Chicken tortilla soup

Chicken tortilla soup is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 4. 320 calories per serving. Recipe by everydayisfeastday on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 36 min | Total: 1 hr 6 min

Cost: $15.16 total, $3.79 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra-virgin, for sautéing)
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion (small dice)
  • 1 large Red Bell Pepper (small dice)
  • 6 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 each Jalapeño (minced, optional for heat)
  • 2 tbsp Tortilla Soup Spice Mix (mix of 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp salt)
  • 3 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (adds brightness)
  • 2 quarts Chicken Stock (low‑sodium, warm)
  • 8 each Corn Tortillas (4 for blending, 4 cut into strips for frying)
  • 2 cups Rotisserie Chicken (shredded meat from store‑bought rotisserie chicken)
  • 1 cup Corn Kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned (drained))
  • 1 each Lime (cut into wedges for serving)
  • ¼ cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
  • 1 each Avocado (sliced, for garnish (optional))
  • ½ cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Dice vegetables

    Small‑dice the onion and bell pepper, then mince the garlic and jalapeño (if using).

    Time: PT10M

  2. Sauté aromatics

    Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  3. Add garlic, jalapeño and spices

    Stir in the minced garlic, jalapeño, and the tortilla‑soup spice mix. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium

  4. Deglaze with vinegar and stock

    Add 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar and a ladleful of warm chicken stock. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: low

  5. Toast tortillas

    While the soup simmers, toast 4 corn tortillas in a dry skillet over low heat, turning until lightly browned on both sides. Set aside to cool.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: low

  6. Blend toasted tortillas

    Place the toasted tortillas in a blender with 2 ladles (≈1 cup) of chicken stock. Blend until completely smooth.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Combine blended mixture with soup

    Stir the blended tortilla puree into the pot. Add the remaining chicken stock (about 2 quarts) and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium‑low

  8. Add chicken

    Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the pot and heat through, about 3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium

  9. Fry tortilla strips

    Cut the remaining 4 tortillas into thin strips. Fry them in a little oil in the skillet until crisp, then drain on paper towels.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  10. Add corn and finish

    Stir in 1 cup corn kernels and heat for 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more vinegar if needed.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  11. Serve and garnish

    Ladle soup into bowls. Top with fried tortilla strips, corn, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, a squeeze of lime, and shredded cheese if desired.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
320
Protein
20 g
Carbohydrates
25 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free if using corn tortillas, Dairy‑Free if cheese omitted, High‑Protein

Allergens: gluten (corn tortillas), dairy (cheese)

Last updated: April 12, 2026

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Chicken tortilla soup

Recipe by everydayisfeastday

A hearty, smoky chicken tortilla soup that’s thickened with blended toasted corn tortillas. Made with rotisserie chicken, fresh vegetables, and a quick homemade spice blend, this soup is perfect for a cozy dinner and can be topped with crispy tortilla strips, corn, avocado, and lime.

EasyMexicanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
20m
Prep
26m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
56m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$15.16
Total cost
$3.79
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sauté the onion and bell pepper until softened to build flavor
  • Blend toasted tortillas with stock to thicken the soup without using flour
  • Fry tortilla strips until crisp for texture contrast

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter when frying tortilla strips – use a splatter guard
  • Blending hot liquid can create steam – cover blender lid with a towel

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Tortilla Soup in Mexican cuisine?

A

Chicken tortilla soup is a traditional Mexican comfort food that originated as a way to use stale tortillas, turning them into a thick, flavorful broth. It reflects the Mexican tradition of minimizing waste and creating hearty meals from simple pantry staples.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of Chicken Tortilla Soup exist within Mexican cuisine?

A

In northern Mexico, the soup may feature roasted tomatillos and poblano peppers, while coastal versions often add seafood or a splash of lime. Some regions use fried tortilla strips throughout the soup rather than just as a garnish.

cultural
Q

How is Chicken Tortilla Soup traditionally served in Mexico?

A

It is traditionally served hot in a bowl, topped with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, a squeeze of lime, and sometimes crumbled queso fresco. It is often accompanied by warm corn tortillas on the side.

cultural
Q

During what occasions is Chicken Tortilla Soup commonly enjoyed in Mexican culture?

A

It is a popular everyday meal but also appears at family gatherings, festive celebrations, and cooler evenings when a warming, nourishing soup is desired.

cultural
Q

What makes Chicken Tortilla Soup special in Mexican cuisine compared to other soups?

A

The use of toasted corn tortillas blended into the broth gives it a unique, slightly smoky thickness that distinguishes it from clear broths, while the combination of spices, lime, and fresh toppings adds bright, layered flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Chicken Tortilla Soup versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include corn tortillas, chicken stock, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, fresh lime, and cilantro. Substitutes can be flour tortillas (adds gluten), vegetable stock (for vegetarian version), or store‑bought taco seasoning in place of the homemade spice mix.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with Chicken Tortilla Soup?

A

It pairs nicely with Mexican rice, refried beans, fresh guacamole, or a simple side of quesadillas. A crisp margarita or agua fresca also complements the soup’s flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Tortilla Soup?

A

Common mistakes include over‑cooking the garlic (which can become bitter), not toasting the tortillas enough (resulting in a bland broth), and adding too much stock, which dilutes the thickened texture. Also, frying tortilla strips in cold oil leads to soggy toppings.

technical
Q

Why does this Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe blend toasted tortillas instead of using corn flour?

A

Blending toasted tortillas adds authentic corn flavor and natural starches that thicken the soup without the processed texture of corn flour. It also creates a richer, smoky depth that a simple flour would lack.

technical
Q

Can I make Chicken Tortilla Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the soup base can be prepared up to two days ahead and stored in the refrigerator, or frozen for up to three months. Keep the fried tortilla strips separate and add them just before serving to retain crispness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel everydayisfeastday specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel everydayisfeastday specializes in approachable, everyday comfort food recipes with a focus on quick, flavorful meals that use pantry staples and simple techniques for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel everydayisfeastday's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?

A

Everydayisfeastday emphasizes minimal prep, using store‑bought rotisserie chicken and readily available ingredients, while still honoring authentic flavors. The channel often shows shortcuts like blending toasted tortillas, making the dishes faster than traditional, labor‑intensive methods found on other channels.

channel

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