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?