Chicken Tortilla Soup Mexican Style (Print Version)

Comforting Mexican-style soup with tender chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, corn, and crispy tortilla strips. Ready in 45 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Poultry

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
06 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
07 - 1 lime, juiced
08 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Canned Goods

09 - 1 can (14 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
10 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Seasonings

11 - 1 bay leaf
12 - 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
13 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
15 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Tortilla Strips

17 - 4 corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
18 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Optional Toppings

19 - Sliced avocado
20 - Shredded cheese
21 - Sour cream
22 - Extra lime wedges

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Toss tortilla strips with 1 tablespoon olive oil and spread on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp. Set aside.
02 - In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño if using. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
03 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in chili powder, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
05 - Add chicken breasts, fire-roasted tomatoes with juice, corn, bay leaf, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
06 - Remove chicken breasts from pot and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the soup.
07 - Add lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Discard bay leaf.
08 - Ladle soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips and desired toppings.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The homemade tortilla strips add this incredible textural contrast that store-bought chips never quite achieve - I accidentally discovered this when trying to save stale tortillas.
  • You can customize the heat level exactly to your preference, making it perfect for serving to both spice-lovers and those with more sensitive palates at the same table.
02 -
  • Never add the tortilla strips to the pot of soup - they must be placed in individual serving bowls right before eating or theyll become a soggy disappointment instead of that wonderful crunchy contrast.
  • The soup actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld, but the chicken can dry out if reheated too aggressively - gentle warming is key.
03 -
  • Save the chicken broth from poaching the chicken breasts for your next batch of rice or risotto - its infused with all those wonderful soup spices and adds incredible flavor.
  • The secret to perfectly crisp homemade tortilla strips is making sure theyre completely dry before tossing with oil, and arranging them in a single layer without overlapping on the baking sheet.
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