Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 (16 oz) jar salsa verde (or homemade)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 small jalapeño, diced (optional, for spice)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Tortilla Strips:
- 6 small corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
Toppings (Choose Your Favorites!):
- 1 avocado, diced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup crumbled queso fresco or feta
- ¼ cup diced white onion
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Sour cream or Mexican crema
- Extra tortilla chips for crunch
- Sliced jalapeños (for extra heat!)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tortilla Strips
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss the tortilla strips with olive oil, salt, and chili powder in a bowl.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Set aside for serving.
Step 2: Make the Salsa Verde Broth
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the garlic, cumin, chili powder, and oregano, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the salsa verde and chicken broth, stirring well.
- Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Chicken & Beans
- Stir in the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and diced jalapeño.
- Simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Squeeze in the juice of 1 lime, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt & pepper.
Step 4: Serve & Garnish
- Ladle hot soup into bowls.
- Top with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, fresh cilantro, queso fresco, and diced onion.
- Serve with a lime wedge on the side and extra tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
Tips for the Best Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup
✔ Use Fresh Salsa Verde – If possible, use homemade salsa verde for the best flavor.
✔ Simmer for Extra Flavor – Let the soup sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance the depth of taste.
✔ Make it Vegetarian – Swap chicken for roasted sweet potatoes or extra beans.
✔ Crisp Up the Tortillas – Bake or fry them for a delicious crunch.
✔ Adjust the Spice Level – Add more jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.