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To make this soup, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (choose red for sweetness or green for earthiness) - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought) - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned) - 2 teaspoons ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Juice of 1 lime - Tortilla chips, for serving - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish - Slices of avocado, for garnish Adding garnishes makes your soup shine! Here are some tasty options: - Crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese - Sour cream for creaminess - Extra lime wedges for a zesty kick - Sliced jalapeños for heat - Fresh radishes for crunch Choosing the best ingredients helps your soup taste great. Here’s how: - Chicken: Look for bright pink, firm chicken. Avoid any with a gray hue. - Vegetables: Pick firm bell peppers with shiny skin. They should feel heavy for their size. - Beans: Choose low-sodium canned black beans. Rinse them well to cut the salt. - Spices: Check expiration dates for freshness. Old spices lose flavor. Using fresh ingredients makes your Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup even better! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Start by gathering all your ingredients. You need: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn - 2 teaspoons ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Juice of 1 lime - Tortilla chips - Fresh cilantro, chopped - Slices of avocado Next, chop the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. This step makes cooking easier. Get everything ready before you start cooking. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft. Then, add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Stir often to keep them from burning. Now, add the chicken breasts to the pot. Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, black beans, corn, ground cumin, and chili powder. Stir everything together. Increase the heat until the soup starts to boil. Then, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked. After the chicken is cooked, take it out of the pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into small pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the soup. Now, season the soup with salt, pepper, and the juice of one lime. Taste it and adjust if needed. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes. This lets the flavors mix well. When ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls. Top with crunchy tortilla chips, chopped cilantro, and creamy avocado slices. Enjoy your easy chicken tortilla soup! For more details, check the Full Recipe. To make your chicken tortilla soup burst with flavor, use fresh ingredients. Fresh herbs and spices add depth. For a kick, add lime juice at the end. This brightens the taste and balances the soup. Also, let your soup simmer. This helps the flavors blend well. Taste and adjust salt and spices as needed. Using homemade chicken broth enhances the taste even more. If you want a smoky flavor, try adding a bit of smoked paprika. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. If you cook it too long, it will become dry. Always check for doneness around the 20-minute mark. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Be generous with salt, pepper, and spices. Last, do not skip the toppings! They add texture and brightness to the dish. Tortilla chips, cilantro, and avocado make a big difference. You will need a large pot or Dutch oven for cooking the soup. A cutting board and sharp knife are essential for chopping ingredients. Use measuring spoons for spices to ensure the right flavors. A ladle helps you serve the soup easily. Finally, having a couple of forks handy will help you shred the chicken quickly. For more details on the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of this soup. Instead of chicken, use one cup of diced firm tofu or two cups of mushrooms. They add nice texture and flavor. You can also use extra beans, like pinto or kidney beans. This keeps the protein high and the soup filling. Don't forget to add more veggies like zucchini or carrots for a colorful twist. To adjust the heat, you can play with the spices. If you want a milder soup, skip the chili powder. Use only a pinch of ground cumin. For a hotter version, add extra chili powder or some diced jalapeños. You can also use hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. Always taste as you go to find the right balance for you. Canned goods are handy, but fresh ingredients can enhance flavor. Instead of canned tomatoes, try fresh diced tomatoes. Use homemade broth instead of store-bought for a richer taste. If you don't have canned corn, fresh or frozen corn works great. You can even skip the beans entirely and add more veggies instead. Each swap gives you a new twist on the classic recipe. For more details, check the Full Recipe. To keep your soup fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool first. Place the container in the fridge. The soup lasts about three days. When you want to eat it again, check for any changes in smell or color. You can freeze the soup for longer storage. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space for expansion. The soup stays good for about three months. Label it with the date and name for easy tracking. To reheat, you can use a pot on the stove. Heat it over low to medium heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Add fresh toppings like cilantro and avocado for extra flavor. Enjoy your warm bowl! Chicken Tortilla Soup comes from Mexico. Many say it began in Jalisco. It is a mix of flavors and textures. The soup uses local ingredients like chicken and corn. People often top it with crispy tortilla strips. This adds crunch and flavor. Each family has its own twist on the recipe. Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Just add all the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function first. After that, cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes. Both methods yield tasty results. To make this soup gluten-free, choose gluten-free tortillas. Most corn tortillas are a safe option. Also, check canned goods for gluten-free labels. This ensures you avoid any hidden gluten. With these swaps, you can enjoy this soup safely. For the Full Recipe, follow the steps as usual! This blog covers how to make Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup. We explored key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for great flavor. You learned about ingredient swaps and storing leftovers too. In summary, this soup is easy to make and fun to customize. I hope you feel ready to try it yourself. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Warm up your mealtime with this delicious Fiesta Chicken Tortilla Soup! Packed with juicy chicken, vibrant peppers, and hearty black beans, this easy recipe is perfect for any occasion. In just under an hour, you can create a flavorful dish that's sure to impress. Serve it hot with tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, and avocado for the ultimate comfort food experience. Click to explore this mouthwatering recipe and bring a taste of fiesta to your kitchen!

Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, diced (choose red for sweetness or green for earthiness)

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Juice of 1 lime

Tortilla chips, for serving

Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Slices of avocado, for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft.

    Next, add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper to the pot. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bell pepper has softened.

      Incorporate the chicken breasts into the pot, followed by the can of diced tomatoes (including their juices), chicken broth, rinsed black beans, corn, ground cumin, and chili powder. Stir to combine all the ingredients well.

        Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.

          Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return the shredded chicken back into the soup.

            Season the soup with salt, pepper, and the juice of one lime, adjusting to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.

              To serve, ladle the soup hot into bowls. Garnish generously with crunchy tortilla chips, chopped fresh cilantro, and creamy slices of avocado for added richness.

                - Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 50 minutes | Serves 6