Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup with Black Beans and Crispy Strips

Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup with Black Beans and Crispy Strips

A bold, smoky chicken tortilla soup made with tender chicken, black beans, sweet corn, tomatoes, chipotle peppers, and warming spices. Finished with crunchy fried tortilla strips and fresh toppings, this hearty stovetop soup is easy to customize to your preferred heat level.

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Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Servings: 10

Course: Soup

Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 2–3 pounds boneless chicken breasts diced (thighs can be used if you prefer)
• – 4 tablespoons olive oil
• – 2–3 teaspoons Mrs. Dash Chipotle Southwest seasoning
• – 2 teaspoons sea salt
• – 2 teaspoons granulated garlic
• – 1–2 teaspoons black pepper
• Soup:
• – 2–3 cups diced onion
• – 1 cup diced carrots
• – 1/2 cup diced celery
• – 1 cup diced red bell pepper optional
• – 4 tablespoons chopped garlic
• – 4–5 teaspoons ground cumin
• – 2 teaspoons Mrs. Dash Chipotle Southwest seasoning
• – 1–2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo sauce chopped
• – 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• – 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• – 8 cups chicken broth
• – 3/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
• – 8–16 ounces frozen white corn
• – 2 cans black beans 15 ounces each, rinsed
• – Salt and pepper to taste
• – 6–8 corn tortillas cut into strips
• – Vegetable oil for frying tortilla strips
• – Sea salt for seasoning tortilla strips
• Optional flavor additions:
• – 1–2 tablespoons chicken base for added flavor
• – 1–2 teaspoons beef base for deeper flavor
• Garnishes:
• – Monterey Jack cheese
• – Sliced green onions
• – Sour cream
• – Sliced avocado
• – Lime wedges
• – Salsa
• – Chopped fresh cilantro

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a heavy soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Season with the chipotle seasoning, sea salt, granulated garlic, and black pepper while browning. Remove each batch and set aside.
2. If needed, add a little more olive oil to the pot. Add the onions, carrots, garlic, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften.
3. Add the chopped chipotle peppers, ground cumin, and additional chipotle seasoning. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring to release the spices’ aromas.
4. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, corn, rinsed black beans, and chopped cilantro. Stir to combine. If using chicken base or beef base, add a little at a time.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Return the browned chicken to the pot. Check the seasonings and adjust as needed. Continue simmering until the chicken is fully cooked and the soup is ready to serve.
7. Heat vegetable oil in a separate pan. Fry the tortilla strips in small batches until brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with sea salt while hot.
8. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips. Serve with Monterey Jack cheese, green onions, sour cream, avocado, lime wedges, salsa, or fresh cilantro.

Notes

• Adjust the chipotle peppers and seasonings to suit your preferred spice level.
• Chicken thighs can replace chicken breasts.
• The red bell pepper can be omitted.
• Chicken base and beef base are optional additions for extra flavor. Add them gradually.
• Both bases can be salty, so taste the soup before adding extra salt.
• Fry the tortilla strips in small batches and salt them while hot.
• Add tortilla strips and garnishes just before serving to preserve their texture.

Smoky, spicy broth: Chipotle peppers and cumin create a deep, savory flavor with adjustable heat.

A hearty mix of ingredients: Chicken, black beans, corn, and vegetables make this soup satisfying enough for dinner.

Crunchy homemade topping: Freshly fried tortilla strips add a crisp contrast to the tender chicken and rich broth.

Customizable bowls: Everyone can choose their favorite combination of cheese, avocado, sour cream, lime, and fresh herbs.

Ideal for cool evenings: A steaming bowl of this soup makes a comforting meal when you want something warm and full of flavor.