Simple Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
A simple and flavorful chicken tortilla soup featuring tender shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and spices in a tomato-based broth, garnished with tortilla strips and fresh toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons light olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced (adjust to taste)
- 32 oz (4 cups) chicken broth
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 medium)
- 15 oz can corn, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1.5 teaspoons chili powder
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1.5 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 lime), or to taste
- For serving (optional): Corn tortilla strips (homemade or store-bought)
- Diced avocado
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, and diced jalapeño. Sauté until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Add the whole chicken breasts, drained corn, and rinsed black beans. Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, and salt.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken breasts are fully cooked through and easily shredded.
- Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and place them in a bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
- Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and fresh lime juice. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve the hot chicken tortilla soup in bowls, topped with your favorite garnishes such as crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a lime wedge.
Notes
- Adjust jalapeño quantity for desired spice level.
- Garnishes are optional but recommended for added flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup