Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a easy Tex-Mex recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Old's Cool Kevmo on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 44 min | Total: 1 hr 9 min
Cost: $13.92 total, $3.48 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless, flattened and cut into strips)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for sautéing)
- 1 tsp Salt (kosher or table salt)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin (ground)
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano (ground)
- 1 tsp Chili Powder (mild)
- 1 tsp Paprika (sweet paprika)
- 2 count Bay Leaves (dried)
- 4 clove Garlic (minced)
- 1 can Fire‑Roasted Diced Tomatoes (14 oz, drained)
- 4 cup Chicken Stock (low‑sodium)
- 1 can Black Beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup Corn Kernels (frozen or canned)
- 2 tbsp Masa Harina (for thickening and tortilla flavor)
- 0.25 cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
- 1 count Avocado (diced, for topping)
- 0.5 cup Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese (for topping)
- 4 count Corn Tortillas (cut into strips and fried until crisp)
Instructions
Flatten and Cut Chicken
Place the chicken breast on a cutting board, cover with plastic wrap and gently pound until an even thickness, then slice into strips and roughly chop.
Time: PT5M
Dice Peppers and Onion
Dice the bell pepper and onion into medium‑size cubes.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Chicken
Heat the large pot over medium‑high heat, add vegetable oil, then add the chicken strips. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is just cooked through.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium‑high
Season Chicken
Season the chicken with salt and pepper and give a quick stir.
Time: PT1M
Add Vegetables
Add the diced pepper and onion to the pot and sauté for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium
Add Spices and Garlic
Stir in cumin, oregano, chili powder, paprika, bay leaves, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and the minced garlic. Cook for 2 minutes to bloom the spices.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Add Tomatoes and Stock
Pour in the fire‑roasted tomatoes and chicken stock. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: simmer
Add Beans and Corn
Stir in the drained black beans and corn kernels. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: simmer
Thicken with Masa
Sprinkle the masa harina over the soup, stir well to dissolve, and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes to thicken and develop tortilla flavor.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: simmer
Finish with Cilantro
Stir in the chopped cilantro and let the soup cook for an additional 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: simmer
Prepare Toppings
While the soup finishes, dice the avocado, shred the cheese, and fry the tortilla strips in a separate skillet until crisp.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium‑high
Plate and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls, top each with avocado, shredded cheese and crispy tortilla strips. Serve hot.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: hot
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 8 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, High‑Protein
Allergens: Dairy, Corn
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Rotisserie chicken, Turkey breast
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Olive oil
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Fire‑Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Regular diced tomatoes
- Instead of Chicken Stock: Vegetable stock
- Instead of Black Beans: Cooked dry beans
- Instead of Corn Kernels: Fresh corn
- Instead of Masa Harina: Cornmeal (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro: Parsley
- Instead of Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese: Shredded cheddar
- Instead of Corn Tortillas: Flour tortillas (will change flavor)
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Ladle
- Skillet
- Can Opener
- Serving Bowls
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Flatten and cut the chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking
- Thickening the soup with masa harina to achieve authentic tortilla flavor and proper consistency
- Frying tortilla strips until crisp for topping
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra smoky flavor, use chipotle‑in‑adobo peppers instead of regular chili powder
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving for brightness
- Use a high‑quality fire‑roasted tomato brand for richer taste
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thin after adding masa
Simmer uncovered for a few more minutes or add an extra teaspoon of masa harina dissolved in a little water.
Masa forms lumps
Whisk the masa with a small amount of cold stock before sprinkling it into the hot soup.
Chicken becomes dry
Do not over‑cook the chicken in the initial sauté; it will finish cooking in the broth.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The soup flavor improves after a few hours; make it a day ahead and refrigerate
- Reheat gently over low heat; add a splash of stock if it thickens too much
- Prepare avocado and cheese toppings fresh just before serving
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Tortilla Soup in Tex‑Mex cuisine?
Chicken tortilla soup originates from Mexican home cooking where leftover tortillas were repurposed into a flavorful broth. In Texas, the dish evolved with the addition of masa and chicken stock, becoming a comforting staple for family meals and gatherings.
What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken Tortilla Soup in Mexican cuisine?
In central Mexico, the soup often uses fried tortilla strips and a tomato‑chili base, while in northern regions it may include poblano peppers and a richer chicken broth. Some versions add lime juice or crema for added tang and creaminess.
How is authentic Chicken Tortilla Soup traditionally served in Mexico?
It is traditionally served hot in a deep bowl, garnished with diced avocado, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and crispy tortilla strips. A wedge of lime is placed on the side for diners to add a bright citrus finish.
What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Tortilla Soup traditionally associated with in Mexican culture?
The soup is popular for casual family lunches, weekend gatherings, and as a comforting dish during cooler evenings. It is also served at festive events like Día de los Muertos as a warm, hearty starter.
What other Tex‑Mex dishes pair well with Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Pair it with Mexican rice, refried beans, fresh guacamole, or a simple side of grilled corn. A crisp margarita or agua fresca makes a refreshing beverage complement.
What makes Chicken Tortilla Soup special or unique in Tex‑Mex cuisine?
The use of masa harina to thicken the broth gives the soup a subtle corn flavor and a silky texture that distinguishes it from other chicken soups. The combination of fire‑roasted tomatoes, black beans, and crispy tortilla strips creates layers of flavor and texture.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Over‑cooking the chicken in the first sauté, adding masa without whisking (causing lumps), and letting the soup sit too long without stirring can result in dry meat, a grainy texture, or uneven thickness. Follow the timing steps closely and whisk masa with a little stock first.
Why does this Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe use masa harina instead of cornmeal?
Masa harina is made from nixtamalized corn, which imparts authentic tortilla flavor and a smoother thickening power. Cornmeal would give a gritty texture and lack the traditional taste that masa provides.
Can I make Chicken Tortilla Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the soup can be prepared a day in advance. Cool it quickly, transfer to airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of stock if it has thickened too much.
What does the YouTube channel Old's Cool Kevmo specialize in?
The YouTube channel Old's Cool Kevmo focuses on quick, approachable home‑cooking videos that blend classic comfort foods with modern twists, often emphasizing easy techniques for busy cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Old's Cool Kevmo's approach to Tex‑Mex cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Old's Cool Kevmo emphasizes minimal ingredient lists, straightforward steps, and practical tips like flattening chicken for even cooking, making Tex‑Mex dishes accessible without requiring hard‑to‑find specialty items.
Last updated: August 26, 2026
