A warm pot of Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup bubbling on the stove is nothing short of an invitation to gather around and savor every comforting bite. The aroma of sautéed onions and garlic mingles with the fresh kick of jalapeños, creating a symphony of scents that dances through your kitchen. Imagine ladling hearty soup filled with tender chicken, creamy black beans, and vibrant crushed tomatoes into a bowl, then topping it with crispy tortilla strips that offer the perfect crunch. Each spoonful warms the soul, making this dish a perfect fit for chilly evenings or family gatherings.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

This soup isn’t just a recipe but rather a nostalgic reminder of cozy dinners spent with loved ones. I can still remember my grandmother’s kitchen, where the air was filled with laughter as we shared stories over bowls of warm tortilla soup. It felt magical in a way, as if each bite was a hug from the inside out. As the leaves change colors and the brisk air settles in, there’s no better time to whip up this Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup, inviting everyone to sit down at the table and enjoy a hearty meal. So grab your pot, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip this up in under an hour, perfect for weeknight dinners!
Irresistible Flavor: A rich medley of spices makes every spoonful bursting with taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors and crispy tortilla toppings are sure to impress.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it piping hot as a main meal or a delightful appetizer for gatherings.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with simple swaps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Corn Tortillas: Sliced into strips, these provide that classic crunchy topping. Opt for fresh corn tortillas for the best texture.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and roasting, it adds a rich flavor to your tortilla strips and soup. If you’re in a bind, avocado oil can work as a substitute.
Kosher Salt: Perfect for enhancing the flavors, kosher salt dissolves easily into dishes. If you only have table salt, reduce the amount to avoid over-salting.
Jalapeños: Finely diced for a spicy kick, these can be adjusted based on your heat preference. For a milder soup, remove the seeds or substitute with bell pepper.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to your soup base. Shallots could also work in a pinch.
Green Bell Pepper: Adds color and crunch; you can swap for any other sweet pepper you prefer.
Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the aroma and flavor; you can use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is recommended for the best taste.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth for a healthier option, or vegetable broth for vegetarian adaptations.
Crushed Tomatoes: These provide the soup’s base and a lovely tang. Using whole canned tomatoes and crushing them yourself can add a rustic texture.
Black Beans: Rinsed and drained, they add protein and heartiness. Substituting with pinto beans will work nicely, too.
Cooked Chicken Breast: Leftover rotisserie chicken is ideal for a quick assembly. If using raw chicken, take time to cook it through before adding to the soup.
Chili Powder: A blend of spices that gives warmth; experimentation with smoked chili powder can deepen the flavors.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime brightens the soup, balancing the flavors beautifully. Bottled lime juice can work as an alternative, though fresh is best.
Ground Cumin: This spice adds a unique earthiness; if you’re out, you might try a little coriander for a different twist.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for adjusting seasoning to your taste; always taste as you go!
Smoked Paprika: This can enhance the depth with a smoky flavor. Regular paprika can be used but won’t have the same profile.
Cayenne Pepper: For an extra kick, add a pinch according to your spice tolerance.
Fresh Cilantro: Chopped and stirred in at the end, this herb adds freshness and brightness. If you’re not a fan, parsley or even green onions can create a similar effect.

How to Make Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with foil for easy cleanup, then drizzle the corn tortilla strips with olive oil and toss them until they’re lightly coated. Spread the strips evenly on the baking sheet and sprinkle with kosher salt for an extra flavor punch. Bake them for about 15-18 minutes until they turn golden brown and crisp, stirring once halfway through to ensure even crisping.

Sauté the Veggies: While your tortillas are crisping away, grab a large Dutch oven and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeños, and sauté them for about 5 minutes until everything is softened and fragrant. Add in the minced garlic, stirring for an additional minute until it becomes deliciously aromatic.

Combine Ingredients for Soup: Next, pour in 4 cups (950 ml) of chicken broth and the 28 ounces (800 g) of crushed tomatoes into the pot. Add the rinsed black beans and the cooked chicken pieces; this is where the heartiness comes from! Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon (8 g) of chili powder, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of lime juice, 1 teaspoon (4 g) of ground cumin, and season with 1 teaspoon (10 g) salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Give it all a good stir and bring the pot to a roaring boil.

Simmer Away: Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer gently over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it to ensure those flavors meld beautifully together. It should be bubbling slightly, and the soup will be a vibrant color once everything is combined.

Finish with Freshness: Before removing it from the heat, stir in the finely minced cilantro, letting it impart a fresh flavor to the soup. Allow it to boil for just one more minute before taking it off the heat entirely.

Serve It Up!: Now, it’s time for the fun part! Ladle your **Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup** into bowls and don’t forget to top each serving with those crispy tortilla strips. Feel free to customize each bowl with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or creamy guacamole for added indulgence. Enjoy the contrast of textures and flavors!

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftovers of your Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup, let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. At room temperature, it can hang out for about 2 hours, but for longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat it on the stove over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Just keep in mind that the texture of the tortilla strips may soften after freezing, so consider adding fresh tortilla strips during reheating for that delightful crunch.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid soggy tortillas by adding them just before serving; this way, they retain their crunch.
Keep your chicken broth low sodium if you prefer to control the salt levels for health reasons.
Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing to maintain flavor quality.
For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste when combining the ingredients.
If the soup’s flavor lacks depth, a splash more lime juice or a pinch of sugar can balance it out perfectly.
Make ahead for busy days; the flavors deepen as it sits, making it even tastier!

The heartiness of this Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup makes it a meal to remember. With every spoonful, you’re invited to customize and enjoy! Don’t shy away from tweaking the recipe to suit your tastes; whether that’s adding more spices, extra vegetables, or even a different type of protein, the best part about cooking is making a dish your own. Gather your loved ones, bring out the toppings, and enjoy this delightful bowl of warmth that brings everyone together!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this soup in advance?

Absolutely! This Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup can be prepared ahead of time. In fact, the flavors deepen as it sits in the refrigerator, making it an ideal meal prep option. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat on the stove or microwave until warmed through, and add those crispy tortilla strips just before serving for a delightful crunch!

What can I use instead of black beans?

If black beans aren’t your favorite or you’d like to try something different, feel free to substitute them with pinto beans, red kidney beans, or even chickpeas for a unique twist. Each variety brings its own distinct flavor and texture, so don’t hesitate to mix things up!

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! To convert this recipe into a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can enhance the heartiness by switching in additional beans or even some corn for added sweetness. Just remember that the spices and lime juice will still keep your soup flavorful and satisfying.

What toppings do you recommend?

Toppings truly take this Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup to the next level! I recommend traditional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and guacamole for those creamy textures. Avocado slices, diced green onions, and sliced radishes add freshness and crunch. Don’t forget a sprinkle of cilantro for that extra burst of flavor!