This Flavorful Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup is an absolute weeknight hero, marrying the bright zing of tomatillos with shredded chicken, creamy white beans, and a bouquet of Mexican-inspired spices, all with the irresistible crunch of tortilla chips. Every bowl is brimming with comforting textures and layers of tangy, savory flavor—plus it comes together in just over half an hour, making it perfect for both impromptu get-togethers and cozy nights at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you can create a vibrant and satisfying pot of Flavorful Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup. Each component pulls its weight—from adding heat to lending creaminess or crunch, every ingredient brings something memorable to the table.
- Olive oil: Provides a luscious base and helps soften the vegetables, infusing the whole soup with richness.
- Yellow onion (diced): Adds savory depth and gentle sweetness that’s essential for the flavor foundation.
- Garlic (minced): Brings a punchy layer of aromatic warmth to each bite.
- Jalapeño (seeded and minced): Offers customizable heat—use more or less to tailor your soup’s spice level.
- Ground cumin: Delivers earthy, slightly smoky undertones that tie the flavors together beautifully.
- Dried oregano: Infuses a subtle herbal note that brightens the dish.
- Chicken broth: Acts as the flavorful canvas, carrying all the other ingredients and ensuring the soup is heartily satisfying.
- Cooked shredded chicken: A protein-rich addition that absorbs all those gorgeous flavors—perfect for using up leftovers.
- Salsa verde (tomatillo-based): The star ingredient that gives this soup its lively tang and unmistakable green hue.
- White beans (drained and rinsed): Creamy and mild, they bulk up the soup and make each spoonful delightfully filling.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor—don’t skip it, but adjust to your taste!
- Black pepper: Adds a little bite and subtle complexity.
- Lime (juice): A final spritz of zesty brightness right at the end elevates everything.
- Fresh cilantro (chopped): Scatters fresh color and a burst of herbal finish to the soup.
- Crushed tortilla chips: Stirred in for texture and that unmistakable tortilla essence—don’t forget extras for topping!
- Optional toppings: Avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, and more cilantro let everyone customize their bowl just the way they love it.
How to Make Flavorful Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, and jalapeño, and sauté them gently for about 4–5 minutes. Keep stirring as the aromas build in your kitchen—the veggies should soften and become fragrant, with the garlic and jalapeño mingling in perfect harmony.
Step 2: Add Spices and Bloom
Sprinkle the cumin and oregano directly onto your softened veggies. Let the spices toast with the aromatics for about a minute; this quick step will coax out their deepest flavors, ensuring that the base of your soup is beautifully layered and complex.
Step 3: Build the Soup
Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the salsa verde, shredded chicken, white beans, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a hearty stir to combine. The salsa verde brings that signature tang and vibrancy, while the broth and beans transform your pot into something hearty and soul-satisfying. Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, so all the flavors meld together gorgeously.
Step 4: Brighten and Thicken
Once the soup has simmered and the aroma is irresistible, stir in the lime juice, chopped cilantro, and crushed tortilla chips. This trio adds a final pop of brightness and body to the soup—the chips thicken the broth ever so slightly, making every spoonful feel comforting and just a tad decadent. Let it all simmer together for another 5 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the hot Flavorful Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup into bowls and top with additional tortilla chips, creamy avocado slices, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a little more cilantro. Each bowl invites you to dig in and savor every tangy, satisfying bite!
How to Serve Flavorful Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup
Garnishes
The joy of Flavorful Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup is how customizable it is with garnishes. A handful of crushed tortilla chips for crunch, fresh avocado slices for creamy contrast, gooey shredded cheese, a cool scoop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of cilantro make each bowl uniquely delicious. Don’t be shy with the toppings—let everyone build their perfect spoonful!
Side Dishes
While Flavorful Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup can certainly shine on its own, it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Try serving it with a crisp green salad, warm corn tortillas, or cheese quesadillas for dipping. You could even add a platter of roasted vegetables or elote (Mexican street corn) to turn your meal into a fiesta.
Creative Ways to Present
To really wow your family or guests, serve the soup in colorful ceramic bowls or even small mugs for a party appetizer. Make it the star of a DIY soup bar, where everyone can customize their toppings. For lunchboxes or meal-prep, ladle the soup into individual jars with a side of chips and toppings to add at lunchtime—guaranteed smiles all around!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Flavorful Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup tastes just as wonderful the next day, so don’t be afraid to make a big batch. Let it cool to room temperature, then store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you know you’ll be saving some for later, hold off on adding tortilla chips so they stay nice and crunchy when you serve.
Freezing
This soup is also freezer-friendly! Simply cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers (again, without toppings or chips), and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the brightest and freshest flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, you can add a little extra broth to reach your preferred consistency. Add fresh toppings and chips just before serving for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the shredded chicken for more white beans, or try canned jackfruit for a fun twist. Make sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a completely vegetarian version of Flavorful Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup.
How spicy will this soup be?
The heat level depends on your jalapeño and salsa verde choice. For milder flavor, use less jalapeño or opt for a mild salsa verde. If you like more heat, leave in some jalapeño seeds or choose a spicy salsa.
What’s the best way to shred chicken for this soup?
Leftover rotisserie chicken makes prep a breeze, but you can also quickly poach chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. For maximum flavor, season your chicken with a little salt, pepper, and cumin before cooking.
Do I have to use white beans?
White beans add creaminess and body, but you can substitute with pinto or black beans if that’s what you have on hand. Each bean variety brings its own personality to your Flavorful Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! This recipe doubles beautifully. Use a larger pot and adjust seasonings to taste. It’s perfect for feeding friends during game nights, potlucks, or any festive gathering.
Final Thoughts
Flavorful Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup is one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again—easy, adaptable, and guaranteed to earn rave reviews from anyone who tries it. Gather your ingredients, simmer up a pot, and let the vibrant flavors and cozy vibes fill your kitchen tonight!
Print
Flavorful Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Flavorful Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup is a zesty and satisfying dish that combines the tangy flavors of salsa verde with hearty shredded chicken and white beans. Topped with crunchy tortilla chips and creamy avocado, it’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Main Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 jalapeño (seeded and minced)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup salsa verde (tomatillo-based)
- 1 (15-ounce) can white beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips (plus more for topping)
Optional Toppings:
- avocado slices
- shredded cheese
- sour cream
- additional cilantro
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté aromatics: Add onion, garlic, and jalapeño; sauté until softened.
- Add spices: Stir in cumin and oregano; cook until fragrant.
- Add remaining ingredients: Pour in chicken broth, salsa verde, chicken, white beans, salt, and pepper; simmer.
- Finish soup: Stir in lime juice, cilantro, and tortilla chips; simmer until flavors meld.
- Serve: Ladle hot soup into bowls and top with desired toppings.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with more white beans or canned jackfruit.
- Adjust heat by adding more or less jalapeño or using mild salsa verde.
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