Chicken Tortilla Soup Crispy (Printable View)

Comforting chicken soup with bold spices, vegetables, and crispy tortilla strips for texture and flavor.

# Ingredient List:

→ Soup

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
11 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
13 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
14 - 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
15 - 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
16 - 1 cup frozen corn kernels
17 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
18 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Crispy Tortilla Strips

19 - 6 small corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
20 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
21 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

→ Optional Garnishes

22 - Sliced avocado
23 - Sour cream or Greek yogurt
24 - Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
25 - Additional chopped cilantro
26 - Lime wedges

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss tortilla strips with vegetable oil and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring once, until golden and crisp. Sprinkle with sea salt and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced jalapeño. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
03 - Add diced red bell pepper, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring to release aromas.
04 - Stir in diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring mixture to a simmer.
05 - Incorporate shredded chicken, black beans, and corn kernels. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Adjust seasoning to taste.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls. Top with crispy tortilla strips and garnishes as desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It tastes like you simmered it all day but comes together in under an hour.
  • The crispy tortilla strips add a crunch that makes every spoonful feel complete.
  • You can adjust the heat and toppings to match exactly what you're craving.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day after the flavors settle in.
02 -
  • Don't skip toasting the spices in the oil, it wakes them up and deepens the flavor in a way you can really taste.
  • Add the lime juice at the very end off the heat, cooking it too long makes it taste dull instead of bright.
  • If your tortilla strips aren't crisping, spread them thinner on the pan and give them an extra minute or two.
03 -
  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time, the seasoning adds even more flavor to the broth.
  • Taste the soup before serving and adjust with salt, lime, or a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic.
  • If you're making this ahead, undercook it slightly so it doesn't get mushy when reheated.

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