Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Cut and season

Stack the corn tortillas and cut them into 1/4-inch strips. Toss the strips with 1/2 tsp chili powder and 1/2 tsp salt.

Crisp the strips

For frying: heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry the strips in batches 1–2 minutes, stirring until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels. For a baked version: toss strips with 2 tbs olive oil, spread on a baking sheet, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping once, until crisp.

Pat chicken dry and season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken 4–6 minutes per side (internal temp 165°F / 74°C) until cooked through with grill marks. Let rest 5 minutes, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.

Heat 1 tbs olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté 5–7 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Stir in ground cumin, chili powder, and dried oregano; toast spices 30–45 seconds.

Add the canned diced tomatoes with green chiles (and fire-roasted tomatoes if using), the 8 cups chicken broth, and 1 cup water. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Add the corn kernels, then simmer the soup 10 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with remaining salt and black pepper as needed.

Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice. Add the shredded grilled chicken to warm through for 2–3 minutes.

Divide hot soup among 4 bowls (about 2 cups per serving). Sprinkle about 1/4 cup shredded cheese into each bowl so it begins to melt from the heat.

Top each bowl with a handful of tortilla strips, a spoonful of diced tomatoes, a sprinkle of diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and diced avocado. Add a lime wedge and optional cotija if desired.

For a variation, substitute grilled shrimp for the chicken (add $5): grill 1 lb peeled deveined shrimp tossed with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; cook 2–3 minutes per side and add to soup at the same step you add chicken.