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A bowl of keto chicken tortilla soup garnished with avocado slices, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.

Keto Chicken Tortilla Soup: A Flavorful Low-Carb Comfort Food

This keto-friendly chicken tortilla soup is a delicious and hearty meal perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

Ingredients for Keto Chicken Tortilla Soup

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
  • 1 jalapeño seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
  • 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes (no sugar added)
  • 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
  • 1 avocado diced (for topping)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 lime cut into wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Step-by-Step Directions

  • Cook the Chicken
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  • Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  • Sauté the Vegetables
  • In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using) for 4-5 minutes, or until softened.
  • Add the Spices and Broth
  • Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and enhance their flavor.
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
  • Simmer the Soup
  • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Shred the Chicken
  • While the soup simmers, shred the cooked chicken using two forks.
  • Combine and Serve
  • Add the shredded chicken back to the pot and stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a bright, tangy finish.