Warm up your evenings with this delicious Zesty Chicken Tortilla Soup! Bursting with flavors from tender chicken, black beans, and fresh vegetables, this easy recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Learn how to make this hearty soup in just 35 minutes and impress your loved ones with a delightful meal.
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
2 medium tomatoes, diced
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
Salt and pepper to taste
Tortilla chips, for serving
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Avocado, diced, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving
![For a tasty chicken tortilla soup, gather these ingredients: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 2 medium tomatoes, diced - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - Salt and pepper to taste - Tortilla chips, for serving - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish - Avocado, diced, for garnish - Lime wedges, for serving Using fresh ingredients enhances the soup's flavor. Olive oil gives a nice base. Onions and garlic add depth. The bell pepper and tomatoes bring sweetness. Chicken broth provides a rich backdrop. Spices like cumin and chili powder give heat. Black beans and corn add texture and color. For the best results, use cooked chicken. You can shred leftover chicken or buy rotisserie chicken. This soup is easy to make and packed with nutrients. You can find the Full Recipe to help guide you through the cooking process. Enjoy your cooking! - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add 1 diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it turns soft. - Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced bell pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes. - Next, add 2 diced tomatoes and 4 cups of chicken broth. Stir to mix well. - Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. - Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This helps the flavors blend. - Now, add 1 can of black beans and 1 cup of corn. Cook for 5-7 minutes. - Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust spices if needed. - Serve the soup hot. Top with tortilla chips, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro. - Add lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick. For a full step-by-step guide, check out the Full Recipe. To make your chicken tortilla soup shine, focus on spices. Cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika bring depth. Use fresh spices for a better taste. Adjust them based on your heat level. If you like it spicy, add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne. Cooking time is also key. Simmer your soup for at least 15 minutes. This helps flavors mix well. If you want a thicker soup, cook it a bit longer. The chicken and beans will soak up some of the broth. Toppings can make your soup special. I love crumbled tortilla chips on top for crunch. Diced avocado adds creaminess, while cilantro gives a fresh kick. A squeeze of lime juice brightens the flavors. Pair your soup with sides like a simple salad or cornbread. A light beer or fruity soda makes a great drink choice. For the full recipe, check out the complete steps to create this dish. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in your chicken tortilla soup. Try turkey or beef for a new twist. If you want a vegetarian option, use beans or tofu. Both still pack a punch of flavor. They will still give you that hearty feel. To spice things up, add diced jalapeños to the soup. This gives it a nice kick! If you prefer a creamy texture, stir in sour cream before serving. This makes the soup rich and smooth. You can adjust these flavors based on your taste. For more tips, check the Full Recipe for easy steps to make this dish your own. You can store leftover chicken tortilla soup in the fridge. Use an airtight container. Keep it for up to three days. Before you reheat, stir the soup well. Heat it on the stove or in the microwave until hot. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much. For long-term storage, freeze the soup. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, take it out and place it in the fridge overnight. This helps it thaw evenly. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy your soup just like the first time! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. How to make chicken tortilla soup thicker? To make your chicken tortilla soup thicker, add more beans or corn. You can also blend some of the soup and return it to the pot. This adds a creamy texture without using cream. Another method is to use less broth for a heartier soup. Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken? Yes, using leftover rotisserie chicken works great! Just shred it and add it to the soup. This saves you time and adds rich flavor to your dish. It’s a smart way to use what you have at home. Is this soup spicy? The spice level depends on your taste. The cumin and chili powder add warmth, but they aren’t too hot. If you want more heat, try adding jalapeños or extra chili powder. You can always adjust the spices to suit your liking. How long does this soup last in the fridge? Chicken tortilla soup lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. Just remember to let it cool before freezing. You can find the full recipe [Full Recipe]. This blog post covered a delicious chicken tortilla soup recipe. You learned about the key ingredients and step-by-step cooking instructions. We shared tips for perfecting your soup and suggested variations for different tastes. Storage tips ensure your soup stays fresh. In conclusion, you can create a hearty meal with simple steps. Enjoy customizing your soup to fit your taste. Happy cooking!](https://mycookingcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/e0a7fe5b-d8f8-4d99-83cb-06f3f9771105-250x250.webp)