Vegetarian Mexican Chicken Tortilla Soup

Total time55 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time40 min

Vegetarian Mexican Chicken Tortilla Soup

This vibrant, smoky soup builds its flavor from a base of sautéed onion, red bell pepper, garlic, and jalapeño, bloomed with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and turmeric until the whole pot smells irresistible. Fire-roasted tomatoes and black beans simmer together into a rich, hearty broth with real depth and a little heat. Crispy baked tortilla strips add crunch on top, while creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime brighten every spoonful. It's the kind of cozy, layered dish that feels like real comfort food, not an afterthought. This one is a great fit for a vegetarian table, and it comes together in one pot for an easy weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

4 servings

For the soup

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Private Selection Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Bertolli Extra Virgin D'Italiia Olive Oil 16.9oz
Extra Virgin Olive Oil FIELD DAY OLIVE OIL EXTRA VIRGIN Olitalia Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground turmeric
½ tsp dried oregano
1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups chicken broth
Chef's tip
Use the same amount of low-sodium vegetable broth. The dish will be a little lighter in flavor than with chicken broth.
1 ½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Chef's tip
Choose an unbreaded plant-based cutlet and cook it according to its package - ignore the recipe's raw-chicken cooking times and temperatures - then use it where the cooked chicken goes.
½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
¼ tsp black pepper, plus more to taste

For the tortilla strips

4 small corn tortillas, cut into ¼-inch strips
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
¼ tsp salt

For serving

1 ripe avocado, sliced or diced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
2 limes, cut into wedges
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Toss the tortilla strips with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1/4 tsp salt on a baking sheet, spreading them in a single layer. Bake for 12–15 minutes, turning once halfway through, until crisp and lightly golden at the edges. Set aside.
2
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and red bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and the onion is translucent, about 6–7 minutes.

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