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Hearty Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe with Crispy Tortilla Strips

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A comforting and flavorful chicken tortilla soup featuring smoky spices, tender chicken, and crispy tortilla strips that stay crunchy on top. Perfect for a quick, cozy meal using simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
  • 1 medium white onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted optional)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 large flour or corn tortillas, sliced into thin strips
  • Juice of 1 fresh lime
  • Chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
  • Avocado slices (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry chicken breasts. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook about 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Add minced garlic and jalapeño; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle in cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder; stir constantly for 30 seconds to toast spices.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes; stir and bring to a simmer.
  6. Submerge chicken breasts in broth; cover and poach gently for 20 minutes until cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
  7. Remove chicken, shred with forks once cool enough, and return to pot.
  8. Stir in black beans and corn; simmer 5-7 minutes to heat through.
  9. Cut tortillas into thin strips. Heat 1/4 inch olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Fry strips in batches 1-2 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and salt lightly.
  10. Adjust soup seasoning with salt, pepper, and fresh lime juice.
  11. Ladle soup into bowls; top with crispy tortilla strips, cilantro, and avocado slices if desired.

Notes

Keep tortilla strips separate until serving to maintain crunch. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas. Vegetarian adaptation: substitute chicken with roasted sweet potatoes or mushrooms and use vegetable broth. Slow cooker method: cook all ingredients except tortilla strips and lime juice on low for 6-8 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken tortilla soup, crispy tortilla strips, hearty soup, easy chicken soup, smoky chicken soup, comfort food, quick dinner

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/hearty-chicken-tortilla-soup-recipe-with-crispy-tortilla-strips-easy-and-delicious/