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Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Featured in Delicious Main Course Recipes for Every Occasion.

This easy chicken tortilla soup brings together a flavorful blend of chicken, beans, corn, and spices in just 30 minutes. Topped with crispy homemade tortilla strips, it is a comforting dish perfect for weeknights or meal prepping. Whether you're making it for your family or hosting a casual dinner, each bowl is packed with texture and warmth. Customize toppings such as avocado, shredded cheese, or sour cream to make it yours. The recipe is versatile, allowing simple adjustments for spice level or ingredient preferences. Freezes well for hassle-free future meals.
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Mena
Updated on Sat, 08 Mar 2025 14:31:58 GMT
Easy 30-Minute Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup Pin it
Easy 30-Minute Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup | delishdocket.com

Here's a fantastic homestyle chicken tortilla soup that outshines any restaurant version. This 30-minute recipe delivers the perfect combination of rich broth, tender chicken, and crispy tortilla strips. Years of testing and tweaking have resulted in just the right balance of authentic Mexican flavors and satisfying textures.

This recipe came together one evening while experimenting with pantry staples and fresh ingredients. The result was a soup that perfectly captures authentic Mexican flavors while being incredibly simple to prepare.

Key Ingredients

  • Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor
  • Tortillas: Fresh corn tortillas deliver the best crispy strips
  • Stock: Choose low-sodium chicken stock for seasoning control
  • Black Beans: Adds protein and traditional Mexican flavor
  • Lime: Fresh citrus brightens the entire dish
Easy 30-Minute Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Pin it
Easy 30-Minute Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe | delishdocket.com

Basic Preparation

Initial Steps:
Begin by sautéing diced onions and jalapeños until softened. Allow onions to develop golden edges for enhanced flavor. Add minced garlic just until fragrant.
Building Flavor:
Layer ingredients gradually, allowing flavors to develop. Deglaze with broth to incorporate caramelized bits from the pan bottom, creating rich color and depth.

This recipe evolved during cold-weather cooking experiments. The final version strikes an ideal balance of heat and flavor that appeals to both spice lovers and those who prefer milder dishes.

Customization Options

The base recipe welcomes variations. Add seasonal vegetables like zucchini or peppers, or create a vegetarian version with extra beans and corn. The foundational flavors remain excellent with any adaptations.

Serving Suggestions

Create a topping station with diced avocado, lime wedges, shredded cheese, sour cream, and plenty of tortilla strips. The interactive serving style makes this soup perfect for casual entertaining.

Storage Guidelines

Flavors develop beautifully during refrigeration. Store tortilla strips separately to maintain crispness. The soup base freezes well for up to three months, making it ideal for advance preparation.

Easy Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup Pin it
Easy Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup | delishdocket.com

Kitchen Tips

  • Toast spices with vegetables before adding liquids
  • Store tortilla strips in airtight container
  • Prepare extra garnishes for serving
  • Check seasoning before final service

This tested recipe delivers consistent results for both everyday meals and special occasions. Its versatility and reliability make it an essential addition to any home cooking collection, offering authentic Mexican flavors in a manageable preparation time.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this spicier?
Yes, you can leave in the jalapeño seeds, add more cayenne pepper, or use a spicier pepper like serrano.
→ Can I substitute the beans?
Absolutely, you can use pinto or kidney beans instead of black beans.
→ How do I store the soup and tortilla strips?
Store the soup and tortilla strips separately. The soup keeps in the fridge for 5-7 days and the strips stay crisp for 5 days at room temperature.
→ Can this soup be frozen?
Yes, the soup freezes well for up to 4 months. Just omit the toppings while freezing and add fresh tortilla strips when reheating.
→ What can I use instead of fresh tortillas for the strips?
Store-bought tortilla chips will work, but homemade strips are crispier and have a fresher flavor.

Quick Chicken Tortilla Soup

Flavorful chicken tortilla soup for busy weeknights, ready in 30 minutes.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Mena

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 5 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Tortilla Strips

01 10 small corn tortillas, sliced into thin 1/4-inch pieces
02 2 tablespoons of olive oil
03 1 teaspoon of kosher salt

→ Soup Base

04 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 1 cup finely chopped Vidalia or yellow onion
06 1 large jalapeño, diced into small bits
07 4 garlic cloves, chopped small
08 32 ounces of reduced-sodium chicken broth

→ Main Ingredients

09 Two 14.5-ounce cans of diced tomatoes
10 One 15-ounce can of black beans, rinsed and drained
11 2 cups of shredded, cooked chicken
12 1 and 1/2 cups of corn kernels

→ Seasonings

13 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice
14 1 tablespoon of chili powder
15 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
16 2 teaspoons of salt
17 1 teaspoon of black pepper
18 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
19 1/4 teaspoon of optional cayenne pepper
20 1/3 of a cup of fresh, chopped cilantro

→ Optional Toppings

21 Cubed avocado
22 Grated cheese
23 A dollop of sour cream

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 375°F. Coat the tortilla strips in oil and salt, spread them evenly on a baking pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes until they’re crispy.

Step 02

In a Dutch oven, warm some oil. Sauté the onion and jalapeño for about 5 minutes. Add garlic and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 03

Throw in the broth, tomatoes, beans, chicken, corn, and all your spices. Bring it to a boil before lowering the heat and simmering for 5-7 minutes.

Step 04

Mix in the cilantro and give it a quick boil for a minute. Taste the soup and adjust any seasoning as needed.

Step 05

Scoop the soup into bowls, top with your crispy tortilla strips, and add extras like avocado chunks, shredded cheese, or sour cream if you’d like.

Notes

  1. This soup can be refrigerated for up to 7 days or frozen for up to 4 months.
  2. Tortilla strips will stay fresh and crunchy for 5 days if kept at room temperature.
  3. If you're short on time, swap in rotisserie chicken.

Tools You'll Need

  • A 7-quart Dutch oven or another large pot
  • A baking tray
  • Silpat mat or foil

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • If garnishing with cheese or sour cream, note there’ll be dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 485
  • Total Fat: 19 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 55 g
  • Protein: 28 g