Classic Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup
Make the best Classic Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup with tender chicken, crispy tortilla strips, rich tomato broth, and authentic Mexican flavors.
Servings 6
Calories 345kcal
Cost $14
Equipment
- 1 Dutch Oven or Large Pot For cooking soup
- 1 Cutting Board Vegetable prep
- 1 Chef's Knife Chopping ingredients
- 1 Wooden Spoon Stirring
- 1 Measuring Cups Accurate measurements
- 1 Measuring Spoons Seasonings
- 1 Baking Sheet Optional tortilla strip
- 1 Ladle Serving
Ingredients
For The Soup
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil Extra virgin preferred
- 1 medium Onion Diced
- 3 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 medium Jalapeño Seeded and diced
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes 14 oz
- 6 cups Chicken Broth Low sodium
- 2 cups Chicken Breast Cooked and shredded
- 1 cup Corn Kernels Fresh or frozen
- 1 can Black Beans Drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp Lime Juice Freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Freshly ground
Crispy Tortilla Strips
- 6 small Corn Tortillas Thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil For baking
Garnishes
- 1 avocado Sliced Optional
- 1/4 cup Cilantro Chopped
- 1 lime Cut into wedges
- 1/2 cup Cheese Shredded
- 1/4 cup Sour Cream Optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Tortilla Strips
- Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
- Step 3: Bloom the Spices
- Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth
- Step 5: Add Protein and Vegetables
- Step 6: Season and Finish
- Step 7: Rest and Serve
Notes
Chef Tips
Use homemade chicken broth for deeper flavor.
Fresh lime juice provides the best brightness.
Bake tortilla strips instead of frying for a lighter soup.
Storage Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheating Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through. Freezing Freeze without toppings for up to 3 months. Make Ahead Prepare the soup a day ahead. The flavors improve overnight. Common Mistakes
Overcooking chicken.
Skipping the spice blooming step.
Adding tortilla strips too early.
Using low-quality broth.
Over-salting before the soup reduces.
Use homemade chicken broth for deeper flavor.
Fresh lime juice provides the best brightness.
Bake tortilla strips instead of frying for a lighter soup.
Storage Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheating Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through. Freezing Freeze without toppings for up to 3 months. Make Ahead Prepare the soup a day ahead. The flavors improve overnight. Common Mistakes
Overcooking chicken.
Skipping the spice blooming step.
Adding tortilla strips too early.
Using low-quality broth.
Over-salting before the soup reduces.