Rich and deeply flavorful, tortilla soup is thick and stew-like, very filling for cold days.

Stacy Allen

One bite of this tortilla soup, and you’ll think it has been simmering all day.

But the secret is, it’s ready in just about one hour.

Tortilla Soup served with sliced chips and cheese

Credit:Stacy Allen

One thing you’re able to’t skip: thehomemade cornbread.

Select any garnishes you wish, including options like Jack cheese, tortilla strips, and hot sauce.

If you like a creamy tortilla soup, tryMartina McBride’s recipe.

Seasoned chicken cooking in a pot

Credit:Stacy Allen

But not this one.

Is Tortilla Soup Really Mexican?

Tortilla soup is anauthentically Mexican dishwith roots in the area around Mexico City.

cooking onions and peppers in a dutch oven

Credit:Stacy Allen

This one is adapted slightly to convenience ingredients.

How Do You Thicken Up Tortilla Soup?

Masa is a commonthickening agent for chili.

Veggies cooking in a pot stirred with a wooden spoon

Credit:Stacy Allen

It’s also used intamales.

Adding masa in increments will thicken up your tortilla soup.

Loading up on the toppings can help bulk up the soup as well.

masa harina slurry for tortilla soup

Credit:Stacy Allen

What Does Tortilla Soup Taste Like?

This tortilla soup has a saucy tomato basepleasantly hearty and stew-like.

Cooking the chicken first in a covered pot keeps it juicy and texture-rich.

Tortilla soup cooking with veggies and shredded chicken

Credit:Stacy Allen

The red onions, bell pepper, garlic, add texture, color, and aromatics.

How To Store Tortilla Soup

Keep leftover soup in an airtight container up to 5 days.

Reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through, and garnish with your favorite toppings.

Can You Freeze Tortilla Soup?

Yes, tortilla soup is a great make-ahead dinner for a meal later on.

Once cooked, let the tortilla soup cool slightly, before putting it in the freezer.

Store up to 3 months.

Then garnish, and serve.

Ingredients

2Tbsp.

olive oil, divided

2(8-oz.)

boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 1/2tsp.

kosher salt, divided

1tsp.

black pepper, divided

1/2tsp.

chili powder, divided

1medium-size (9 oz.)

red onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)

1medium-size (9 oz.)

green bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)

1medium (1 oz.)

jalapeno chile, unseeded and finely chopped (about 3 Tbsp.)

5garlic cloves, finely chopped (about 2 Tbsp.)

tomato paste

1 1/2tsp.

smoked paprika

3cups chicken stock

2(14 1/2-oz.)

cans diced fire-roasted tomatoes

1(15-oz.)

can black beans, drained and rinsed

1(15-oz.)

can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1/2cup frozen corn

3Tbsp.

chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish

2Tbsp.

Add chicken to pot; cover, and cook until golden brown on underside, 5 to 7 minutes.

Transfer chicken to a plate.

Do not wipe pot clean.

Cook onion and seasoning ingredients:

Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to pot over medium-high.

Add stock, tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and corn; stir until well combined.

Shred chicken:

Meanwhile, shred chicken into bite-size pieces.

Make slurry:

Whisk together warm water and masa harina in a small bowl.

Remove soup from heat; stir in cilantro and lime juice.