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.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken tortilla soup, Mexican soup, comfort food, tortilla strips, spicy soup, gluten free soup