Zesty Chicken Tortilla Soup with Avocado

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

A vibrant, spice-kissed soup with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy avocado topping, served with crispy tortilla strips. This mexican-inspired whole30 ready in about 45 minutes pairs chicken breast, medium onion, bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 320 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-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs cubed chicken breast and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced onion, 1 diced bell pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 tsp cumin, and 1/2 tsp chili powder. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring to combine.
  4. Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Add 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped cilantro. Serve hot, topped with 2 diced avocados, lime wedges, and 1/2 cup tortilla strips.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zesty Chicken Tortilla Soup with Avocado take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Zesty Chicken Tortilla Soup with Avocado?

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 breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zesty Chicken Tortilla Soup with Avocado?

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 Zesty Chicken Tortilla Soup with Avocado 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.

What goes well with Zesty Chicken Tortilla Soup with Avocado?

Mexican whole30 like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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