Description

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a cozy, easy-to-make meal bursting with fresh veggies, smoky turkey bacon, zesty spices, and tender chicken in a flavorful broth. This comforting one-pot recipe delivers vibrant, wholesome flavors with a touch of citrus brightness, perfect for busy weeknights or chilly days when you crave warmth and satisfaction.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 chicken breasts, diced
4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped

Vegetables & Aromatics

1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
1 cup corn kernels
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Liquids & Sauces

4 cups chicken broth
2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
2 tbsp fresh lime juice

Spices

1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnishes

1 cup crispy tortilla strips
Plant-based sour cream (plant-based), for serving

Optional Variations

Jalapeños or pinch of cayenne pepper for spiciness
Shredded plant-based cheese (plant-based) for topping
Natural gelling agent to thicken soup, if desired

Instructions

Prepare the Base: Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. Use this fat to sauté the chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers until they are soft and fragrant.
Add the Chicken and Spices: Add diced chicken breasts to the pot. Season with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir frequently as the chicken cooks until it is mostly cooked through and well coated with the spices.
Build the Soup: Pour in the chopped fresh tomatoes, corn kernels, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and chicken broth. Stir to combine everything well. Allow the soup to simmer gently for about 20 minutes to meld the flavors and finish cooking the chicken.
Finish with Fresh Touches: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with crispy smoked turkey bacon pieces, crunchy tortilla strips, and dollops of plant-based sour cream (plant-based) for a delicious finishing touch.

Notes

Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for natural sweetness and richer texture.
Cook bacon to crispiness to add crunch and smoky depth.
Simmer soup gently over low to medium heat to fully develop flavors.
Season gradually, tasting as you go, to avoid overpowering the dish.
Make homemade tortilla strips by cutting corn tortillas into strips, then baking or pan-frying until crispy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
Calories: 280
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Chicken Tortilla Soup, comfort soup, easy soup recipe, smoky turkey bacon soup, gluten free soup, plant-based garnish