Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup (Printable View)
Tender chicken and bold spices combined with crunchy tortilla strips for a vibrant, warming dish.
# Ingredient List:
→ Proteins
01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (14 oz)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (adjust to taste)
06 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
07 - 1 cup (5.3 oz) frozen or canned corn kernels, drained
08 - 1 can (14 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
→ Liquids
09 - 4 cups chicken broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 2 tsp chili powder
11 - 1 tsp ground cumin
12 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
14 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Tortilla Strips
16 - 4 small corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
17 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
→ Garnishes (optional)
18 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
19 - 1 avocado, diced
20 - Lime wedges
21 - Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack)
22 - Sour cream
# How to Prepare:
01 - Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño; sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to release aroma.
04 - Add diced tomatoes with juices, corn, black beans, whole chicken breasts, and chicken broth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
05 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
06 - Remove chicken breasts, shred with two forks, then return shredded meat to the pot. Simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to blend flavors.
07 - Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tortilla strips, stirring frequently, until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels and season with a light sprinkle of salt.
08 - Ladle soup into serving bowls. Top with crispy tortilla strips and optional garnishes such as diced avocado, chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, and lime wedges.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- This soup balances bold spices with tender chicken in a way that feels like sharing a cozy secret with a friend
- The crunchy tortilla strips on top add a satisfying texture that keeps you coming back for more
02 -
- Don't rush the simmering; it really brings out the depth of flavor when you give the chicken time to mingle with the spices
- Frying your own tortilla strips makes a world of difference in texture and flavor compared to store-bought
03 -
- Use fresh spices rather than old powders to really boost the aroma and depth
- The secret is in layering spices early on—don't be afraid to stir and let them toast slightly over the heat