There’s something incredibly comforting about a steaming bowl of Classic Chicken Tortilla Soup. The flavors are vibrant, the aroma is inviting, and it’s just the thing for both busy weeknights and cozy weekends with family.
Classic Chicken Tortilla Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken rotisserie works well
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 15 oz canned black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 lime juiced
- salt and pepper to taste
- crispy tortilla strips for garnish
- chopped cilantro for garnish
- diced avocado for garnish
- shredded cheese for garnish
- fresh lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add both bell peppers to the pot. Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and peppers are slightly tender.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring everything to a simmer. Add shredded chicken, black beans, and corn. Let simmer gently for 15 minutes for the flavors to meld together.
- Stir in the lime juice and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and top generously with crispy tortilla strips, cilantro, avocado, shredded cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
Notes
Nutrition
Why You’ll Love This Classic Chicken Tortilla Soup
This soup comes together beautifully with layers of bold, zesty flavors and a satisfying hint of spice. It warms you right up and is a great way to gather everyone around the table, especially when topped with crispy tortilla strips and all your favorite garnishes.
Classic Chicken Tortilla Soup Ingredients & Substitutions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For garnish: crispy tortilla strips, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, shredded cheese, fresh lime wedges
If you’re out of black beans, kidney or pinto beans work too. Swap out bell peppers for poblano if you like extra spice. Vegetable broth also works in place of chicken broth for a different twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Classic Chicken Tortilla Soup
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Step 2: Cook Peppers and Spices
Add both bell peppers to the pot. Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and peppers are slightly tender.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring everything to a simmer. Add shredded chicken, black beans, and corn. Let simmer gently for 15 minutes for the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Stir in the lime juice and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and top generously with crispy tortilla strips, cilantro, avocado, shredded cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
Tips for Success
- Use pre-cooked chicken for a quicker meal.
- Char your corn in a dry skillet for smoky depth.
- Taste and adjust lime and spices to make it your own.
- Homemade tortilla strips add a wonderful crunch and flavor.
Variations of Classic Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Add sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Swap out black beans for pinto beans if you prefer.
- Make it extra hearty by tossing in cooked rice or quinoa just before serving.
- Turn it vegetarian by using extra beans and vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Classic Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Serve with warm, soft flour or corn tortillas on the side.
- A crisp green salad or roasted veggies make a fresh pairing.
- Top with your favorite salsa or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave individual servings in short bursts. Keep tortilla strips and fresh toppings separate and add only just before eating for the best texture.
Memories Made Around the Table
This soup has been the centerpiece of so many family gatherings for us. It always sparks conversation and laughter, especially as everyone customizes their toppings. There’s nothing like sharing a big pot of something cozy!
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance. Just store in the fridge and heat gently when ready to serve. Add tortilla strips and fresh toppings right before eating.
What can I use instead of tortilla strips?
Crushed baked tortilla chips or even crunchy croutons work nicely. For a low-carb option, skip them altogether or add extra veggies as garnish.
How spicy is this soup?
The recipe is mild to medium, but you can easily adjust the spice level. Add chili flakes or fresh jalapeños for more heat, or reduce the chili powder for a milder version.
Final Thoughts
Classic Chicken Tortilla Soup is the kind of dish that brings people together with bold flavors and comforting aromas. Give it a try and enjoy unforgettable moments with each bowl!