Simple & Zesty Easy Tortilla Soup Recipe For Cozy Nights

Comfort meets simplicity in this delightful tortilla soup recipe that promises warmth and flavor in every spoonful.

Mexican cuisine inspires this hearty dish with its vibrant ingredients and bold spices.

Crisp tortilla strips float atop a rich, fragrant broth packed with tender chicken and fresh vegetables.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become exciting when you can whip up this crowd-pleasing meal in under 30 minutes.

Home cooks adore how quickly the ingredients come together without sacrificing taste or authenticity.

Each bite transports you to a cozy kitchen in mexico, where traditional recipes tell stories of generations past.

Dare you to savor this soul-warming soup that turns an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration?

What Sets This Easy Tortilla Soup Recipe Apart

• Incredibly versatile recipe allows quick swaps like vegetarian protein, different beans, or adjusting spice levels to match family preferences.
• Packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this soup delivers a warm, satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Combines protein-rich chicken, fiber-packed beans, and vegetable medley, creating a balanced meal that delivers maximum nutrition with minimal cooking effort.

Ingredients That Make This Tortilla Soup Both Simple and Tasty

• Chicken: Shredded protein that adds heartiness and substance to the soup.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that create a flavorful aromatic base for the soup.

• Chicken Broth: Savory liquid that provides depth and moisture to the soup.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds tangy sweetness and additional liquid to the soup.

• Black Beans: Provides extra protein and texture to the soup.
• Cumin: Warm spice that adds earthy flavor to the dish.
• Chili Powder: Adds a mild heat and complexity to the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

• Tortilla Strips: Crispy topping that adds crunch and texture.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings brightness to the soup.
• Lime Juice: Adds a tangy, fresh citrus note to balance the flavors.

Simple Steps for Cooking This Easy Tortilla Soup Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up The Cooking Pot

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Drop in chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper.

Stir and cook until vegetables become soft and fragrant, which takes about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Build The Soup Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Shredded chicken
• Black beans
• Cumin
• Chili powder

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 3: Let Flavors Dance

Increase heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Then reduce heat and let the soup gently simmer.

Allow all ingredients to mingle and develop rich, deep flavors for 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Create Crunchy Tortilla Topping

Transform tortillas into crispy strips by either frying them in hot oil or baking in the oven until they turn golden and crunchy.

Step 5: Garnish And Serve

Pour the steaming soup into bowls.

• Crispy tortilla strips
• Fresh chopped cilantro
• A zesty lime juice squeeze

Dive into your delicious homemade tortilla soup and enjoy every spoonful!

Expert Tips to Level Up Your Easy Tortilla Soup Game

• Add a splash of fresh lime juice just before serving to brighten the soup's taste and enhance the overall zesty profile.
• Adjust the chili powder and cumin quantities to match your personal heat preference, creating a perfectly balanced soup experience.
• This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop, making it an excellent meal prep option for busy weeks.
• Replace shredded chicken with ground turkey, black beans, or tofu to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences.
• For extra crunch, brush tortilla strips with a light olive oil coating before baking to ensure maximum crispiness without deep-frying.

Smart Storage Tips for Leftover Easy Tortilla Soup

• Store leftover tortilla soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, separating broth-based and crispy toppings to prevent sogginess.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add fresh tortilla strips after reheating to maintain crispiness.
• Pour soup into a saucepan, warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick, and garnish with fresh toppings just before serving.

Perfect Pairings for a Bowl of Easy Tortilla Soup

• Pair Zesty Margaritas: Complement the soup's spicy Mexican flavors with a classic margarita made with fresh lime juice, tequila, and a salted rim.
• Serve Crisp Mexican Lager: A light, refreshing beer like Corona or Modelo Especial cuts through the soup's richness and matches its vibrant profile.
• Match Creamy Avocado Salad: Create a cool side dish with sliced avocados, diced tomatoes, red onion, and a simple lime-cilantro dressing to balance the soup's warmth.
• Offer Queso Fresco Garnish: Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco on top of the soup for an authentic Mexican touch that adds creamy, mild cheese flavor and complements the tortilla strips.

Optional Add-Ins to Spice Up Easy Tortilla Soup

• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with extra black beans or plant-based protein like tofu, adding more beans or roasted vegetables for hearty texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of wheat tortillas for crispy strips, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Increase chili powder, add jalapeños, and incorporate chipotle peppers for a more intense, fiery flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use low-sodium chicken broth, reduce added salt, and enhance flavor with fresh herbs like oregano and extra cumin.

FAQs

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or extra black beans. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

• Is this soup spicy?

The recipe has mild spice levels from chili powder and cumin. If you want more heat, add jalapeños or extra chili powder. For less spice, reduce or omit chili powder.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option. Just shred it and add to the soup for quick and easy preparation.

• How can I make this soup healthier?

Use low-sodium broth, add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach, and bake tortilla strips instead of frying them to reduce oil content.

Easy Tortilla Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Simmering with Mexican flavors, this hearty tortilla soup brings comfort and zest to your dinner table. Bold spices and tender chicken create a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Vegetables:

• 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 bell pepper (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (400 g / 14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (400 g / 14 ounces) black beans (drained and rinsed)

Liquid Base:

• 4 cups chicken broth

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnishes:

• Corn tortilla strips
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature. Sauté chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper until they become translucent and aromatic, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Pour diced tomatoes, chicken broth, shredded chicken, and black beans into the pot. Sprinkle cumin and chili powder for robust flavor. Add salt and pepper to enhance the seasoning.
3. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Immediately reduce temperature and allow the soup to simmer gently, developing deep flavors for 15-18 minutes.
4. Create crispy tortilla strips during simmering by cutting corn tortillas into thin strips. Either deep-fry in hot oil until golden and crunchy or bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes.
5. Transfer hot soup into serving bowls. Garnish generously with freshly cut cilantro, crisp tortilla strips, and a vibrant lime juice squeeze for brightness and zest.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding jalapeños for extra spice without overwhelming the soup’s balanced flavor.
• Transform this recipe into a vegetarian version by replacing chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, quinoa, or additional beans for hearty texture.
• Enhance soup’s depth by roasting vegetables before adding them, which caramelizes natural sugars and creates more complex, richer flavor profile.
• Prep tortilla strips ahead of time and store in airtight container to maintain crispiness, saving precious cooking minutes during meal preparation.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg