Chicken Tortilla Soup A Fiesta of Flavor in Every Bowl

Tia Maribel
Posted on October 8, 2025
September 25, 2025
by

Chicken Tortilla Soup is the ultimate comfort dish that brings familia together. With tender chicken, colorful veggies, and crispy tortilla strips, every spoonful is a fiesta of sabor. It’s easy to prepare, cozy for chilly nights, and perfect for celebrating traditions or simply making dinner special. ¡Ay, qué rico!

A Family Memory in Every Bowl

Whenever I make Chicken Tortilla Soup, I’m instantly transported back to abuela’s kitchen. She would simmer a big pot while telling us stories of our family’s past, her laughter filling the room. We cousins eagerly waited for that first warm bowl, topped with crunchy tortillas and fresh cilantro. This soup isn’t just a recipe it’s a legacy of love, laughter, and connection passed down through generations.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients for Chicken Tortilla Soup

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Tortilla strips (storebought or homemade)
  • Avocado, sour cream, cilantro, and lime, for garnish

Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup

  1. Sauté the Aromatics
    Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Add the Spices
    Stir in cumin and chili powder. Let the spices bloom with the veggies your kitchen will smell heavenly.
  3. Add Broth & Chicken
    Pour in chicken broth and shredded chicken. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Add the Goodies
    Mix in diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes so flavors meld beautifully.
  5. Taste & Adjust
    Taste the soup and adjust seasoning. Want more spice? Add extra chili powder or jalapeños.
  6. Serve & Garnish
    Ladle into bowls, top with tortilla strips, avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. ¡Perfecto!

How to Serve Chicken Tortilla Soup with Familia

Make it a fiesta! Set up a toppings bar with avocado, lime wedges, cheese, and tortilla strips so everyone can personalize their bowl. Add a side of warm tortillas or quesadillas, and you’ll have a family dinner filled with joy, laughter, and flavor.

Serve with Intention

Complement this dish with a side of seasonal greens, a bowl of warm grains, or even a calming cup of herbal tea. Slow down, savor each bite, and share the moment with someone you love. Food always feels more nourishing when it’s enjoyed with gratitude and good company.

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

Leftovers? ¡Qué suerte! This soup tastes even better the next day. Store in the fridge up to 3 days in airtight containers. To freeze, skip the toppings and freeze the soup base for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove and add fresh garnishes before serving.

Tía Maribel’s Flavor Secrets

  • A splash of lime juice at the end makes the flavors sing.
  • Fresh cilantro stirred in just before serving brightens every spoonful.
  • For a little kick, add diced jalapeños or even smoky chipotle peppers.

Find Your Own Balance

Experiment with local, seasonal produce or explore gentle spices to craft a version that feels true to you. Cooking with mindfulness turns each step into a chance to connect with your ingredients and discover fresh ways to nourish both yourself and those you love, one thoughtful bite at a time.

Fun Twists to Make It Your Own

  • Switch the protein: Use turkey, shrimp, or even chorizo.
  • Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with zucchini, squash, or extra beans.
  • Cheesy indulgence: Melt shredded cheese on top or serve with cheesy quesadillas.
easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

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Chicken Tortilla Soup

A warm, comforting Chicken Tortilla Soup filled with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and crispy tortilla strips that brings families together.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Soup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced red or green
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn frozen or canned
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
  • Tortilla strips store-bought or homemade
  • Avocado for garnish
  • Sour cream for garnish
  • Cilantro for garnish
  • Lime for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until they become soft and fragrant.
  2. Sprinkle in the cumin and chili powder. Stir well to let the spices dance with the veggies.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
  4. Toss in the diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Season with salt and pepper, and let the flavors mingle for about 15 minutes.
  5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  6. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, some avocado slices, sour cream, and cilantro. Squeeze lime over the top before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5g

Notes

For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge or freeze for about three months.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

FAQs About Chicken Tortilla Soup

Can I make Chicken Tortilla Soup in a slow cooker?

¡Claro que sí! Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! It’s a fantastic shortcut that adds wonderful flavor. Just shred and stir it in.

Is Chicken Tortilla Soup spicy?

It can be! Add jalapeños, chili powder, or hot sauce for heat, or keep it mild for little ones.

¡Listo para disfrutar!

And there you have it Chicken Tortilla Soup, the perfect blend of comfort, tradition, and fiesta. Simple, flavorful, and full of corazón, it’s a dish that brings everyone together. Cook it tonight, and let your kitchen be filled with warmth, laughter, and the delicious aromas of home.

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Author

  • Tía Maribel, co-author at Feel the Recipes, smiling in her vibrant kitchen while preparing fresh guacamole in a traditional molcajete.

    I’m Maribel from Veracruz. I share bold Latin flavors and festive recipes that celebrate family and tradition. For me, cooking is pure joy and I want you to feel that warmth in every dish you make.

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