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Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a spiced tomato broth, topped with crispy tortilla strips for a delightful crunch. This warm, flavorful soup blends smoky spices, fresh lime, and fresh ingredients to create a nourishing meal that’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you want a vibrant taste of home-style Mexican-inspired comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Broth

  • 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 6 cups chicken broth

Aromatics and Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

Spices and Flavorings

  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice

Toppings and Garnishes

  • 6 corn tortillas, cut into strips (fried or baked until crispy)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 avocado, diced (optional)
  • Shredded cheese (optional)
  • Sour cream (optional)
  • Sliced jalapeños (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base: Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in a large pot over medium heat until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes, to build a flavorful foundation for the soup.
  2. Add Spices and Tomatoes: Sprinkle in ground cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic, then add diced tomatoes and chicken broth to form a rich, spiced broth.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces into the simmering broth. Cook over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and shred or cube it as preferred.
  4. Final Flavor Boost: Return shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro for brightness. Adjust salt and seasoning to taste to ensure a balanced, vibrant flavor.
  5. Add Tortilla Strips: Prepare corn tortilla strips by frying or baking until golden and crisp. Sprinkle them generously over each serving just before eating to add delightful crunch and texture.

Notes

  • Use homemade chicken broth if possible for better flavor.
  • Never skip the fresh lime juice—it balances the deep, smoky spices perfectly.
  • Make tortilla strips fresh just before serving to keep them crisp.
  • Shred chicken thoroughly to help absorb broth and spices for enhanced flavor and texture.
  • Simmer gently to keep broth clear and prevent toughening the chicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken tortilla soup, Mexican soup, comfort food, tortilla strips, spicy soup, gluten free soup