Hearty & Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup: Your Go-To Mexican Comfort Food Recipe
As soon as the autumn leaves start to fall and the crisp chill of winter settles in, my culinary cravings instantly shift towards warm, comforting bowls of soup. While I have a deep appreciation for almost any soup that promises a cozy embrace – a Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup often tops my list – there’s something undeniably special about a Mexican-inspired dish. And when it comes to soups, this homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe secures a very close second place, perhaps even tying for first on many occasions!
It’s no secret that my love for Mexican food runs deep, so it’s only natural that one of my absolute favorite soups bursts with vibrant, authentic Mexican flavors. This isn’t just any tortilla soup; it’s a hearty, slightly spicy, and incredibly satisfying meal that brings joy to any dinner table, especially during cooler weather.
The Secret to the Best Chicken Tortilla Soup: A Beloved Recipe
This particular recipe for Mexican Chicken Tortilla Soup has been a staple in my kitchen for years, originating from the esteemed Pioneer Woman. It quickly became a beloved classic due to its perfectly balanced spices and surprising simplicity. For those who love speed, I’ve even adapted it into an Instant Pot Tortilla Soup version, ensuring you can enjoy these incredible flavors even on the busiest weeknights.
What truly elevates this tortilla soup to the next level is the opportunity for customization, especially with the toppings. Imagine a rich, aromatic broth filled with tender shredded chicken, topped with all your favorite fresh ingredients. Diced avocado, fresh cilantro, crispy tortilla strips, and a generous sprinkle of cheese are just the beginning. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility; you can truly make it your own by adding sour cream, extra diced tomatoes, or more jalapeños for an added kick.
Effortless Preparation: Making This Mexican Chicken Tortilla Soup
Don’t let the ingredient list fool you; while it might appear extensive, it primarily consists of readily available spices that infuse the chicken and broth with deep, complex flavors. Once you’ve measured out your seasonings, the rest of the process is straightforward: cooking the chicken to perfection and then letting the soup gently simmer to allow all those incredible aromas to meld together. It’s a truly easy recipe that delivers gourmet results with minimal fuss.
The versatility of this homemade chicken tortilla soup also means it’s incredibly adaptable to your personal taste. If you’re a fan of black beans, they make a fantastic addition, adding extra protein and texture. Crave more heat? Increase the amount of chili powder or jalapeño. Prefer a milder flavor? Adjust the spices accordingly. This flexibility ensures that every bowl is exactly how you like it, making it an ideal family meal.
Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Broth:
- **Chicken Breast:** Lean and easy to shred after cooking.
- **Aromatics:** Diced red onion, minced garlic, and a finely chopped jalapeño form the aromatic base, adding depth and a gentle warmth.
- **Spices:** A blend of cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder creates that signature Mexican flavor profile. Don’t forget salt and pepper!
- **Tomatoes:** Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chiles) brings a tangy, spicy element, while tomato sauce adds richness.
- **Liquids:** Chicken stock and hot water create the robust liquid foundation of the soup.
- **Corn:** Frozen corn adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
Our method for preparing the chicken involves baking it seasoned with a special spice blend before shredding. This ensures the chicken is tender, flavorful, and perfectly integrated into the soup. This initial baking step also contributes to the ease of the overall recipe, as it frees you up to prepare the other soup components.
Serving Suggestions & Meal Prep Magic
This Pioneer Woman chicken tortilla soup recipe is destined to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. For the ultimate comforting meal, I highly recommend serving it alongside a slice of my Best Cornbread. There’s just something about dipping a warm piece of bread into a hearty bowl of soup that completes the experience!
One of the best features of this chicken tortilla soup is its freezer-friendliness. Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container, and you’ll have another delicious, home-cooked meal ready for a busy day. Or, portion it into individual containers for quick and easy lunches throughout the week. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping and ensures you always have a comforting, flavorful option at hand.
Join Our Community & Share Your Creations!
I’ve created a fun and engaging group on Facebook, and I would absolutely love for you to join us! It’s a wonderful space where you can share YOUR favorite recipes, ask cooking questions, and stay updated on all the new delicious content from Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (so you never miss out on a fantastic new recipe)! If you’re interested in connecting with fellow food lovers, you can request to join HERE.
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the amazing DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU create! I love seeing your culinary masterpieces.
Connect with Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts across all platforms!
Be sure to follow me on my social media channels, so you never miss a post or a delicious new recipe!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon olive oil, (for brushing the chicken)
- 2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 jalapeno, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, Rotel Tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups hot water
- 1 cup frozen corn
Optional Garnish:
- Sour Cream
- Avocado
- Red Onion
- Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese
- Cilantro
- Tortilla Strips
- Lime wedges
Instructions
-
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure your chicken cooks evenly and efficiently.
-
In a small bowl, combine the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and the first 1/2 teaspoon of salt to create your flavorful spice rub. Place the chicken breasts in a small baking dish. Lightly brush the chicken with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, then sprinkle half of the prepared spice mixture generously over the chicken. Flip the chicken breasts over and repeat the process, ensuring both sides are well coated. Set aside the remaining spice mixture for later use in the soup itself.
-
Bake the seasoned chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, so ensure it is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and, using two forks, shred it into bite-sized pieces. This tender shredded chicken will be a highlight of your soup.
-
While the chicken bakes, prepare the soup base. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced red onions, finely chopped jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat, if desired), and minced garlic. Sauté for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and become fragrant. Stir in the remaining spice mixture that you set aside earlier, coating the aromatics to develop a rich flavor foundation.
-
Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Mix in the shredded chicken with the sautéed vegetables and spices. Then, add the can of Rotel tomatoes (diced with green chiles), chicken stock, tomato sauce, 3 cups of hot water, and the frozen corn. Stir everything well to combine. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow all the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.
-
Once the soup has simmered and all the flavors have intensified, ladle it generously into individual bowls. Serve hot with your favorite desired garnishes, such as fresh avocado, a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, crunchy tortilla strips, and a refreshing lime wedge. Enjoy your hearty, homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!