How to Make Authentic Chicken Tortilla Soup: Easy Recipe

Here's how to make authentic chicken tortilla soup: Combine 1.5 lbs boneless chicken, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 can black beans, 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes, 1 onion, 3 garlic cloves, 2 chipotle peppers, and traditional spices. Simmer for 25 minutes, shred chicken, and serve with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and lime. Total preparation time: 45 minutes. Serves 6.

If you're searching for a reliable easy chicken tortilla soup recipe that delivers authentic flavor without complicated steps, you've found it. This traditional Mexican-inspired soup combines tender chicken, rich broth, and signature spices for a comforting meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining. Unlike many simplified versions, this recipe captures the complex flavors of authentic chicken tortilla soup while remaining accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Why This Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Works

What sets this authentic chicken tortilla soup preparation apart from others is the layered approach to building flavors. Rather than dumping everything into a pot, we toast spices, sauté aromatics properly, and finish with fresh garnishes that elevate the dish from ordinary to extraordinary. The secret lies in using chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for that distinctive smoky heat and finishing with freshly fried tortilla strips for optimal texture.

Complete Ingredients List

Gather these ingredients for the best chicken tortilla soup step by step experience. All measurements are precise for consistent results every time.

Ingredient	Amount	Preparation Notes
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs	1.5 lbs (680g)	Thighs provide more flavor but breasts work too
Chicken broth (low sodium)	4 cups (950ml)	Homemade preferred, but quality store-bought works
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes	1 (14.5 oz) can	Do not drain
Black beans, rinsed	1 (15 oz) can	Low sodium variety preferred
White or yellow onion, diced	1 medium	About 2 cups diced
Garlic cloves, minced	3	Fresh is essential
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce	2 peppers + 1 tbsp sauce	Adjust for spice preference
Cumin	1.5 tsp	Toast before using
Dried oregano (Mexican preferred)	1 tsp	Do not substitute Italian
Corn tortillas	6-8	For homemade strips
Avocado, diced	1-2	For serving
Lime wedges	For serving	Essential for brightness

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these detailed steps for perfect chicken tortilla soup every time. Total active preparation time is 20 minutes with 25 minutes of simmering.

1. Prepare the base: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté diced onions until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Bloom the spices: Stir in cumin and oregano, cooking for 30 seconds to release their essential oils. This critical step enhances flavor depth in your traditional chicken tortilla soup.
3. Add liquids and solids: Pour in chicken broth, fire-roasted tomatoes (with juices), black beans, chipotle peppers with adobo sauce, and raw chicken. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Simmer properly: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F internally. Do not overcook, as this will make chicken tough.
5. Shred the chicken: Remove chicken pieces and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
6. Prepare tortilla strips: While soup simmers, cut corn tortillas into thin strips. Heat 1/4 inch vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tortilla strips in batches until golden and crisp (about 1-2 minutes per batch). Drain on paper towels and season with salt.
7. Final seasoning: Taste soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. For a richer flavor, stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Tortilla Soup

Achieve restaurant-quality results with these professional techniques for your homemade chicken tortilla soup:

• Don't skip toasting spices - This simple step transforms flat flavors into complex, aromatic notes that define authentic preparation.
• Use chipotle peppers wisely - Start with one pepper if sensitive to heat, adding more later. The adobo sauce provides smokiness without excessive heat.
• Make your own tortilla strips - Store-bought versions often lack the fresh corn flavor and proper crispness that elevate this dish.
• Balance acidity - The lime juice at the end is non-negotiable; it brightens the rich, smoky flavors and makes the soup taste complete.
• Rest before serving - Let the soup sit for 10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld for the best chicken tortilla soup experience.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Complete your authentic chicken tortilla soup presentation with these serving ideas:

Serve hot with generous toppings: crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese, and a squeeze of lime. A side of warm cornbread or Mexican rice makes an excellent accompaniment for a complete meal.

Variations to try:

• Spicy version: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or an extra chipotle pepper
• Vegetarian option: Substitute vegetable broth and omit chicken; add extra black beans and corn
• Quick weeknight version: Use rotisserie chicken and reduce simmer time to 15 minutes
• Creamy variation: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk at the end

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Your homemade chicken tortilla soup will keep well with proper storage:

• Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep tortilla strips separate to maintain crispness.
• Freezing: Freeze soup base (without tortilla strips or avocado) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator.
• Reheating: Warm gently on stove over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth if too thick. Always add fresh garnishes after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make chicken tortilla soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sauté onions and garlic first, then transfer to slow cooker with all other ingredients except tortilla strips and fresh garnishes. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred chicken before serving. The slow cooking method actually enhances the flavors, making it an excellent option for easy chicken tortilla soup for weeknight dinner.

What's the difference between chicken tortilla soup and regular chicken soup?

Chicken tortilla soup features distinctive Mexican flavors including cumin, chipotle peppers, and fire-roasted tomatoes, which regular chicken soup lacks. The signature element is the crispy tortilla strips served on top, along with traditional garnishes like avocado and lime. While regular chicken soup typically uses egg noodles or rice, authentic chicken tortilla soup relies on corn tortillas for texture and flavor, creating a completely different culinary experience.

How can I make my chicken tortilla soup thicker?

For a thicker consistency without altering flavor, remove 1 cup of soup (mostly beans and tomatoes) and blend until smooth, then return to the pot. Alternatively, create a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir into simmering soup. Avoid adding flour directly as it can create lumps. The blended bean method provides the most authentic texture for traditional chicken tortilla soup preparation.

Can I use store-bought tortilla chips instead of making my own strips?

While you can use broken tortilla chips as a shortcut, they won't provide the same fresh corn flavor and optimal crispness as homemade strips. If using store-bought, choose thick, restaurant-style corn tortilla chips and add them just before serving to prevent sogginess. For the best chicken tortilla soup presentation, fresh strips made from corn tortillas are worth the minimal extra effort.

What are the essential garnishes for authentic chicken tortilla soup?

The essential garnishes that transform basic soup into authentic chicken tortilla soup are: crispy tortilla strips, fresh avocado cubes, lime wedges for squeezing, and chopped cilantro. Optional but recommended additions include crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of red onion. These fresh elements provide contrasting textures and temperatures that define the healthy chicken tortilla soup with avocado experience.