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tortilla soup

Spicy & Hearty Tortilla Soup Recipe


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
  • 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 6 corn tortillas, cut into strips
  • Vegetable oil (for frying tortillas)

Instructions

  1. Crisp the tortillas: Heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry tortilla strips until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
  2. Sauté aromatics: In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add liquids and chicken: Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes, green chilies, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Add the good stuff: Add shredded chicken, corn, and black beans. Simmer for 15–20 minutes to let the flavors develop.
  5. Finish with lime: Stir in fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. Serve: Ladle soup into bowls. Top with crispy tortilla strips and your favorite garnishes.

Notes

  • Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken for more beans and use vegetable broth.
  • Add heat: Use jalapeños or chipotle peppers for extra spice.
  • Cheesy goodness: Top with shredded Monterey Jack or queso fresco.
  • Avocado dreams: Add diced avocado for richness.