoes in soup?
This soup is amazing! So flavorful and perfect for a chilly evening.
I totally agree! This soup is a game changer for cold nights. 😍
Sounds good, but I think it’s missing a kick! Maybe add more spices?
First time making soup and it was fun! but I used beef broth by accident. Still good!
Mine came out too thick… idk if I messed it up or what. Add more broth if yr soup is thick!
Tortilla soup? Never heard of it. Made it for the fam, they was surprised but liked it!
I don’t get the hype. It’s just soup, it didn’t wow me.
Pretty good! I just used whatever I had in the fridge. #chefskills
Sounds delicious! I love when you can make something good with just what you have. Great job! 👏
Mmm, for sum reason I put too much cumin and it was overwhelming, lol.
Tortilla strips are the best part! Gimme more crusty ones! 😀
It hot! I add hot sauce because I like it spicy. Yum!
I love it spicy too! Hot sauce is the best way to kick things up a notch. Makes it so much better. 😋
This soup is amazing! Full of flavor and so easy to make. My family loved it!
I totally agree! This soup is a hit at my house too. Can’t wait to make it again!
I don’t know about the corn, it didn’t mix well with the rest to me. Not a fan!
Why fry the tortillas at all? I air-fried them and they were still decent. I’ll probably skip frying next time and just toss tortilla strips in after to save time.
I just used leftover turkey instead of chicken and it worked wonders! 😄
But isn’t turkey drier than chicken? Not sure if that’s a good swap. 🤔
That’s a great idea! Leftover turkey can be so versatile. I’ll try it next time! 😊
Yummy! My whole family loved it. Will definitely make again!
Too much chicken for me… maybe just use one cup? I like a lil less meat in my soup. ⭐⭐
Not spicy enough for me, I added some jalapeños. Still okay tho.
Jalapeños sound like a great addition! I like my soup spicy too! 🌶️
Too spicy for my kids! I should’ve used less chili powder. Be careful!
The instructions are okay, but the ingredient list says “tortillas cut into strips and fried” like it’s effortless. I need more guidance on oil temp lol.
Didn’t work out for me. My soup got burned. I need cooking lessons. 🙁
I used frozen corn and it was fine, but I added extra garlic because 2 cloves felt light. Still turned out great.
Love this! I’ve done frozen corn too and it’s always reliable. Also yes—2 cloves can be a little timid; your version sounds perfect.
2 cloves is totally enough for me, but I guess if you like it garlicky go for it. Did you fry the tortilla strips in advance or right before serving? Mine usually gets soggy fast 😅
Not what I expected. It was alright, but I think it needed something else.
I dunno, man. It’s tortilla soup. What more do you want? Tacos in it or what?
I thought it was good! Maybe add some avocado or lime to jazz it up a bit?
Too salty for my taste 😕. I think I added too much broth?
It was okay, but I thought it could use some beans or something. Just had chicken and corn.
I don’t have cumin, can I leave it out? I used taco seasoning instead.
I don’t know, cumin is like important for flavor. You might wanna try finding some!
Yeah, you can leave it out! Taco seasoning should make it tasty too.
My whole family loved it, even my picky eater! Definitely a recipe to keep.
That’s awesome! I always find it hard to please my picky child, maybe I will try this recipe too! Thanks for sharing.
Um, I don’t know. Seems like a lot of ingredients. Can’t just throw some broth and chicken together? 🤔
Honestly, I was skeptical at first, but this soup turned out really good. Only thing is I added avocado. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’m not really a soup person, but this one I could get used to!
I think there should be beans in this, right? But still, nice flavor.
Nah, beans are not traditional in tortilla soup. It’s perfect without them!
Beans would be a nice addition! I usually put black beans in my tortilla soup for extra protein.
This was so good! I love tortilla soup and this recipe hit all the right notes. Definitely making it again!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Tortilla soup is such a cozy dish. What toppings did you use?
Looks good but can you really trust a soup recipe with only 6 steps? Seems too easy to be true.
Fried tortillas make everything better! This is a keeper for sure!
I followed the recipe but it didn’t taste like what my mom made. I think she used a different broth or something.
You might be right! Broth can totally change the flavor. Maybe try adding more spices next time?
Idk why you think it needs to be like your mom’s? Every recipe is different. I thought it was good!
So easy and quick! Will make again. Tastes like a pro made it!
I totally agree! This recipe is a lifesaver on busy nights. It’s so good and filling!
But does it really taste like restaurant style? I mean, how can you be sure? 🤔
It was good, but I feel like something was missing. Maybe some lime?
Lime would definitely add a nice zing! I think it’s a great idea.
I can’t really cook, but this was so simple! Thanks for the easy recipe!
I used leftover rotisserie chicken and it was a hit! Easy to follow too.
I wasn’t sure about the corn, but it turned out to be a great addition!
Perfect for a cold day! I will definitely be making this for my book club.
Sounds delicious! I’m excited to try it out too. What book are you discussing?
The recipe is nice but kinda basic. I expected more excitement.
Quick and easy! My kids loved it and said it was better than what I usually make. Will make again!
That’s awesome to hear! Kids really know what they like. I’ll have to try this for my family too.
I don’t know… tortilla soup? Sounds kinda bland to me. You sure it’s really better than yours?
I was a bit skeptical about the cumin, but it really brought the flavors together. Great recipe!
Super easy to make! I used leftover rotisserie chicken. Yum!
This Tortilla Soup is amazing! I added some avocado on top and it was perfect!
Made this tonight—so comforting! The cumin/chili combo is perfect, and frying the tortilla strips took it to another level. I used frozen corn and it still tasted fresh.
Not bad, but I think 20 minutes is a little short—tomatoes need more time IMO. I also used fresh corn once and it was way sweeter than frozen, so “still tasted fresh” is kinda surprising. Still, the tortilla strips saved it.
Love hearing that about the cumin/chili combo! And frying the tortilla strips really does make it feel restaurant-level. 😄 Did you bake or deep-fry yours?
I love that it’s flexible—could add black beans or jalapeños without wrecking the recipe. Very adaptable.
I dunno… black beans might make it too thick? And jalapeños are spicy but also kind of “random” unless you really like heat. Still, adaptable is true.
Yes!! I’ve added a can of black beans before and it was even better—more hearty without changing the vibe. Jalapeños sound 🔥.
5 stars for sure! Even better than the one at that restaurant.
I totally agree! This is the best recipe I’ve tried in ages. So easy and delicious!
Really? I tried it and it was too spicy for me. Maybe I did something wrong…
Isn’t tortilla soup supposed to have beans? This recipe feels incomplete.
Wow, this soup is amazing! Perfect for a cold night! My whole family loved it.
Yum!
Not spicy enough! I added jalapenos but still bland. 😒
I totally understand! Sometimes a little more spice makes a big difference. Have you tried adding some hot sauce or a splash of lime juice?
I’m skeptical of soups that rely on tortilla strips for crunch—mine got soggy fast. Still tasty though. Served immediately next time.
Totally get the soggy-strip problem. I’ve started frying the strips and then keeping them separate until the last second—like, even just 30 seconds before eating. Makes a huge difference.
Mmm tortilla strips add flavor tho. I did mine and honestly they were kinda crunchy still but maybe because i didn’t stir them in, just let them on top. Next time i’ll serve immediately like you said.
This soup is amazing! So flavorful and easy to make.
I like tacos better! 🥴 Not a fan of soupy stuff.
This is just like the one my grandma used to make, brings back memories!
That’s so sweet! Food really does have a way of bringing back memories. Your grandma sounds like a great cook!
I tried this and it was QUIRIOUS… like is this even real tortilla soup?
This soup is amazing! So flavorful and comforting. My family loved it!
I don’t really like chicken soup, but my friend made this and it was surprisingly good. Will try it again!
Yum! But why do people always fry the tortillas? Just crumble them in…
Frying the tortillas gives them a nice crunch! It’s like the cherry on top. You need that texture, trust me!
Are you serious? This isn’t real tortilla soup. Where are the avocados?
I get what you mean! Avocados really add that creamy touch. But this recipe still sounds delicious! Maybe I’ll add some on top myself.
So good!!! My kids asked for seconds and I didn’t even have fresh corn—just frozen. Will make again, for sure. Crunchy tortillas are the best part.
It was ok, but I think it needs like, more spices or something. It tasted a bit bland. ⭐⭐⭐
I followed the recipe but it turned out kinda bland. Maybe I needed more spices? 🤔
I thought it would be better… it’s just another chicken soup to me. Not worth the hype.
I mixed up the cumin with cinnamon. Oops! Still edible.
I don’t like soup much, but my fam loves it! I ate a small bowl. Thumbs up!
Soup good! But what’s a tortilla? I used bread instead 😂
Can’t believe you used bread! Tortillas are super easy to make or find in stores. 😅
Tortillas are like flatbread! You did it your way tho, sounds yummy! 😂
Yum! I added avocado on top and it was perfect. Will definitely make again!
That sounds delicious! Avocado is a great idea to add creaminess!
I dunno, putting avocado in soup seems weird to me. Kinda messy!
Not bad at all, but 20 minutes feels a little short for the flavors to really meld. I simmered closer to 35 and it tasted more ‘soup shop’ style.
This is the best tortilla soup I’ve ever made! So flavorful! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Not gonna lie, mine was kinda bland until I remembered to add more salt. After that it was actually yummy.
Sooo easy! I made this to impress my friends and they all asked for the recipe. Thanks!
So glad you liked it! It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure! 😊
Yumm!!
This is good, but I’m not sure about 1 cup corn. It felt like a bit much compared to the broth? Could’ve been my pot size. Flavor was nice though.
What about beans? Why no beans in this recipe? I feel like it needs more stuff.
This soup was AMAZING! Perfect for a chilly night. I added some avocado on top too.
I’m glad you loved it! Avocado sounds like a great addition to that soup. I’ll have to try that next time!
Amazing? Really? I thought it was just okay, needed more spices or sumthin.
Yum!!! This has become a family staple since I tried it last week.
Glad to hear! It’s so easy and tasty, right? My kids loved it too!
This soup is so good! My family loved it. Will make again for sure!
I dunno, soup’s just soup to me. Maybe I’ll try it someday but sounds kinda basic.
Yum! Glad your family enjoyed it! It’s such a perfect comfort food for cold days!
This is the best tortilla soup I ever tasted! I added avocado on top, highly recommend!
It’s alright. Too spicy for my kiddos tho.
Just made it! Delish! Will add more garlic next time tho.
I totally agree! Garlic makes everything better! Can’t wait to try your version!
More garlic? Seems like too much to me! I like it balanced. 🤔
Just okay. I’ve had better tortilla soup at restaurants. Not bad, but won’t make again.
I really enjoyed this recipe! It tastes just like my favorite restaurant version. Maybe you didn’t season enough?
Honestly? Tastes like regular soup. The broth is fine but I didn’t get that ‘wow’ everyone talks about. Could use more depth—maybe add a lime or something.
This soup is absolutely delicious! I added some avocado on top, made it even better!
It turned out okay but I expected more flavor. Maybe I’ll add some lime next time.
I totally agree! It could use a little more zing. Lime would be a great addition! 🌿
I don’t know, I thought it was flavorful enough. Maybe you just didn’t use enough spices?.
Yum!!! 😋
This is basically taco soup with tortillas, right? I guess it’s okay, but I’d rather just toss everything together and skip frying. Too fussy for a weeknight.
Yum! I’m gonna make this every week. So good!
Simple and quick recipe! Perfect for a lazy night. Thanks!
Tastes like air…didn’t even taste the cumin. So disappointed. Super watery too.
It was alright, but too salty for my taste. I’d recommend less salt!
Easy to make. I just wish it had more veggies in it!
I don’t know if I did something wrong, but mine turned out kind of bland. Needs more spices!
I followed it mostly, but my soup tasted a little flat until I added more salt. Not a big deal—just be generous with seasoning. Also, I used rotisserie chicken so it was fast.
Solid recipe, super easy. I did add a pinch of smoked paprika because I had it, and I think it made it even better. Next time I’ll fry the tortillas a tiny bit less so they don’t get too hard.
This soup is amazing! So flavorful and comforting. My whole family loved it!
I tried this recipe and it was fantastic! The flavors are spot on. Will definitely make it again!
It sounds good, but I wonder if it really tastes as good as you say. Has anyone else tried it?
Is this even authentic? Tortilla soup should have avocado and lime too!
Really solid flavor balance. The cumin + chili powder combo is on point. I baked the tortilla strips instead of frying to be less oily and it still worked.
Yes!! The cumin + chili powder combo is exactly what makes this sing. I always toast my cumin in the onion oil for like 30 seconds and it boosts it a lot.
I tried it and honestly it tasted pretty good… but my strips got soggy when I added them right away. Next time I’ll bake or toast them more and wait to top the soup at the end.
Pretty good overall, but I think 20 minutes wasn’t long enough for the flavors to really marry. Next time I’ll simmer closer to 30.
Totally get that—20 minutes can be kinda fast for soups like this. I usually give it closer to 30 too, and it tastes more “rounded.”
1 cup corn was enough for me, but next time I’ll do 2 cups. I like my soup thicker and more hearty.
Meh. It didn’t taste the way I expected. I’ll stick to tacos.
I just don’t get it. How can soup be better than a good taco?
Tacos are awesome, but give the soup another shot! It’s about the flavors blending, maybe let it simmer longer.
wow so easy!!! my family liked it a lot, and i didnt even measure the cumin right lol
I swapped the chicken broth for veggie broth and used leftover rotisserie chicken. Still super tasty. Might add jalapeño next time for more heat.
Love this! Veggie broth + rotisserie chicken is such a smart shortcut, and jalapeño sounds like the perfect next upgrade for some real heat.
Hmm I always use chicken broth, but I guess veggie works. Jalapeño next time—ok but don’t overdo it or it’ll be too spicy for my taste lol. What tortillas did you fry in, like oil or air fryer?
Too spicy for my taste, I think I put too much chili powder. Be careful with that!
This soup is AMAZING! The flavors are just perfect.
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken? What do I do??
I followed the recipe but mine turned out a bit bland. Maybe I under-salted? Next time I’ll add more chili powder and a pinch of smoked paprika.
Not gonna lie, I expected it to be spicier. I used chili powder but it barely kicked. Maybe I’m missing a step, or chili powder strength varies a lot.
Not enough spices for me, I like it a bit more kick. ☹️
I totally agree! I always add extra chili flakes to spice it up! 🌶️
LOL, I forgot to add the chicken! Still turned out decent tho.
Do you really need to fry the tortillas? Wasted calories if you ask me.
1 tsp cumin seems small? Maybe my spices are weak but I had to double it. Otherwise good soup. Also, I forgot to fry the tortillas and it still tasted fine lol
Yeah 1 tsp cumin doesn’t sound like much, but for tortilla soup it can totally work—especially if you’re using strong chili powder too. If yours needed doubling, that just means you’ve got a different brand or preference.
Flavor is decent, but I’m not sure about frying the tortillas step. Mine got a little too dark; maybe oven-bake would be easier.
Honestly, the instructions are pretty straightforward (which is nice). Only change: I used chicken thighs and it shredded beautifully. Great weeknight meal.
Really good stuff! My kids wouldn’t stop eating it! Thanks for sharing!
I made this for meal prep and it’s honestly better the next day. The corn tortillas keep their texture if you crisp them fresh and add at serving.
Yummm! I love tortilla soup! 😀 The crunch of the strips really makes it!
Made this tonight—so comforting. The cumin + chili powder combo is perfect, and the tortilla strips add that crunch I never get tired of.
Okay so I followed it but my tortilla strips burned… RIP. Soup though? Tasted like regular chili but lighter. Kinda nice.
Ah nooo 😭 tortilla strips burn fast—next time try lower heat and keep an eye on them like every 30 seconds.
That sounds about right to me. I think the “lighter” flavor is from the cumin/chili powder combo instead of the heavier stuff. RIP strips though… mine always do that if I’m not paying attention.
Not bad, but I think it needs a bit more flavor. Maybe next time I’ll add a jalapeno or something.
This soup tastes like something I’d pay for at a restaurant. Also, easy to throw together on a weeknight.
5 stars… but only if you don’t burn the tortillas. Mine burned on the first try, then I rage-corrected it 😂