Chicken Tortilla Soup is one of the most beloved comfort dishes in American home cooking. This warm and vibrant soup blends the flavors of Mexican cuisine with American-style heartiness, creating a cozy meal loaded with texture and spice. Tender shredded chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, beans, corn, and bold spices come together in a rich broth that delivers warmth in every spoonful.
What sets this soup apart is its beautiful contrast of textures: the crisp tortilla strips on top, the creamy avocado, the melted cheese, and the bright splash of lime. It’s a trending recipe on Pinterest and food blogs because it’s visually stunning, easy to prepare, and customizable for any taste. Whether mild or spicy, light or hearty, this is a bowl of comfort that satisfies every craving.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground coriander
Salt & black pepper
1 can (14 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
1 cup corn
6 cups chicken broth
2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
Juice of 1 lime
Fresh cilantro
For the Tortilla Strips:
4 corn tortillas, sliced into strips
1 tbsp olive oil
Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
Avocado, shredded cheese, jalapeño, cilantro, sour cream, lime wedges.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Tortilla Crisps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the tortilla strips with olive oil and salt, spread them on a baking sheet, and bake until golden and crispy.
- Build the Flavor Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic, red pepper, and green pepper, cooking until slightly tender.
- Add the Spices
Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and coriander over the vegetables. Toast the spices for 1 minute to intensify flavor.
- Add Main Ingredients
Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Add the chicken broth and stir well. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
- Add Shredded Chicken
Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and simmer an additional 10 minutes.
- Finish with Lime
Turn off the heat and squeeze in the fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors.
- Serve
Ladle into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, cilantro, and jalapeño.
Conclusion
Chicken Tortilla Soup is bold, hearty, and full of personality. With smoky spices, tender chicken, rich broth, and crunchy tortilla strips, it delivers everything you want in a comfort meal. It photographs beautifully, making it perfect for high-engagement Pinterest pins and food blogs. This soup is adaptable, quick, and guaranteed to be a reader favorite.
