Description
This hearty Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful Mexican-inspired dish perfect for a comforting meal. Made with shredded chicken breast simmered in a spiced tomato and chicken broth base, it’s loaded with diced bell peppers, onions, and aromatic garlic. Crisp tortilla strips, fresh lime juice, and cilantro add delicious texture and brightness to each bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
For Garnish
- Corn tortillas (for strips)
- Fresh lime juice
- Fresh cilantro
- Olive oil (for sautéing and frying tortilla strips)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and diced red bell peppers, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with green chilies and the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer with Chicken and Spices: Add the cooked shredded chicken breast along with cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Prepare Tortilla Strips: While the soup simmers, cut corn tortillas into thin strips. Heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the strips until crispy and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Finish and Serve: Finish the soup with a splash of fresh lime juice for brightness. Ladle into bowls, garnish with crispy tortilla strips and fresh cilantro, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.
- Leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken works well for shredding.
- For a spicier soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra chilies.
- Use fresh lime juice just before serving to preserve its vibrant flavor.
- The tortilla strips add delicious crunch but can be omitted for a lighter option.
