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Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup
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Chicken Tortilla Soup is a Tex-Mex-inspired soup made with shredded chicken, tomatoes, broth, spices, and crispy tortilla strips. Unlike creamy soups, this one is broth-based but deeply flavorful.

It’s the contrast that makes it special. The warm, spiced broth meets crunchy tortillas, creamy avocado, and bright lime. Every spoonful feels balanced. Think of it as comfort food with personality.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ½ teaspoon oregano

  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

  • 4 cups chicken broth

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken

  • 1 cup corn kernels

  • 1 can (14 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • Juice of 1 lime

For Toppings:

 

  • Tortilla strips (store-bought or homemade)

  • Sliced avocado

  • Fresh cilantro

  • Sour cream

  • Shredded cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics (5–6 minutes)

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and chopped bell pepper. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until softened and slightly translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. This base creates the foundation of flavor for the entire soup.

Step 2: Toast the Spices (1–2 minutes)

Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices. Toasting releases their oils and deepens the overall flavor profile.

Step 3: Build the Broth (10 minutes)

Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes so the flavors blend together. The broth should smell rich and slightly smoky at this stage.

Step 4: Add Chicken, Beans, and Corn (10 minutes)

Stir in shredded chicken, black beans, and corn. Simmer for another 10 minutes. This step allows the chicken to absorb the spiced broth while thickening slightly from the beans.

Step 5: Finish with Lime (1 minute)

Squeeze fresh lime juice into the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. The lime brightens the entire pot and balances the spices. Your Chicken Tortilla Soup is now ready to serve.

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