Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
A hearty and flavorful Chicken Tortilla Soup that combines tender chicken, zesty tomatoes, and a blend of spices, topped with crispy corn tortilla strips, creamy avocado, and melted cheese. Perfect as a comforting meal any day.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering, Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Fat
Soup Ingredients
- 1–2 Tablespoons Canola Oil
- 1 Large Onion, diced
- 1 Jalapeno, diced
- 3 Garlic Cloves, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder)
- 1 lb. Chicken Breasts or Rotisserie Chicken, cooked, cubed or shredded
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chilies
- 1/4 cup Cilantro
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
Corn Tortilla Strips
- 6–8 Corn Tortillas, cut into strips lengthwise
- 1/2 – 3/4 cup Canola Oil
- Salt, to taste
Toppings
- 1 Avocado, cut into bite size pieces
- 1 cup Mexican Cheese or Cheddar Cheese
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream or Mexican Crema
- Cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Sauté Base: In a large pot, heat canola oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add diced jalapenos and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook Chicken and Season: Add cubed or shredded chicken breast to the pot. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin; stir well to combine the flavors.
- Blend Tomatoes and Cilantro: In a blender or food processor, puree the canned Rotel tomatoes with green chilies together with the cilantro until smooth. Pour the pureed mixture into the pot.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Stir in the chicken broth. Cover the pot and let it cook on low heat for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prepare Tortilla Strips: In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium-high heat until sizzling. Add the corn tortilla strips and fry for 1-2 minutes, flipping with tongs to ensure even frying, until golden and crispy. Remove strips and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle with salt to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with crispy tortilla strips, avocado pieces, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier soup, add extra jalapenos or use a hotter chili powder.
- You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure your tortilla chips are gluten-free.
- Leftover soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adjust salt and spices according to personal preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: Chicken Tortilla Soup, Mexican Soup, Chicken Soup, Tortilla Strips, Spicy Chicken Soup, Healthy Soup, Comfort Food