Easy 30-Minute Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup

This Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, tomatoes, corn, black beans, and a blend of spices, all topped with crispy tortilla strips. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal and brings the taste of a restaurant-quality soup to your home. ​What’s Gaby Cooking+1Sungrown Kitchen+1Averie Cooks+1Averie Cooks+1

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.​
• Flavorful: A rich combination of spices and ingredients that deliver a satisfying taste.​
• Customizable: Easily adaptable with various toppings and ingredient substitutions to suit your preferences.​

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Olive oil​scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com+5EatingWell+5Erin Lives Whole+5
• Sweet Vidalia or yellow onion​Averie Cooks+1Erin Lives Whole+1
• Jalapeño pepper​
• Garlic cloves​Averie Cooks
• Low-sodium chicken broth​
• Diced tomatoes and juice​Averie Cooks
• Black beans​EatingWell+7The Stay At Home Chef+7Averie Cooks+7
• Shredded cooked chicken​Averie Cooks
• Corn​Allrecipes+3Averie Cooks+3Sungrown Kitchen+3
• Lime juice​Simply Recipes+8Averie Cooks+8Averie Cooks+8
• Chili powder​Real Simple+9Averie Cooks+9Erin Lives Whole+9
• Cumin​scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com
• Salt​Southern Living+4EatingWell+4Better Homes & Gardens+4
• Black pepper​The Stay At Home Chef
• Smoked paprika​Averie Cooks
• Fresh cilantro​
• Corn tortillas​scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com+2Erin Lives Whole+2Epicurious+2

Directions

1. Prepare the Tortilla Strips: Cut corn tortillas into thin strips. Toss them with olive oil and salt, then bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy. ​Erin Lives Whole
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and jalapeño, and sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. ​Averie Cooks
3. Add Broth and Spices: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, black beans, shredded chicken, corn, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine. ​Averie Cooks
4. Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.​
5. Incorporate Cilantro: Stir in chopped fresh cilantro and let the soup simmer for an additional minute.​
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crispy tortilla strips. Optionally, garnish with diced avocado, shredded cheese, and/or sour cream. Serve immediately. ​Averie Cooks+1Averie Cooks+1

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 5 servings.​
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes.​What’s Gaby Cooking+1Simply Recipes+1
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes.​
• Total Time: 30 minutes.​

Variations

• Protein Options: Substitute shredded turkey, beef, or pork for chicken. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth. ​Chef Savvy
• Additional Vegetables: Enhance the soup by adding sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots.​EatingWell+1Chef Savvy+1
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of jalapeño and chili powder.​
• Creamy Version: Add 2 ounces of cream cheese or ½ cup of heavy cream when adding the beans and corn for a creamier texture. ​Sungrown Kitchen

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. ​Averie Cooks
• Freezing: Freeze the soup (without tortilla strips) in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. ​Averie Cooks+1Chef Savvy+1
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to reach the desired consistency.​

FAQs

What toppings go well with chicken tortilla soup?

Common toppings include crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, shredded cheese (such as Monterey Jack or cheddar), sour cream, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. ​Averie Cooks

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, combine all ingredients except for the cilantro and toppings in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in fresh cilantro just before serving. ​Sungrown Kitchen+1The Stay At Home Chef+1

Is this soup spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted to your preference. Removing the seeds from the jalapeño and using mild chili powder will result in a milder soup. For more heat, include the jalapeño seeds or add an extra jalapeño. ​Averie Cooks

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds flavor to the soup.

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