How to make a hearty Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe! This recipe comes together easily in under 45 minutes. Simple and absolutely loaded with flavor! I'll also show you how to make your own crispy tortilla strips in a matter of minutes. Be sure to check out the how-to VIDEO!
Optional toppings: Avocadocotija cheese, cilantro, sour cream, etc.
TORTILLA Strips:
10corn tortillas
Olive oilfor drizzling
Kosher saltfor sprinkling
Instructions
Preheat oven to 415F/215C (this is to cook your tortillas, you want the oven preheating and it can take some time for it to reach this temperature so preheat it now).
Place bacon pieces in a large heavy bottomed pot (I like to use my Dutch Oven) and cook over medium heat until browned, crisp, and cooked through. Remove to a paper towel lined plate and set aside.
5 strips (uncooked) bacon
Add onion, pepper, and jalapeno to pan and cook until translucent (about 3-5 minutes).
1 cup chopped onion, 1 cup diced red pepper, 1 finely chopped jalapeno
Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds)
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
Add chicken stock, tomatoes, beans, enchilada sauce, corn, chilis, chili powder, sugar, cumin, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, paprika, black pepper, and chicken. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Allow to simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile prepare your tortillas.
3 ½ cups low sodium chicken stock, 14 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes, 14 oz can black beans, 10 oz mild enchilada sauce, 1 cup frozen sweet corn, 7 oz can diced green chilis, 1 Tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon sugar, ¾ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, 3 cups shredded chicken
TORTILLA STRIPS
Cut tortillas into strips that are ¼” thick by 2” long. Scatter evenly over parchment paper lined baking sheet, drizzle lightly with olive oil (about 1 Tbsp), sprinkle with kosher salt and use a spatula to evenly coat with olive oil.
10 corn tortillas, Olive oil, Kosher salt
Transfer to 415F (215C) and cook until crisp, about 10 minutes. Allow to cool on baking sheet.
Meanwhile, once soup has finished simmering, add cream cheese and lime juice and stir well until cream cheese is melted. Return bacon to the pot and stir well.
4 oz cream cheese², 1 Tablespoon fresh lime juice
Serve topped with your crisp tortilla strips and other toppings, as desired.
Optional toppings: Avocado
Video
Notes
¹If you don’t care to use bacon, you can substitute 2 Tablespoons of butter (or even olive oil, but each substitution will result in less flavor) instead. Melt over medium/high heat then proceed with recipe as written.²If you don't like a creamier soup you can actually leave out the cream cheese.