Chicken Tortilla Soup

A vibrant and flavorful chicken tortilla soup, bursting with zesty lime, hearty chicken, and tender vegetables. This comforting soup is topped with crispy tortilla strips for a delightful crunch.

• Prep time: 18 minutes
• Cook time: 32 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty: Easy
• Cuisine: International

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Corn tortillas, cut into strips and fried or baked until crisp
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese, for serving
• Sour cream, for serving
• Chopped fresh cilantro, for serving
• Sliced avocado, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Stir in shredded chicken, black beans, and corn. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
5. Stir in lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Ladle soup into bowls and top generously with crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and avocado.

Tips

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy way to get shredded cooked chicken.
• Bake tortilla strips at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until crisp for a healthier alternative to frying.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little extra heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store leftover chicken tortilla soup?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the crispy tortilla strips separate until ready to serve to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this soup vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth. You can add more beans or corn, or even some crumbled firm tofu.

What kind of tomatoes are best?

Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies provide a convenient way to add both tomato flavor and a mild heat. If you can't find them, use regular diced tomatoes and add a chopped jalapeño pepper (seeds removed for less heat) with the garlic.