What is the difference between taco soup and tortilla soup?

The main difference is the base. Taco soup typically includes a tomato base with ranch seasoning and often ground meat. Tortilla soup always features a lighter, often reddish broth made from simmering chicken stock with chiles and spices, and is traditionally garnished with fried tortilla strips.

How do I thicken my chicken tortilla soup?

If your soup is too thin, you can thicken it in a few ways: Mashed Beans: Scoop out about half a cup of the soup, mash the beans against the side of the bowl, and stir the mixture back into the pot. Corn Tortillas: Blend a few softened corn tortillas into the broth for a subtle, authentic thickening. Cornstarch Slurry: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir the slurry into the simmering soup until it thickens.

Why is my tortilla soup bitter?

Bitterness is often caused by over-toasting the dried chili peppers or burning the garlic/onions at the start. Ensure you cook the aromatics gently and only bloom the spices for 60 seconds before adding the liquid. If the soup is already bitter, a pinch of sugar or a small splash more lime juice can often help balance the taste.

Tested Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (Easy One-Pot)

Name: The Ultimate Tested Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (Easy One-Pot Method)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large white or yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper (red or orange), diced; 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great); 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup frozen corn; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish); 1–2 fresh limes, cut into wedges (for garnish); Tortilla chips or corn tortillas (for topping); Sliced avocado (for topping)

The Ultimate Tested Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (Easy One-Pot Method)

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An authentic, deeply flavorful, and easy-to-make Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe that uses layering techniques for the richest broth. This is the ultimate comfort food, ready in 45 minutes.

Author: Emily Parker
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

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2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large white or yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or orange), diced

1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 pound cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup frozen corn

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

1–2 fresh limes, cut into wedges (for garnish)

Tortilla chips or corn tortillas (for topping)

Sliced avocado (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 5-7 minutes until soft.

2. Add garlic, cumin, chili powder, and paprika; cook for 1 minute to bloom spices.

3. Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a low boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir in beans and corn. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes to deepen flavors.

4. Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for 5 minutes until heated through. Season generously with salt and pepper.

5. Stir in the juice of half a lime for brightness.

6. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top with crispy tortilla strips, sliced avocado, cilantro, and a wedge of fresh lime.

Notes

The base soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months—just add toppings fresh upon reheating.

For a vegan option, substitute chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth.

Make sure to bloom the spices in oil for maximum flavor depth.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 350
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 135mg

Find it online: https://www.flavourrecipe.com/chicken-tortilla-soup-recipe/