Chicken Lime Tortilla Soup (Fresh Zesty and Comforting!)
If you’re craving a soup that’s light yet hearty, fresh yet comforting, this Chicken Lime Tortilla Soup is exactly what you need.
Packed with tender shredded chicken, zesty lime, warm spices, and finished with creamy avocado and crispy tortilla strips, it’s a simple but flavor-packed meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, rainy days, or whenever you need a cozy bowl of bold flavors.
Ingredients:
(Scale: 1x, 2x, 3x)
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large tomato, diced
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 limes, juiced
- 1 bay leaf
For Toppings (Optional but Highly Recommended!):
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1 cup tortilla strips (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes, until it softens and turns translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeño and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.
The sizzling garlic, onion, and jalapeño create an amazing flavor base for the soup.
Step 2: Build the Flavorful Broth
Sprinkle in the:
- Ground cumin
- Dried oregano
Stir well to coat the aromatics with the spices.
Pour in the chicken broth and add:
- Bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper
Bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Carefully place the chicken breasts into the simmering broth.
Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
The chicken will soak up all those delicious flavors while infusing the broth at the same time.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked:
- Remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board.
- Shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
Discard the bay leaf from the soup — its job is done!
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Lime Juice
Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Add the diced tomato and simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to come together beautifully.
Turn off the heat and stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice.
The lime juice brightens the soup and gives it that signature zesty kick.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
Top each serving with:
- Sliced avocado
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Crunchy tortilla strips
- Thinly sliced red onion (optional)
Serve with extra lime wedges for an extra burst of citrusy freshness.
Pair your Chicken Lime Tortilla Soup with warm corn tortillas, quesadillas, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for the Best Chicken Lime Tortilla Soup:
- For deeper flavor:
Roast the diced tomato slightly before adding it to the soup. - Spice level:
Leave the seeds in the jalapeño for a spicier kick. - Short on time?
Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts from scratch. - Homemade tortilla strips:
Cut corn tortillas into strips, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F for 10 minutes until crispy.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, assuming 6 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 65 mg |
| Sodium | 750 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
| Protein | 27 g |
| Vitamin C | 35% DV |
| Calcium | 8% DV |
| Iron | 10% DV |
(Nutrition estimates vary based on toppings and specific ingredients used.)
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Lime Tortilla Soup:
- Fresh, bright flavors with a hearty, satisfying base.
- Simple, wholesome ingredients — nothing processed.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings.
- Ready in about 40 minutes with minimal cleanup.
- Perfect for meal prep — flavors get even better the next day!
This Chicken Lime Tortilla Soup is sunshine in a bowl — fresh, comforting, and guaranteed to lift your spirits!