Spiced Chicken Tortilla Soup with Fresh Lime and Cilantro

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A warming, mildly spicy chicken soup enriched with tomatoes, black beans, and corn, finished with fresh lime and cilantro for Cinco de Mayo celebrations. This Mexican-inspired Cinco de Mayo recipe (gluten free), ready in about 55 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, chicken broth, canned diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 cup diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 tsp ground cumin and 1 tbsp chili powder, cooking for 1 minute until spices bloom.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, 6 cups chicken broth, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 cup drained black beans, and 1 cup fresh corn kernels to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken breasts and shred them with two forks, then return shredded chicken to the soup. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.
  6. Step 6: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish each with 1/4 cup crispy corn tortilla strips for added texture.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Chicken Tortilla Soup with Fresh Lime and Cilantro take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spiced Chicken Tortilla Soup with Fresh Lime and Cilantro?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken broth from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Chicken Tortilla Soup with Fresh Lime and Cilantro?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spiced Chicken Tortilla Soup with Fresh Lime and Cilantro for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Spiced Chicken Tortilla Soup with Fresh Lime and Cilantro gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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