Coziest Chicken Tortilla Soup for Chilly Nights

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There’s nothing—and I mean nothing—better than a big, warm bowl of chicken tortilla soup on a chilly night. You know that feeling when you’re all cozied up on the couch, wrapped in your favorite blanket, and just craving something hearty, comforting, and full of flavor? That’s exactly what this soup delivers. It’s like a hug in a bowl, with tender shredded chicken, rich tomato broth, and a mix of spices that just warm you up from the inside out. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the crunchy homemade tortilla strips on top—seriously, they take this soup to a whole new level.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Loaded with flavor – The combo of cumin, chili powder, and fresh lime juice gives this soup an irresistible, zesty kick.
• Quick and easy – This is a one-pot wonder that comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Super customizable – Add more spice, swap the protein, or toss in extra toppings to make it your own.
• Better than takeout – Seriously, once you make this at home, you’ll never want to order it from a restaurant again.
• Crowd-pleaser – This is one of those meals everyone at the table will devour—no leftovers guaranteed!

Best Chicken Tortilla Soup You Need This isn’t just any chicken tortilla soup—it’s the chicken tortilla soup you need in your life. With a rich, slightly smoky broth, perfectly tender shredded chicken, and all the toppings you could dream of, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll make again and again. Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber, making it as nourishing as it is delicious.

Ingredients Notes

Let’s break down what you’ll need to bring this cozy bowl to life:

For the Soup Base:

• Olive oil (1 tbsp) – Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies.
• Onion (1 medium, chopped) – Brings depth and sweetness to the soup.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Because everything tastes better with garlic.
• Jalapeño (1, seeded and diced) – Adds a mild heat, but you can leave it out if you prefer a milder soup.

For the Seasoning:

• Ground cumin (1 tsp) – Adds warmth and an earthy, smoky note.
• Chili powder (1 tsp) – Brings a touch of spice without overwhelming the dish.
• Salt (1 tsp, or to taste) – Balances out the flavors perfectly.

For the Chicken & Broth:

• Chicken breasts (1 lb, about 2 medium) – Get ready for the juiciest shredded chicken ever.
• Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can) – The base for a rich and hearty broth.
• Chicken broth (32 oz) – Adds depth of flavor and makes the soup extra comforting.

For the Add-Ins:

• Black beans (14 oz can, drained and rinsed) – Adds heartiness and extra protein.
• Corn (14 oz can, drained and rinsed) – Brings sweetness and texture.
• Cilantro (½ cup chopped, reserve ¼ cup for garnish) – Fresh, herby goodness that makes all the difference.
• Lime juice (1 lime, juiced) – Brightens everything up with a fresh, citrusy kick.

Homemade Tortilla Strips:

• Olive oil (¼ cup) – For crisping up those tortilla strips to perfection.
• Corn tortillas (8, cut into strips) – The ultimate crunchy topping.

Toppings:

• Avocado (1 large, diced) – Creamy, dreamy, and the perfect contrast to the warm broth.
• Lime wedges (for serving) – A final squeeze of lime makes all the flavors pop.

Optional Add-Ons

Want to take things up a notch? Here are some extra ingredients to mix things up:

• A pinch of red pepper flakes – If you love extra heat.
• Shredded cheese – Because melted cheese on top? Yes, please.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt – Adds a cool, creamy contrast.
• Crushed tortilla chips – For even more crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Tortilla Soup

Tortilla Strips

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1. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat ¼ cup of olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Pro Tip: Make sure the oil is hot before adding the tortilla strips to get them extra crispy.
2. Fry the tortilla strips: Working in batches, add the tortilla strips to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crisp, about 1-2 minutes per batch.
   • Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the strips won’t crisp up properly.
3. Drain and set aside: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the strips to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Set aside for topping.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

1. Sauté the veggies: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and diced jalapeño. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
   • Pro Tip: Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic—it should be golden, not brown!
2. Build the broth: Add the chicken breasts, corn, black beans, chili powder, cumin, crushed tomatoes, salt, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
   • Pro Tip: Let the spices toast for 30 seconds before stirring to deepen the flavor.
3. Simmer the soup: Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 25 minutes.
   • Pro Tip: The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavors get!
4. Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Add the shredded chicken back to the soup and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
5. Finish with lime juice: Stir in the fresh lime juice right before serving for an extra burst of brightness.

Storage and Serving

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Tips for Success

• For deeper flavor, sauté the spices before adding the broth.
• Let the soup sit for 5 minutes after cooking—it helps meld the flavors.
• Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Swap chicken for tofu or extra beans.
• Spicy: Add diced chipotle peppers.
• Low-carb: Skip the tortilla strips and use zucchini noodles.

What Others Are Saying About the Recipe

• Jessica: “This was hands-down the best chicken tortilla soup I’ve ever had. So flavorful and easy!”
• Mia: “I made this for a girls’ night, and everyone asked for the recipe. Definitely making again!”

FAQs about Chicken Tortilla Soup

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Absolutely! Just shred and add it during the last 5 minutes.

2. What’s the best way to make it spicier? Add extra jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.

In Conclusion of Chicken Tortilla Soup

This cozy, flavorful chicken tortilla soup is basically a must-make. It’s easy, incredibly satisfying, and packed with all the best flavors. Try it and let me know how you love it in the comments!