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4.67 from 3 votes

easy chicken tortilla soup

This tortilla soup is delicious for a weeknight meal. For a paleo/Whole30 option, eliminate the black beans and the tortillas.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 -6

Ingredients

  • For the soup:
  • 6-7 chicken skinless drumsticks or 1.5 pounds of a mix of chicken breast/skinless thighs/skinless drumsticks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 14.5 ounce can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 14.5 ounce can chopped tomatoes
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 jalapeƱos seeded and minced
  • 2 limes cut into wedges
  • 4 radishes rinsed, greens removed and sliced thinly
  • 1/2 cup loosely-packed cilantro stems removed and minced
  • 1 ripe avocado sliced
  • For the tortillas:
  • 2 cups Maseca instant corn flour
  • 1 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 tbsp salt

Instructions

  • Make the soup: heat olive oil over medium heat in a large heavy stockpot. Add onions, cumin and smoked paprika. Saute onions and spices together until onion is soft and spices are incorporated, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and stir for one more minute.
  • Turn heat up to medium-high heat and add chicken. Sear on all sides for 1-2 minutes to brown, then add chicken broth, tomatoes and bay leaf.
  • Bring to boil, then turn down heat to simmer for 20-25 minutes until chicken is tender and falling apart.
  • While the soup is simmering, make the tortillas: mix together water, corn flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Using a rubber spatula, gently stir to incorporate corn flour, water and salt until it forms a soft dough. Roll the dough into 2-3 inch balls, then place on a tortilla press lined with parchment paper (or roll out with a rolling pin). Press tortillas into 6-inch round disks. Heat an oiled pan over medium-high heat and cook tortillas in batches, 2-3 minutes a side, until each side is slightly browned and just slightly crispy. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.
  • When chicken is almost cooked through, add black beans to the soup, stirring for another 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
  • Using tongs, remove chicken from soup and let cool slightly. Using forks, shred chicken, discarding bones. Return chicken to the pot and stir to incorporate. Add salt and pepper.
  • Remove soup from heat and spoon into bowls. Cut tortillas into strips and use as a garnish for the soup. Serve with radishes, avocados, lime, cilantro and jalapeƱo on the side.