This delectable soup is jam-packed with flavor, protein, and loads of colorful veggies (think bell peppers, carrots, onions, celery and fire-roasted diced tomatoes).

While this recipe tastes amazing straight from the pot, my family thinks it’s even better the next day once all the herbs and spices have had a chance to mix and mingle. Right before serving, top each bowl with crispy tortilla strips plus an assortment of your go-to garnishes: chopped cilantro, scallions, shredded cheese, diced avocado, Greek yogurt, sliced jalapeños—choose your own (soup) adventure!

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Chicken Tortilla Soup

This delectable soup is jam-packed with flavor, protein, and loads of colorful veggies (think bell peppers, carrots, onions, celery and fire-roasted diced tomatoes).
Servings: 12 cups
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
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Ingredients
 

Soup

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium red onion, diced (~1½ cups)
  • 2 medium bell peppers, red, yellow, or orange, diced (~2 cups)
  • 1 medium carrot, diced (~½ cup)
  • 1 stalk celery, diced (~½ cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ tablespoons mild chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 29 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup plain or fire-roasted sweet corn, optional
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 cups cooked, shredded white meat chicken*
  • *I either use leftover cooked chicken breasts and cut it into small pieces, or I buy a rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and shred the meat.

Optional Soup Toppings

  • 3 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 4 to 5 radishes thinly sliced
  • 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges for serving
  • 1 avocado, diced

Crispy Baked Tortillas Strips

  • 8 corn tortillas, halved and sliced into thin strips
  • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon mild chili powder
  • ¼ to ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions
 

For the Soup:

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat (or liberally mist with olive oil spray). Add the diced onion, bell pepper, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 7 minutes or until vegetables start to soften and onions become translucent.
  • Stir frequently to prevent burning and add additional oil spray if needed. Add the minced garlic and dried spices, stir and cook until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the broth, fire-roasted tomatoes, and beans.
  • Season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove cover. Add the shredded chicken, optional corn, and stir to combine. Place the cover back on, and simmer for another 10 minutes.
  • Serve soup with optional toppings and crispy tortilla strips.

For the Crispy Tortilla Strips:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large bowl combine the sliced tortilla strips, oil, spices, and salt. Toss until everything is well combined. Spread evenly on a lined baking sheet (or misted with oil).
  • Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they’re light golden brown and crispy. As tortillas cool, they will crisp up even more.

Notes

Nutrition provided for 1 cup soup topped with crispy tortilla strips. If you skip the crispy tortilla strips, 1 cup soup contains 110 calories, 10 g protein and 4 g fiber.
Author: Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, CDN

Nutrition Information per serving

Calories: 160Carbohydrates: 21gProtein: 11gTotal Fat: 3.5g— Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g— Saturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 310mgFiber: 4gTotal Sugar: 3g— Natural Sugar: 3g— Added Sugar: 0g
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.
I’m hoping you loved this recipe! If you made it and want to share feedback, I’d be so grateful to hear from you. Please leave a review below or tag @joybauer on Instagram!