Tortilla Soup. Easy and Flavorful Mexican Soup

Updated on September 3, 2024
Tortilla Soup. Easy and Flavorful Mexican Soup

Tortilla Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Mexico to your kitchen. This soup is a delightful blend of tender chicken, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic spices, all topped with crispy tortilla strips. It’s a hearty, warming meal that’s perfect for any time you need a little comfort in a bowl. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a starter for a Mexican-themed feast, this soup is sure to please. With its combination of rich flavors and crunchy textures, Tortilla Soup is a dish that will quickly become a family favorite.

Servings
4
Prep Time
15m
Cook Time
30m
Total Time
45m

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 corn tortillas, cut into strips
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  • Sour cream, for serving (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Prepare the Base. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and jalapeño, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2

Season and Simmer. Stir in the ground cumin and chili powder, cooking for 1 minute to release the flavors. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, black beans, and corn. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 3

Add Chicken. Stir in the shredded chicken, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for another 5 minutes to heat the chicken through.

Step 4

Prepare the Tortilla Strips. While the soup simmers, heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the tortilla strips until they are golden and crispy, then remove them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 5

Serve. Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with the crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and, if desired, shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream.

Recipe tips

Adjust the heat of the soup by adding more or less jalapeño, or even a dash of hot sauce if you like it spicier. For extra flavor, sprinkle a little chili powder on the tortilla strips before frying them. For a richer flavor, you can use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth to make this a vegetarian dish. You can also add extra beans or some sautéed mushrooms for added texture.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories
320
Fats
14g
Carbohydrates
28g
Proteins
20g