Quick and Cozy Tortilla Soup

By: @mariehealthyhill Marie Hemphill

When the temperatures drop, nothing beats a cozy bowl of soup. Enter Quick and Cozy Tortilla Soup—a perfect blend of spice, lime, and hearty chicken, all simmered together in one pot for a simple, satisfying, and nutrient-packed meal. Whether you’re cooking on the stovetop, using an Instant Pot, or your Crockpot Express, this recipe brings dinner to the table fast, without compromising on flavor or nutrition.

Whether you use the stovetop, Instant Pot, or Crockpot Express, this soup comes together quickly and makes for a wholesome, veggie-packed meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Thanks to the bone broth, it’s not just delicious; it’s a meal that supports your health and wellness goals.

So grab your pot, pile on those fresh garnishes, and enjoy a warm, nutrient-packed bowl that’s as cozy as it is good for you—because healthy eating should be comforting, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying!  

Bon appétit!

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1-2 tablespoons Mexican or Fiesta blend chili powder (salt-free) or substitute regular chili powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 4 teaspoons oregano
• 1-2 teaspoons sea salt (to taste)
• 4 cups chicken bone broth
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Zest of 1 lime (optional, for a stronger lime flavor)

Garnishes (Pick Your Favorites)

• Pickled or sliced jalapeños
• Shredded cabbage or lettuce
• Sliced or diced avocado
• Fresh pico de gallo
• Crispy plantain chips (savory, not sweet), Corn chips or Crispy Tortilla Strips
• Sliced radishes
• Sliced green onions
• Chopped cilantro
• Fresh lime wedges
• Heavy dollop of sour cream, plain yogurt (dairy or non)
• Shredded cheese of choice

Directions:

Instant Pot Method

1. In a high-power blender, puree the onion, tomatoes, garlic, and spices until smooth.
2. Press 'Sauté' on your Instant Pot, set it to medium heat, and add the avocado oil. Let the oil heat for about 1-2 minutes—not until it's smoking, just warm enough to sizzle gently when you add the puree.
3. Carefully pour in the puree slowly, stirring as you add it to minimize splattering. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, add sea salt, and place the chicken breasts into the pot.
5. Lock the lid and set to ‘Manual’ for 8 minutes. Once done, allow a natural release for 10 minutes before venting any remaining pressure.
6. Shred the chicken directly in the pot using two forks.
7. Stir in lime juice (and zest, if using) and taste the broth—adjust salt and spices as needed.
8. Serve warm, loaded with your choice of garnishes. Salud!

Crockpot Express Method

1. Puree the onion, tomatoes, garlic, and spices as described above.
2. Set your Crockpot Express to 'Brown/Sauté' on medium heat. Add the oil and let it heat for 1-2 minutes.
3. Pour in the puree gradually, stirring constantly. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Add chicken broth and chicken breasts. Set the Crockpot to 'Pressure Cook' for 10 minutes.
5. Allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then vent the remaining pressure.
6. Shred the chicken, add lime juice and zest, then adjust seasonings. Serve with garnishes.

Stovetop Method

1. In a large pot, heat avocado oil over medium heat.
2. Blend onion, tomatoes, garlic, and spices until smooth. Add the puree slowly to the warm oil, stirring constantly to avoid splattering. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
3. Add chicken broth, sea salt, and chicken breasts. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
4. Remove chicken, shred with forks, and return it to the pot.
5. Stir in lime juice (and zest, if using) and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve with garnishes.

Pro Tips

• Double Up: Make a big batch in an 8-quart CrockPot for easy leftovers or to freeze for meal prep.
• Storage: Store in glass containers for optimal freshness and easy reheating.
• Bean Bonus: Add black or pinto beans for extra fiber and plant-based protein, if using canned, drain, rinse and add them after the chicken had been cooked and shredded.

Tortilla Soup: A Brief History and Fun Facts

Did you know that tortilla soup, or sopa de tortilla, has its roots in central Mexico? Traditionally, this dish was made with strips of fried corn tortillas simmered in a tomato-based broth, giving it its iconic name. The tortillas added both texture and a bit of thickness to the soup. Over time, the recipe evolved to include chicken, extra vegetables, and a variety of toppings, transforming it into a more substantial and nutritious meal.

Fun fact: tortilla soup was originally a way to make use of stale tortillas—frying them up and adding them to the soup meant nothing went to waste. It’s a perfect example of how traditional cuisines creatively repurpose everyday ingredients!

The Veggie-Packed Garnishes: The Heart of This Recipe

While chicken and bone broth bring the protein and nutritional boost, the garnishes are where you can really amp up the veggies. Think of them as the fresh, crunchy, and nutrient-dense additions that make each bowl even more satisfying:

• Shredded Cabbage or Lettuce: Low in calories and high in crunch, cabbage provides fiber and adds a satisfying texture.
• Sliced Radishes: These peppery slices add a refreshing bite and vibrant color to the bowl.
• Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro deliver antioxidants, and cilantro is known to help detoxify the body.
• Avocado: Full of heart-healthy fats, avocado gives the soup a creamy texture and added richness.
• Crispy Plantain Chips: Swap out tortilla strips for savory plantain chips—perfect for adding a crunch that’s both satisfying and healthy, can easily make your own or buy at the store, ideally search for brands that use coconut oil.

These garnishes not only enhance the flavor but also make the soup feel more substantial by adding a variety of textures and nutrients. Whether you load up on fresh greens, add extra lime, or include some beans for a fiber boost, the options are endless!