Craving something hearty, flavorful, and bursting with vibrant Mexican flair? Look no further than this Tortilla Soup Recipe — a warm, comforting bowl that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Packed with tender chicken, rich tomato broth, zesty spices, and crispy tortilla strips, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and soul-soothing.
If you’ve never tried making it at home before, you’re in for a treat. This easy recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor in less than an hour! So grab your pot — and let’s make this Tortilla Soup Recipe you’ll love.
🌶️ Why You’ll Love This Tortilla Soup
✅ Quick & easy — Ready in under 40 minutes!
🍅 Simple ingredients — Made mostly from pantry staples.
🥣 Bursting with flavor — Smoky, spicy, and deeply comforting.
🌮 Customizable — Add your favorite toppings for a personalized touch.
This recipe is a go-to for anyone who loves Mexican-inspired comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
🥄 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Tortilla Soup Recipe at home:
For the Soup Base:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for heat)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
4 cups chicken broth
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lime
For the Crispy Tortilla Strips:
6 corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Pinch of salt
Toppings (Optional but Delicious!):
Fresh avocado slices
Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
Chopped cilantro
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Lime wedges
Jalapeño slices
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Crispy Tortilla Strips
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Toss tortilla strips with vegetable oil and a pinch of salt. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Quick Hack: You can also fry them in a skillet with a bit of oil for extra crunch!
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and jalapeño, cooking another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Build the Flavor Base
Add chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices — this deepens their flavor.
4. Add the Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine, scraping any bits off the bottom of the pot.
Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Add Chicken, Beans & Corn
Stir in shredded chicken, black beans, and corn. Let everything simmer for another 10–15 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
Finish by squeezing in fresh lime juice for that perfect tangy balance. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve & Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and top generously with crispy tortilla strips. Add your favorite garnishes — avocado, cheese, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream.
And there you have it — a steaming, savory bowl of Tortilla Soup that’s ready to impress! 🌮✨
🧡 Tips for the Best Tortilla Soup
Use rotisserie chicken — It’s the ultimate time-saver and adds rich, roasted flavor.
Go homemade on the tortilla strips — They’re crispier and fresher than store-bought ones.
Control the heat — Add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne for extra spice.
Make it vegetarian — Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth for a hearty veggie version.
Meal prep magic: This soup keeps beautifully for 3–4 days in the fridge and tastes even better the next day!
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze without toppings for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
🌮 Make It Your Own
Want to level up your Tortilla Soup Recipe? Try these tasty add-ins:
Add fire-roasted tomatoes for smoky depth.
Stir in a handful of rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
Top with crumbled tortilla chips if you’re short on homemade strips.
Add a drizzle of chipotle sauce for that spicy kick.
🕒 Quick Recap
✅ Ready in under 40 minutes
✅ Uses simple, everyday ingredients
✅ Packed with protein and fiber
✅ Bursting with Mexican-inspired flavor
This Tortilla Soup Recipe is not just easy — it’s also incredibly flexible, delicious, and wholesome.
💬 Why You Should Try This Tortilla Soup Recipe Today!
This soup is the definition of comfort food — rich, hearty, and full of zesty flavor that makes every bite exciting. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxing Sunday, it’s a meal that feels special yet effortless.
So don’t wait — try this Tortilla Soup Recipe today! Your kitchen will smell amazing, your taste buds will thank you, and your family will ask for seconds. 🌮🔥