If you love warm and comforting meals, you will enjoy this soup. The Ina Garten Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is simple, tasty and full of flavor.
It has soft chicken, fresh vegetables, warm spices and crispy tortilla strips on top. The soup is perfect for cold days or busy nights.
It feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. Anyone can learn how to make Ina Garten Chicken Tortilla Soup, even if you are a beginner.
The ingredients for Ina Garten Chicken Tortilla Soup are easy to find and very affordable. This soup tastes fresh, rich and comforting every time you make it.
My Experience With This Recipe
I made this soup on a cool evening. I wanted something warm and full of flavor. The steps were simple and the smell filled my kitchen. The chicken became soft and juicy. The broth tasted rich and slightly spicy.
The crispy tortillas added the best crunch. My family loved it a lot. It felt like restaurant soup but much easier. I like this recipe because it is simple, healthy, and very comforting.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Course: Soup
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Ladle
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Chicken Tortilla Soup
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup corn kernels
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 6 corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for tortillas)
Optional toppings:
- Avocado slices
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
Step-by-Step Guide
- Sauté the Vegetables
Heat oil. Add onion, garlic and peppers. Cook until soft and fragrant. - Add the Spices
Add chili powder and cumin. Stir well for a warm, rich flavor release. - Pour in the Broth
Add chicken broth and tomatoes. Stir and bring the soup to a gentle boil. - Add the Chicken
Put shredded chicken into the pot. Mix well and let flavors blend slowly. - Add the Corn
Stir in corn kernels. Cook for a few minutes until everything is warm. - Season the Soup
Add salt, pepper and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as preferred. - Bake the Tortilla Strips
Mix tortilla strips with oil. Bake at 375°F until golden and crispy. - Add Fresh Cilantro
Stir chopped cilantro into the soup. It adds a fresh and bright taste. - Serve the Soup
Pour soup into bowls. Add tortilla strips and your favorite toppings. - Enjoy Warm
Serve right away for best texture and warm, cozy flavor in each bite.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken for quick cooking.
- Cut vegetables in small pieces for faster cooking.
- Bake tortilla strips instead of frying for a healthier taste.
- Add more jalapeño if you like stronger heat.
- Add lime juice at the end for fresh flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not add tortillas directly into the soup. They become soggy.
- Do not skip sautéing vegetables. This step adds rich flavor.
- Do not use cold chicken. Warm it slightly before adding.
- Do not boil soup too long. Chicken can become dry.
- Do not skip lime. It brightens all the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup warm with crispy tortilla strips on top. Add fresh avocado slices for a creamy taste. You can also add cheese or sour cream for extra richness.
This soup pairs well with warm bread, grilled corn or a fresh green salad. It is perfect for lunch, dinner or even a small family gathering. The colors look bright and beautiful in the bowl, making it great for guests too.
Variations You Can Try
- Add black beans for more protein.
- Use turkey instead of chicken.
- Add zucchini or carrots for extra vegetables.
- Use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
- Add chipotle peppers for a smoky, spicy taste.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftover soup in the fridge for 3 days.
- Do not store tortilla strips inside the soup. Keep separate.
- Freeze the soup (without tortillas) for up to 2 months.
- Reheat soup on the stove for best texture.
- Warm tortilla strips in the oven to make them crispy again.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbs | 28 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
Health Benefits
This soup is healthy and full of nutrients. The chicken gives high-quality protein that helps your muscles stay strong. The vegetables add vitamins and fiber, which help digestion.
The spices like cumin and chili powder help improve metabolism. The broth keeps you hydrated and warm. If you use baked tortilla strips, the soup stays light but still crunchy. It is a great balance of comfort and nutrition in one bowl.
Ina Garten Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper chopped
- 1 jalapeño seeded and minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup corn kernels
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 6 corn tortillas cut into strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil for tortillas
Optional toppings:
- Avocado slices
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat oil. Add onion, garlic, and peppers. Cook until soft and fragrant.
Add the Spices
- Add chili powder and cumin. Stir well for a warm, rich flavor release.
Pour in the Broth
- Add chicken broth and tomatoes. Stir and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Add the Chicken
- Put shredded chicken into the pot. Mix well and let flavors blend slowly.
Add the Corn
- Stir in corn kernels. Cook for a few minutes until everything is warm.
Season the Soup
- Add salt, pepper, and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as preferred.
Bake the Tortilla Strips
- Mix tortilla strips with oil. Bake at 375°F until golden and crispy.
Add Fresh Cilantro
- Stir chopped cilantro into the soup. It adds a fresh and bright taste.
Serve the Soup
- Pour soup into bowls. Add tortilla strips and your favorite toppings.
Enjoy Warm
- Serve right away for best texture and warm, cozy flavor in each bite.
Notes
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken for quick cooking.
- Cut vegetables in small pieces for faster cooking.
- Bake tortilla strips instead of frying for a healthier taste.
- Add more jalapeño if you like stronger heat.
- Add lime juice at the end for fresh flavor.
FAQs about Ina Garten Chicken Tortilla Soup
Q1: Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use raw chicken. Simmer it in the broth until cooked, then shred it. It may take extra time, but it works well.
Q2: Can I make this soup spicy?
Yes, add extra jalapeño or a little hot sauce. You can also add chipotle peppers for smoky heat. Adjust spice slowly to avoid over-spicing.
Q3: Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes very well. Just do not add tortilla strips before freezing. Add them only when serving after reheating the soup.
Q4: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, replace chicken with beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It will still taste rich and warm.
Q5: Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes, add all ingredients (except tortillas and toppings) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours.
Final Thoughts
The Ina Garten Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is warm, simple and very comforting. It is full of rich flavors and fresh ingredients. Anyone can learn how to make Ina Garten Chicken Tortilla Soup, even beginners.
The ingredients for Ina Garten Chicken Tortilla Soup are easy to find and work well together. This soup is perfect for cold nights, busy days or family dinners.
Try it once and it will become one of your favorite soups. Enjoy this cozy, delicious bowl with the people you love.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!