Chicken Tortilla Soup Crispy (Printable)
Tender chicken in a zesty tomato broth topped with crispy corn tortilla strips and fresh garnishes.
# Ingredient List:
→ Crispy Tortilla Strips
01 - 6 small corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
02 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
03 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
→ Soup
04 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
05 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
08 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
09 - 1 tsp ground cumin
10 - 1 tsp chili powder
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
13 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
14 - 4 cups chicken broth
15 - 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
16 - 1 can (14 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
17 - 1 cup frozen or canned corn kernels, drained
18 - 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
19 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnishes (optional)
20 - 1 avocado, diced
21 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
22 - 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
23 - 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
24 - Lime wedges
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss tortilla strips with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, tossing halfway, until golden and crisp. Set aside.
02 - Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic, diced jalapeño, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant to enhance flavor.
04 - Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
05 - Incorporate shredded chicken, drained black beans, and corn kernels. Continue simmering for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
06 - Stir in fresh lime juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with crispy tortilla strips and optional toppings such as avocado, cilantro, cheese, sour cream, and lime wedges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something that feels homemade but doesn't demand hours in the kitchen.
- The contrast between the silky broth and those shatteringly crisp tortilla strips is genuinely addictive, and honestly, you'll find yourself eating extra strips straight from the baking sheet.
- It's endlessly customizable depending on what's in your pantry or how adventurous you're feeling that day.
02 -
- Add tortilla strips right before serving or they'll absorb moisture and lose that essential crunch—I learned this the hard way by making a big batch and watching them go sad.
- Taste your broth before you start cooking vegetables; store-bought broth varies wildly in saltiness, and knowing this ahead means you won't over-season.
- The lime juice isn't optional or decorative—it's what ties all the flavors together and makes people ask what your secret ingredient is.
03 -
- Rotisserie chicken isn't just convenient—it's already deeply flavored in a way that store-bought boiled chicken never is, so lean into that quality ingredient without guilt.
- Keep your lime juice separate and add it at the very end; this preserves its brightness and prevents it from cooking away into nothing.