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A steaming bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup topped with crispy tortilla strips, avocado slices, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and a lime wedge, served in a rustic ceramic bowl on a wooden table.

Panera Chicken Tortilla Soup

Craving the bold flavors of Panera’s Chicken Tortilla Soup? This homemade version is packed with tender shredded chicken, black beans, corn, fire-roasted tomatoes, and smoky spices, all simmered in a rich, zesty broth. Topped with crispy tortilla strips and fresh garnishes, this comforting soup is perfect for any occasion. Plus, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free and customized to suit different dietary needs!

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups cooked shredded chicken)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Tortilla Strips (Optional):

  • 4 small corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Toppings (Optional but Recommended):

  • Diced avocado
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Jalapeño slices

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

  1. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Place the chicken breasts in the pot and season with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth, fire-roasted tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken & Add Ingredients

  1. Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
  2. Stir in the black beans, corn, and lime juice, then let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes to blend the flavors.
  3. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Stir in the fresh cilantro before serving.

Step 3: Make Crispy Tortilla Strips (Optional)

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Toss the tortilla strips with olive oil and salt, then spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top with crispy tortilla strips and your favorite garnishes, such as avocado, cheese, sour cream, and fresh lime juice.

Notes

✔️ Make It Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free chicken broth and ensure the tortilla strips are made from 100% corn.
✔️ Want a Creamy Version? Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking for a rich, creamy texture.
✔️ Slow Cooker Method: Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then shred the chicken and add the final ingredients.
✔️ Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños.
✔️ Make It Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for extra beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

  • Author: Delishing recipes
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (~1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Chicken Tortilla Soup, Panera Copycat Recipe, Mexican Soup, Spicy Chicken Soup, Gluten-Free Soup, Easy Chicken Soup Recipe, Comfort Food, Healthy Dinner