Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (Easy & Comforting)

Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup is one of the best soups you can make at home. It is warm, filling, flavorful, and very easy to prepare. This soup is loved by families because it uses simple ingredients, comes together in one pot, and tastes even better the next day.

This recipe is perfect for cold days, busy weeknights, or when you want something cozy and comforting. You don’t need special cooking skills or fancy tools. If you can chop, stir, and simmer, you can make this soup.

Chicken tortilla soup comes from Mexican-inspired cooking. It usually includes chicken, tomatoes, spices, and crunchy tortilla strips on top. At home, we keep it simple but delicious, using ingredients you can find in any grocery store.

Let’s break everything down step by step so anyone can make this soup easily.

Why You’ll Love Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup

This soup is full of flavor but not spicy unless you want it to be. You can adjust the heat to match your taste. It is also very flexible. You can add more vegetables, use leftover chicken, or even make it creamy.

Another great thing about this soup is that it is budget-friendly. One pot can feed the whole family, and leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day.

Chicken tortilla soup is also healthy. It has protein from chicken, fiber from beans, and vitamins from vegetables. When you make it at home, you control the salt and ingredients.

Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup

The ingredients are simple and easy to find. You may already have most of them in your kitchen. You will need chicken (breasts or thighs), onion, garlic, canned tomatoes, chicken broth, corn, black beans, and simple spices. Tortilla strips are added on top for crunch.

Optional toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, lime, and fresh cilantro. These toppings make the soup even more fun and tasty.

Choosing the Best Chicken

Chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, making them great for this soup. Chicken thighs are juicier and give a richer flavor. Both work well, so use what you prefer or what you already have.

You can also use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. This saves time and still tastes amazing.

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Step-by-Step: How to Make Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add a little oil and cook chopped onion until soft. This helps build flavor from the beginning.
• Next, add garlic and stir for a few seconds. Garlic cooks quickly, so don’t let it burn.
• Add the chicken to the pot. If using raw chicken, let it cook for a few minutes on each side until lightly browned. This adds great flavor to the soup.
• Now add canned tomatoes, chicken broth, corn, and black beans. Stir everything together gently.
• Sprinkle in spices like cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. These spices give the soup its classic tortilla soup taste without making it too spicy.
• Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer. Simmering allows all the flavors to mix together.
• After about 20 minutes, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Put the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir.
• Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or spices if you like.

Making the Tortilla Strips

Tortilla strips are what make this soup special. You can buy them or make them at home.

To make them at home, cut corn tortillas into thin strips. Fry them in a little oil until golden and crispy, or bake them in the oven for a lighter option.

Sprinkle the tortilla strips on top just before serving so they stay crunchy.

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Toppings That Make It Better

Toppings turn this soup into something extra special. Shredded cheese melts beautifully into the hot soup. Sour cream makes it creamy and rich.

Avocado adds a fresh, soft texture. Lime juice adds brightness and balance. Cilantro adds a fresh herbal flavor. Everyone can add their favorite toppings, making this soup fun for the whole family.

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Tips for the Best Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Do not rush the simmering step. Letting the soup simmer gives the best flavor.
• If you want a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans before adding them.
• If you want it spicy, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• This soup tastes even better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prep.

Storing and Reheating

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Add fresh tortilla strips and toppings after reheating.
• You can also freeze the soup (without toppings) for up to 2 months.

FAQs – Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup

1. Can I make chicken tortilla soup in advance?

Yes, this soup is great for making ahead. The flavor improves after a day in the fridge.

2. Can I make this soup spicy?

Absolutely. Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder to increase the heat.

3. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just add it near the end.

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Conclusion

Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup is an easy, comforting, and flavorful meal that anyone can make. With simple ingredients, one pot, and clear steps, this soup is perfect for beginners and busy families.

You can customize it, store it, and enjoy it again and again. Once you try making this soup at home, it will become a regular favorite in your kitchen.

Warm, cozy, and full of flavor—this homemade chicken tortilla soup truly feels like a hug in a bowl.