If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dish with vibrant flavors and a bit of spice, look no further than this tortilla soup recipe! It’s a classic Mexican soup that’s easy to make, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and crispy tortilla strips, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your taste, whether you like it mild or with an extra kick!
Let’s dive into this Tortilla Soup Recipe and get started on making a delicious, hearty bowl of goodness that will warm you up in no time.
Why You Should Try This Tortilla Soup Recipe Today!
Tortilla soup is the perfect comfort food that combines a variety of textures and flavors. Here’s why you should give it a try:
Quick and Easy: You can make this soup in under 30 minutes.
Flavorful: The combination of chicken, tomatoes, and spices gives it a rich, savory taste with just the right amount of heat.
Customizable: Add extra toppings like cheese, avocado, and sour cream to make it your own.
Healthy and Filling: This soup is full of lean protein, veggies, and fiber, making it a hearty yet healthy option.
Whether you’re in the United States, United Kingdom, or Canada, this tortilla soup is a perfect dish to enjoy on a chilly day or when you want something warm and flavorful.
Ingredients for Tortilla Soup Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need for a delicious tortilla soup recipe that serves 4 people. You can also double the ingredients to make a larger batch for a family dinner or meal prep.
For the Soup:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped (green, red, or yellow)
1 can (14.5 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
1 can (4 oz / 115 g) diced green chilies (optional for added heat)
4 cups chicken broth (use low-sodium for a healthier version)
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great here!)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon lime juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tortilla Strips:
4 small corn tortillas (or flour if you prefer)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt, to taste
Toppings (Optional):
Sour cream
Avocado, diced
Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges
Jalapeños, sliced (if you like it spicy)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Tortilla Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Tortilla Strips
The crispy tortilla strips add a delightful crunch to the soup, so it’s important to get them just right.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the tortillas into thin strips (about 1/2 inch wide).
Toss the strips in 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt.
Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Once they’re done, set them aside to top your soup later.
Step 2: Make the Soup Base
While the tortilla strips are baking, it’s time to get the soup ready.
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
Add the garlic, and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, green chilies (if using), and chicken broth.
Season with cumin, chili powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together.
Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Add the shredded chicken and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through.
Stir in the lime juice, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
At this point, your soup is almost ready! It should have a nice balance of savory flavors, with a little heat from the chilies and spices.
Step 3: Serve and Add Toppings
Now for the fun part—assembling your tortilla soup:
Ladle the soup into bowls.
Top with the crispy tortilla strips you made earlier.
Add any extra toppings you like, such as:
Sour cream for creaminess
Diced avocado for richness
Shredded cheese for extra flavor
Fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh taste
Lime wedges for a tangy kick
Jalapeños for heat, if you’re feeling adventurous!
Practical Tips for the Best Tortilla Soup
To ensure your Tortilla Soup recipe is a hit every time, here are some practical tips:
1. Customize the Heat Level
Mild: If you prefer a milder soup, skip the green chilies and use mild chili powder.
Spicy: Add extra jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to make it extra spicy. You can also use a spicier variety of chilies, such as serrano or habanero.
2. Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience
For a quicker recipe, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Just shred the chicken and toss it into the soup.
Alternatively, you can cook and shred your own chicken breast or thighs, or even use leftover chicken from another meal.
3. Make it Vegetarian
If you want a vegetarian version, you can skip the chicken and add black beans, corn, and extra veggies like zucchini or sweet potatoes.
You can still use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter, plant-based soup.
4. Add More Texture
To add even more texture, throw in a handful of tortilla chips into the soup just before serving. This will give you an extra crunch that complements the crispy strips on top.
5. Store Leftovers Properly
Leftover tortilla soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just keep the toppings separate to prevent them from getting soggy.
You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. When reheating, add fresh tortilla strips and toppings for the best texture.
Conclusion: Try This Homemade Tortilla Soup Recipe Today!
This Homemade tortilla soup recipe in minutes! is a warm, comforting dish that’s full of flavor, texture, and just the right amount of spice. Whether you’re making it for dinner or for a cozy lunch, this easy-to-follow recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
To recap:
Cook your vegetables and add seasonings for a flavorful base.
Simmer with chicken and broth for 10-15 minutes to blend all the flavors.
Top with crispy tortilla strips and your favorite toppings.
This soup is not only fast and easy but also customizable to suit any dietary preferences or spice levels. Give it a try, and you’ll see why Tortilla Soup is such a beloved dish around the world!