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Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup
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Chicken Tortilla Soup is a warm, savory comfort food featuring tender shredded chicken, rich chicken broth, zesty tomatoes, and crunchy tortilla strips. This hearty and flavorful soup blends mild smoky spices with fresh lime and cilantro, making each spoonful a satisfying and nourishing meal perfect for cozy nights or quick dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes or 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For Serving and Garnish

  • 1 cup tortilla strips (homemade or store-bought)
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Optional toppings: sliced avocado, shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 4-5 minutes, to form the flavorful base of the soup.
  2. Add Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices. Then add chopped fresh tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes and simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors together.
  3. Pour in Broth and Corn: Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring to a gentle boil. Add corn kernels, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes to blend the flavors and thin the soup to your preferred consistency.
  4. Incorporate Chicken: Add the shredded cooked chicken to the simmering soup and heat through for 3-5 minutes so the chicken absorbs the rich broth flavors.
  5. Finish with Fresh Flavors: Remove the pot from heat and stir in freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro to brighten and add fresh herbal notes.
  6. Serve with Tortilla Strips: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top generously with crunchy tortilla strips. Add optional garnishes such as sliced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños as desired.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut that adds extra flavor.
  • Homemade chicken broth enhances the richness and depth of the soup.
  • Don’t skip the lime juice—it balances spices and enriches flavor.
  • Toast or bake tortilla strips at home for better crunch and freshness.
  • Simmer the soup on low heat to allow flavors to meld without toughening the chicken.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days; flavors deepen over time.
  • Freeze the soup (without tortilla strips) for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving.
  • Add tortilla strips and fresh garnishes just before serving to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Tortilla Soup, Comfort Food, Mexican Soup, Gluten Free Soup, Easy Dinner, Shredded Chicken Soup, Spicy Soup

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/chicken-tortilla-soup/