Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (2024)

  • Dinners
  • Dinners By Types
  • Soups
  • Chicken Soups

This is truly the best chicken tortilla soup! This classic Mexican soup with chicken and tomatoes is topped with crispy fried tortillas, avocado, Jack cheese, cilantro, and lime.

By

Elise Bauer

Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (1)

Elise Bauer

Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.

Learn about Simply Recipes'Editorial Process

Updated September 29, 2023

20 Ratings

Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (2)

Tortilla soup encompasses all the things I love best in Mexican cooking.

Do you like salsa? Avocado? Cilantro? Fresh hot tortilla chips? Tortilla soup is like a soup version of my favorite enchilada, with chicken, and tortilla chips. And avocado.

Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (3)

Don't Skip Frying the Tortillas

The essential step that distinguishes tortilla soup from other Mexican soups is that you fry strips of corn tortillas in oil first, and then use the tortilla cooking oil to build the soup.

Tortillas chips aren't merely a garnish for this soup. By using the tortilla frying oil as a base for the soup you infuse the whole soup with the warm flavor of toasted corn tortillas!

Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (4)

Best Tortillas for Chicken Tortilla Soup

The best tortillas to use for tortilla soup are stale yellow corn tortillas. Yellow corn tortillas are sturdier than white corn tortillas and have a richer flavor when cooked. Homemade is best, of course, but store-bought tortillas will also work for this recipe.

The tortillas should be a little stale, or dry; they'll fry up more easily that way. My guess is that tortilla soup was first invented as a way to use leftover tortillas.

Since I don't usually have dry tortillas sitting around, I put my fresh-from-the-fridge corn tortillas in a 200°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. That's just enough heat to dry them sufficiently so they fry easily.

More Mexican Soups to Try

  • Mexican Chicken Lime Soup
  • Mexican Meatball Soup
  • Chicken Pozole
  • Posole Rojo
  • Pork and Poblano Stew

Time-Saving Short-Cut for Chicken Tortilla Soup

If you don't have leftover chicken already in the fridge for this recipe, pick up a rotisserie chicken on your way home from work. (Save the bones to make homemade chicken stock.)

You can also quickly poach a few chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe.

How to Store Chicken Tortilla Soup

Store the fried tortilla chips separately in an airtight container at room temperature. The soup itself can be kept refrigerated for up to five days, or frozen for up to three months.

More Great Mexican Soups & Stews

  • Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • Pozole Rojo
  • Albondigas Soup
  • Mexican Chicken and Rice Soup
  • Chicken Pozole
  • Mexican Chicken and Lime Soup

From the Editors Of Simply Recipes

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time20 mins

Total Time30 mins

Servings4 servings

This recipe is easily doubled.

This recipe is adapted from one we found years ago on the website of Muir Glen, makers of organic canned tomatoes. Muir Glen makes a particularly good "fire-roasted" canned tomato, which is well suited to Mexican dishes.

Ingredients

  • 6 (6-inch) corn tortillas, preferably a little old and dried out

  • 1/4 cup corn oil, peanut oil, or extra virgin olive oil

  • 1/2 cup chopped onion

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 medium Anaheim, poblano or jalapeño chili, seeded, veins removed, chopped (Depending on the hotness and flavor desired. You can also mix chilies—1 Anaheim and a 1/2 jalapeño.)

  • 4 cups chicken broth or homemadechicken stock

  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)

  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt (kosher or sea salt)

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken

  • 1 ripe avocado

  • 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or mild cheddar)

  • Chopped fresh cilantro

  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Method

  1. Fry the tortilla strips:

    If you are starting with somewhat old, dried-out tortillas, great. If not and you are starting with relatively fresh tortillas, put them on a baking sheet and put them in the oven at 200°F for 10 to 15 minutes to dry them out a bit. It is best to start with tortillas that don't have a lot of moisture in them.

    Cut the tortillas in half, and then cut the halves into 1/4-inch wide strips.

    Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a 3-quart pot. Working in three batches, fry the tortilla strips in the oil, until lightly browned and crisp. Remove the tortilla strips from the pan and let drain on a paper-towel-lined plate.

    Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (5)

    Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (6)

  2. Sauté the vegetables:

    Add the chopped onions to the pan, cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the chopped chile and cook for 2-3 minutes more, until the onions and chiles have softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.

  3. Simmer the soup:

    Add the broth, tomatoes, and salt. Increase the heat to high, heat until the soup begins to boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the shredded chicken and cook until heated through.

    Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (7)

  4. Serve with tortilla strips and garnishes:

    To serve, pit, peel, and cut the avocado into 1-inch pieces. Divide half of the tortilla strips among 4 individual serving bowls; ladle in soup. Top with avocado and cheese; garnish with remaining tortilla strips and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

    Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (8)

  • Chicken Soups
  • Comfort Food
  • Shredded Chicken
  • Mexican
  • Cinco De Mayo
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
561Calories
38g Fat
38g Carbs
24g Protein

×

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories561
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 38g49%
Saturated Fat 8g39%
Cholesterol 56mg19%
Sodium 1348mg59%
Total Carbohydrate 38g14%
Dietary Fiber 13g46%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 24g
Vitamin C 48mg240%
Calcium 222mg17%
Iron 3mg16%
Potassium 1054mg22%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What does chicken tortilla soup contain? ›

Chicken tortilla soup is a Mexican-inspired soup that has a tomato and chicken broth base. It is spiced with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and has a little kick from the jalapeño. It also has hearty ingredients like beans, corn, and of course the shredded chicken.

What is in Chick-fil-A tortilla soup? ›

The Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty, seasonal Chick-fil-A® favorite that features shredded chicken breast and beans in a creamy base with a blend of vegetables and spices, served with Seasoned Tortilla Strips.

What goes well with chicken tortilla soup? ›

You can enjoy tortilla soup with many things, like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Mexican rice, chips with guacamole, roasted corn, black beans, and Mexican cornbread are also good choices.

How to thicken up tortilla soup? ›

Yes, you can use flour to thicken chicken tortilla soup. To do so, create a slurry by combining equal parts flour and cold water. Whisk the slurry into the soup gradually, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes until the desired thickness is achieved.

What is a fun fact about tortilla soup? ›

Although the exact origin of tortilla soup is unknown, it is known that it comes from the Mexico City area in Mexico. Traditional tortilla soup is made with chicken broth combined with roasted tomatoes, onion, garlic, chiles and tortillas, cut into strips and fried.

What is the significance of tortilla soup? ›

Without a doubt the tortilla soup is one of the most representative dishes of the Mexican gastronomy. Its origin is attributed to the state of Tlaxcala (soil of maize) and the dish represents the fusion of the Prehispanic and Spanish cultures.

What is the healthiest soup at Chick-fil-A? ›

If you're trying to choose the healthiest soup at Chick-fil-A, the Chicken Noodle is by far the way to go. A side of Chicken Noodle Soup has 120 calories. Make it your entrée with a bowl and you'll jump to 230 calories. A bowl of Chicken Tortilla has nearly three times as many calories.

Is there milk in Chick-fil-A tortilla soup? ›

According to the Chick Fil A website, their chicken tortilla soup is NOT gluten-free or dairy free. However, this copycat recipe is gluten-free and dairy free!

How long can Chicken Tortilla Soup last in the fridge? ›

Storage Instructions

This easy tortilla soup will keep airtight in the fridge for 5 to 7 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Extra tortilla strips will keep in airtight at room temp for up to 5 days.

How do you tone down chicken tortilla soup? ›

Add Some Starches

The easiest way to tone down a spicy dish is to serve a smaller portion with plenty of rice, bread, potatoes, pasta, or plain starch to counter the heat. For soups and stews, raw and starchy vegetables like potatoes or carrots work well.

What are the ingredients in Costco chicken tortilla soup? ›

INGREDIENTS: chicken stock, diced tomatoes in juice, cooked chicken meat, cooked white chicken meat, onions, corn, carrots, roasted poblano peppers, roasted red bell peppers, roasted green chiles, tortillas (corn, water, lime), contains 2% or less of: tomato paste, water, cultured dextrose, sea salt, modified food ...

Is chicken tortilla soup good to eat when sick? ›

Chicken tortilla soup is low in calories but high in flavor. The amino acid cysteine, contained in the chicken in this powerful soup, loosens secretions, thinning out mucus and promoting coughing, which is needed to clear your nose and throat.

How to add egg to soup without curdling? ›

Occasionally, a soup recipe will call for beaten eggs as a thickening agent. Both whole eggs and yolks can be used. To avoid curdling the eggs, start by drizzling about ½ cup of the hot broth into the eggs, stirring vigorously while you pour. Then add the egg mixture to the soup and cook until thickened.

Is it better to thicken soup with flour or cornstarch? ›

It's important to note that cornstarch has twice the thickening power of flour. If you need to substitute cornstarch to thicken liquid in a recipe that calls for ¼ cup (four tablespoons) flour, you only need two tablespoons cornstarch.

Can you use tortilla chips to thicken soup? ›

Second, you can add some crushed corn chips – tortilla chips work well, as do salty Fritos. The chips will soak up liquid and become soft, thickening the chili and adding flavor without being noticeable.

What is sopa de tortilla made of? ›

Traditional tortilla soup is made of fried corn tortilla pieces, submerged into a broth of tomato, garlic, onion, and epazote. It is served with pieces of pasilla chiles, chicharrón, avocado, queso panela, lime, and Mexican crema.

What does caldo de pollo contain? ›

Caldo de Pollo Ingredients

Chicken: Start with five pounds of chicken leg quarters. Water: The broth starts with two gallons of water. Seasonings: Season the caldo de pollo with minced garlic, salt, garlic powder, and chicken bouillon. Vegetables: You'll need carrots, potatoes, zucchini, a chayote, and an onion.

References

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