The aroma of chicken tortilla soup wafts through your kitchen, a warm hug in a bowl that promises to comfort and delight. Picture this: a medley of tender chicken, zesty tomatoes, and vibrant peppers mingling together in a simmering pot, as crispy tortilla strips float like little boats atop a sea of flavorful broth. pumpkin dump cake dessert pumpkin pie cookies It’s the perfect dish for chilly evenings or when you need some culinary cheer.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What can I substitute for chicken?
- Can I make chicken tortilla soup in advance?
- What toppings work best?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, let me take you back to that unforgettable game night when I first served this dish to my friends. The looks on their faces as they slurped up the last droplets from their bowls told me everything. Laughter filled the room, accompanied by “Mmm” and “Wow!”—a testament to just how delicious this chicken tortilla soup truly is. For more inspiration, check out this delicious garlic butter green beans recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken tortilla soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The rich flavors mingle beautifully, creating a delightful taste experience
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing and inviting for any gathering
- Plus, you can customize toppings to suit everyone’s preferences, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser
One chilly evening, I decided to whip up this dish for some friends who were feeling under the weather, and they couldn’t stop raving about it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless Chicken Thighs: Tender and juicy thighs work best for rich flavor; feel free to substitute with breasts if preferred.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of good-quality olive oil adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables perfectly.
- Onion: Use yellow onions for a sweet base flavor that brings depth to your soup.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for that punchy flavor—don’t skimp on them!
- Bell Peppers: Choose colorful bell peppers; they add sweetness and vibrant color to your dish.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes provide acidity and texture; opt for fire-roasted for extra smokiness.
- Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is ideal, but store-bought works in a pinch—just choose low-sodium for better control over saltiness.
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are essential for topping; you can even make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens up the flavors; chop it finely for an aromatic garnish.
- Lime Juice: A squeeze of lime juice at the end elevates all the flavors with its zing!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until they soften and become fragrant.
Add Chicken & Spices: Toss in boneless chicken thighs along with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides.
Incorporate Tomatoes & Broth: Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices and chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally.
Add Bell Peppers & Simmer: Stir in chopped bell peppers and allow the soup to simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes until everything is cooked through.
Shred Chicken & Final Touches: Remove chicken from the pot once cooked. Shred using two forks before returning it back into the soup along with lime juice.
Serve & Enjoy!: Ladle hot soup into bowls, topped generously with crunchy tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, and any other favorite toppings you desire!
Now that you’ve mastered this delicious chicken tortilla soup recipe, go ahead and share it with family or enjoy it solo during your next binge-watch session! It’s comforting enough to keep you warm on even the coldest nights while being packed with flavors that dance on your palate! delicious butternut squash soup. oven baked butternut squash.
You Must Know
- Chicken tortilla soup is a cozy dish that warms the soul
- The combination of spices, tender chicken, and crunchy tortillas creates a delightful texture and flavor explosion
- Don’t skip the toppings; they elevate the dish from ordinary to extraordinary
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in flavors, then sauté the vegetables while simmering the broth for a perfect balance.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap black beans for pinto or add corn for sweetness. A splash of lime juice brightens the flavors beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to avoid overcooking.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor and don’t rush the cooking process; let those spices bloom!
- Taste as you go and adjust seasoning based on your preferences
- Remember, garnishes like avocado or cilantro enhance both taste and presentation
Sharing a bowl of chicken tortilla soup with friends at a casual dinner became our new favorite tradition. Their smiles said it all!
FAQ
What can I substitute for chicken?
Try using shredded turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Can I make chicken tortilla soup in advance?
Yes, preparing it a day ahead enhances the flavors significantly.
What toppings work best?
Crispy tortilla strips, cheese, avocado, and fresh cilantro are fantastic choices!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings with friends. This hearty soup features tender chicken, zesty tomatoes, and vibrant peppers, all simmered together in a rich broth. Topped with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice, it’s a bowl of warmth that promises to delight your taste buds. Easy to prepare, this recipe allows for customization, making it a versatile favorite for everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups tortilla chips (for topping)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Add boneless chicken thighs along with cumin (1 tsp), chili powder (1 tsp), salt (½ tsp), and pepper (¼ tsp). Cook until browned on all sides.
- Pour in diced tomatoes with juices and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally.
- Stir in chopped bell peppers and allow the soup to simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the pot and shred using two forks before returning it back into the soup along with lime juice.
- Serve hot in bowls topped with tortilla chips, cilantro, and any additional toppings you prefer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg





