Description
This flavorful Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting Mexican-inspired dish packed with shredded chicken, beans, corn, and a blend of spices simmered in a hearty broth. Topped with crispy tortilla strips and fresh cilantro, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight meal or meal prep, offering a satisfying and nutritious bowl with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
Finishing Touches
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Tortilla strips or chips for topping
- Optional toppings: avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and jalapeño, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Add spices: Sprinkle in ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly and bloom the spices.
- Add vegetables and broth: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained black beans, corn kernels, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Add chicken and simmer: Stir in shredded cooked chicken and continue simmering for another 5–10 minutes to heat through thoroughly.
- Finish with lime and cilantro: Just before serving, stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro to brighten the soup’s flavor.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips or chips. Add optional toppings like avocado slices, shredded cheese, or sour cream if desired.
Notes
- This soup can be made in advance and freezes well for convenient meal prep.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- For a creamier texture, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or a scoop of sour cream at the end of cooking.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
- Serve with lime wedges for an extra citrusy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
