Name: Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon Olive Oil; ½ large Onion, diced; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Chili Powder; ½ teaspoon Cumin; 1 teaspoon Salt; ½ teaspoon Black Pepper; 1 (15-ounce can) Fire Roasted Tomatoes, with juice; 1 (15-ounce can) Black Beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup Corn, fresh or frozen; 4 cups Chicken Broth, or more as needed to adjust consistency; 4 cups Cooked Shredded Chicken; Fresh cilantro; Lime wedges; Jalapenos; Cheese or Cotija cheese; Crispy tortilla strips (see notes)

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Introduction

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any day of the week. This hearty soup combines tender shredded chicken with smoky spices, black beans, corn, and fire-roasted tomatoes. Top it with your favorite Mexican-inspired garnishes for a satisfying meal.

A white bowl filled with a clear, brown broth layered with bright yellow corn kernels, black beans, shredded light brown chicken, and chunky red tomato pieces. On top, there is a sprinkle of crumbled white cheese and fresh green cilantro leaves. A stack of thin, crispy golden tortilla strips is placed on one side of the bowl, with a silver spoon resting inside. The bowl sits on a wooden board on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon Olive Oil
½ large Onion, diced
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Chili Powder
½ teaspoon Cumin
1 teaspoon Salt
½ teaspoon Black Pepper
1 (15-ounce) can Fire Roasted Tomatoes, with juice
1 (15-ounce) can Black Beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup Corn, fresh or frozen
4 cups Chicken Broth, or more as needed to adjust consistency
4 cups Cooked Shredded Chicken
Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, lime, jalapeños, cheese, Cotija cheese, or crispy tortilla strips

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until tender, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the spices are toasted, stirring as needed.
Step 4: Add fire-roasted tomatoes with their juice, black beans, corn, and chicken broth to the pot.
Step 5: Increase heat and bring the soup just to a boil. Then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 6: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and continue heating for a few more minutes until warmed through.
Step 7: Serve the soup warm, topped with tortilla chips and your choice of Mexican-inspired garnishes.

Tips & Variations

For crispy tortilla strips, slice corn tortillas into strips, toss with a little olive oil and salt, then bake at 400°F for 8-12 minutes until golden and crisp.
You can use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro just before serving for extra brightness.
Adjust the spice level by adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Storage

Cool the soup completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 90 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a clear soup containing layers of shredded chicken, black beans, yellow corn, and chunks of red tomatoes, topped with some green cilantro leaves and white crumbled cheese. On the right side inside the bowl, there are golden crispy tortilla strips resting on the soup surface. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl on the right side, and the bowl sits on a wooden coaster with a white marbled surface beneath it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. You can add extra beans, vegetables, or plant-based protein to keep it hearty.

How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

Simmer the soup uncovered to reduce excess liquid or add a small amount of masa harina mixed with water to thicken without changing the flavor.