Tortilla Soup Recipe

Warm, comforting, and full of bold flavors, Tortilla Soup is a Mexican classic that’s perfect for a cozy night in. With tender chicken, crispy tortilla strips, and a zesty tomato base, this soup is hearty, healthy, and easy to make!

Tortilla Soup Recipe

Ingredients List

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (4 oz) can chopped green chilies
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6 small corn tortillas, cut into strips
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Optional toppings: avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, lime wedges
Tortilla Soup Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in garlic, cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Cook for 1 more minute.
Step 2: Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and green chilies. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in shredded chicken and corn. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in a small pan and fry tortilla strips until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Ladle soup into bowls. Top with crispy tortilla strips and your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, or sour cream.
Step 6: Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for extra flavor.

Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings

  • Makes 4 servings

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 310
  • Carbs: 22g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Fat: 15g

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze without tortilla strips for up to 2 months.

Pairings/Suggestions

  • Serve with warm cornbread, grilled cheese, or a simple green salad.
  • Great with iced tea or a cold Mexican beer.

Seasonal Relevance

This soup is a perfect cozy winter dinner, but its light ingredients and zesty flavor also make it a hit in the spring and fall.

Tortilla Soup Recipe

Recipe by Alice Waters
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

310

kcal

Hearty, zesty, and soul-warming, this easy Tortilla Soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Made with shredded chicken, crispy tortilla strips, and a spiced tomato broth, it’s a cozy one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Quick to prepare, full of flavor, and customizable with your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, and lime. A must-try for soup lovers!

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 4 cups chicken broth

  • 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes

  • 1 (4 oz) can chopped green chilies

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken

  • 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 6 small corn tortillas, cut into strips

  • Vegetable oil for frying

  • Optional toppings: avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, lime wedges

Directions

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in garlic, cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Cook for 1 more minute.
  • Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and green chilies. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Stir in shredded chicken and corn. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in a small pan and fry tortilla strips until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
  • Ladle soup into bowls. Top with crispy tortilla strips and your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, or sour cream.
  • Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for extra flavor.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Tortilla soup is a traditional Mexican dish known for its bold flavors and satisfying warmth. It typically features a savory tomato-based broth, tender chicken, aromatic spices, and crispy tortilla strips. This dish is incredibly versatile—you can customize it with beans, corn, or your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, and shredded cheese. Whether served as a light lunch or a comforting dinner, it’s a hearty and wholesome bowl that never disappoints.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the shredded chicken. You can add black beans for protein.

Q2: Can I use tortilla chips instead of frying strips?
Absolutely! Store-bought tortilla chips work great for a quicker version.

Q3: How can I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, a splash of hot sauce, or extra chili powder to kick up the heat.

Conclusion

Tortilla soup is everything you want in a bowl—warm, comforting, flavorful, and fun to customize. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or serving guests, it’s guaranteed to please. Don’t forget the lime and those crispy tortilla strips!

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