Hey there! So, have you ever had chicken tortilla soup? It’s soooo good! I mean, imagine slurping up a warm bowl of yummy chicken, spices, and crispy tortilla strips. Sounds awesome, right? Well, I’m gonna show you how to make it at home!

It’s super easy to make, and you probably have all the stuff already in your kitchen. And guess what? It’s not just tasty, it’s packed with good stuff that’ll fill you up! I know, right? You’re gonna love it!

Every spoonful is like a party in your mouth. You get that juicy chicken, the tangy lime, and those crunchy tortilla strips – it’s the perfect mix. Seriously, it’s like having your own Mexican restaurant right in your kitchen!

Okay, now that you’re excited, let’s get started! Grab your ingredients, and let’s make this delicious soup together. You won’t believe how easy and yummy it is – you’ll be making it all the time! Let’s go!

Easy Authentic Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and Flavorful: The combination of spices, rotisserie chicken, and toppings creates a vibrant dish with depth.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Customizable: You can make it mild or spicy and load it up with your favorite toppings.
Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.

Required Kitchen Tools

Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board and sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or ladle

Ingredients for Chicken Tortilla Soup

Here’s everything you need to make this cozy soup (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

Soft Corn Tortillas: For homemade crispy tortilla strips.
Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
Medium Yellow Onion: Chopped finely for a base flavor.
Fresh Cilantro: Adds a burst of freshness.
Jalapeño Peppers: For a spicy kick (adjust to taste).
Minced Garlic: Enhances the depth of flavor.
Spices: Chili powder, paprika, black pepper, red cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and adobo seasoning for a bold and balanced taste.
Tomato Paste: Adds richness and depth.
Chicken Stock: The base of the soup; use low-sodium if preferred.
Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: A time-saver that’s tender and flavorful.
Optional Toppings: Sour cream, Mexican shredded cheese, sliced avocado, and more.

Variations for Chicken Tortilla Soup

Vegetarian: Swap chicken stock for vegetable broth and replace chicken with black beans or roasted vegetables.
Add More Heat: Include extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Cheesy Twist: Stir in a cup of shredded cheese for a creamy base.
Make It Smoky: Add smoked paprika or a touch of chipotle in adobo sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients

First, gather and measure all your ingredients. Chop the onion, cilantro, and jalapeños, shred the rotisserie chicken, and set everything aside. Having everything ready makes cooking so much easier!

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Toss in the jalapeños, garlic, and cilantro, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Build the Flavor Base

Sprinkle in the chili powder, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and adobo seasoning. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spices. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.

4. Add Liquid and Simmer

Pour in the chicken stock, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze it. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Add the Chicken

Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and cook for another 5 minutes until warmed through. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

6. Make Tortilla Strips

While the soup simmers, cut the soft corn tortillas into thin strips. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tortilla strips until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.

Serving and Decoration

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. Here are some ideas:

Crispy Tortilla Strips: A must-have for texture and crunch.
Sour Cream: Adds a creamy, tangy element.
Shredded Cheese: A blend of Mexican cheeses works perfectly.
Sliced Avocado: For creaminess and a healthy boost.
Fresh Cilantro: Brightens the dish.
Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice elevates the flavors.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Tortilla Soup

Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Reheat: Warm in a pot over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat
1 bowl	250	20g	15g	10g