Save This dish blends tender chicken breasts simmered with bold chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika alongside diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Crispy fried tortilla strips add a crunchy contrast to the rich, flavorful broth. Garnishes like avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges enhance the vibrant taste. Easy to prepare in under an hour, this comforting meal features layers of spice and texture perfect for chilly evenings.
I still remember the first time I made this spicy chicken tortilla soup on a chilly evening; the warmth and vibrant flavors instantly made it a go-to comfort meal for the whole family.
One evening, unexpected guests dropped by and I whipped this soup up in no time; the compliments and second bowls made me feel like I had truly nailed it.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: I always use boneless skinless ones so they shred easily and stay tender in the broth
- Yellow onion: adds a sweet depth; diced small to melt perfectly into the soup
- Garlic: mincing fresh garlic gives a punch that dried just can't match
- Red bell pepper: diced to bring a slight sweetness and color contrast
- Jalapeño: adjust the heat by seeding or keeping some seeds; fresh is best
- Diced tomatoes: canned with juices to build a rich base
- Corn kernels: I use frozen—drained well to keep the texture popping
- Black beans: rinsed and drained so they don't muddy the broth
- Chicken broth: homemade or low sodium store brand to control salt levels
- Spices: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and optional cayenne all fresh and vibrant for bold flavor
- Tortillas: corn tortillas cut into strips and fried until golden for perfect crunch
- Vegetable oil: for sautéing and frying; has a neutral flavor
- Garnishes: fresh cilantro, diced avocado, lime wedges, shredded cheese, and sour cream to customize every bowl
Instructions
- The Start That Sets the Flavor:
- Heat oil in your pot and gently soften onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño until they become fragrant and tender, filling your kitchen with a welcoming aroma.
- Garlic Moment:
- Add the garlic and stir quickly so it doesn't burn but releases its full flavor in about a minute.
- Spice It Up:
- Sprinkle in all the spices and keep stirring so they toast slightly and infuse the veggies with a deep warmth.
- Layer in the Goodness:
- Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices, corn, black beans, chicken breasts, and broth, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste—the colors at this stage are beautiful and inviting.
- Simmer and Build Flavors:
- Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce to simmer, cover it and let the chicken cook through while the ingredients meld for 20 minutes.
- Shred and Finish:
- Take out the chicken, shred it finely with two forks, then return it to the pot and simmer uncovered for 10 more minutes to bring everything together perfectly.
- Tortilla Crunch Time:
- Heat the remaining oil in a skillet and fry the tortilla strips until golden and crispy, draining them on paper towels and sprinkling lightly with salt.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the soup into warm bowls and crown with the tortilla strips and your favorite garnishes to create a bowl bursting with textures and flavors.
Save This soup became more than just dinner one rainy day when my kids curled up on the couch with bowls in hand, making it a shared comfort that felt like a warm hug.
Keeping It Fresh
I always chop my garnishes fresh right before serving to keep every spoonful vibrant and bright, and I find that lime wedges lifted the flavors especially well.
When You're Missing Something
If you don't have chicken on hand, extra beans or crispy tofu cubes work surprisingly well and keep it hearty and satisfying.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
This soup pairs wonderfully with a simple side of warm corn bread or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
- Double the tortilla strips if you love extra crunch on top
- Try swapping sour cream for dairy-free yogurt to keep it dairy-free
- Leftovers? It tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld overnight
Save Thanks for hanging out and sharing this recipe journey with me; I hope it brings as much warmth to your table as it did to mine.
