Mexican Lime & Tortilla Noodle Soup – Bright, Zesty, and Comforting with a Kick

If you love bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and cozy comfort in one bowl, this Mexican Lime & Tortilla Noodle Soup is about to become your new favorite. Inspired by classic Sopa de Lima and Mexican tortilla soup, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of zesty lime, savory chicken, warm spices, and crunchy tortilla noodles in a rich, aromatic broth.

It’s comforting like chicken noodle soup—but with a bright, citrusy twist and a gentle Mexican spice profile that wakes up your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a cozy weekend meal, this soup is guaranteed to impress.

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⭐ Why You’ll Love Mexican Lime & Tortilla Noodle Soup

• Bright, zesty lime flavor
• Savory, spiced Mexican-inspired broth
• Crunchy tortilla noodles for perfect texture
• High-protein and filling
• Perfect for meal prep
• Naturally dairy-free
• Family-friendly with adjustable heat
• Comfort food with a bold twist

This soup is the perfect fusion of comfort and excitement in one irresistible bowl.

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🌮 What Makes This Soup Special?

Unlike traditional chicken noodle soup, this version features:

• Fresh lime juice for a bright, tangy finish
• Mexican spices like cumin, chili powder, and oregano
• Tomatoes and peppers for depth
• Crispy tortilla strips instead of traditional noodles
• Fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and jalapeños

The result is a broth that is deeply savory, slightly smoky, and refreshingly citrusy.

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Soup Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

For the Broth & Chicken

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup mild green chiles (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Tortilla Noodles

• 10 small corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
• Oil for frying or baking

For Finishing & Toppings

• Juice of 3 fresh limes
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sliced avocado
• Shredded Mexican cheese blend (optional)
• Sour cream or crema (optional)
• Extra tortilla strips

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Mexican Lime & Tortilla Noodle Soup (Step-by-Step)

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and jalapeño. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

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2. Add the Spices

Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.

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3. Add Chicken, Broth & Tomatoes

Add chicken to the pot. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, green chiles (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.

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4. Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the soup.

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5. Make the Tortilla Noodles

While the soup simmers, fry tortilla strips in hot oil until crispy, or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden.

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6. Add Lime & Finish

Turn off the heat and stir in fresh lime juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.

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7. Serve & Garnish

Ladle into bowls, top with tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, and optional cheese or sour cream.

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🍽 What to Serve with Mexican Lime Tortilla Soup

• Cheese quesadillas
• Mexican rice
• Cornbread
• Guacamole and chips
• Fresh pico de gallo

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🔄 Delicious Variations

1. Creamy Mexican Lime Soup

Add ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamy twist.

2. Spicy Tortilla Soup

Add extra jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or chipotle in adobo.

3. Shrimp Lime Tortilla Soup

Replace chicken with shrimp for a lighter seafood version.

4. Vegetarian Version

Use vegetable broth and add black beans, corn, and zucchini.

5. Low-Carb Version

Skip tortilla strips and serve with avocado and shredded cabbage.

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✅ Chef’s Tips for Perfect Flavor

• Always use fresh lime juice—bottled won’t give the same brightness
• Add lime at the end so it stays fresh and vibrant
• Don’t oversalt early—flavors concentrate as it simmers
• Crisp tortilla strips separately so they stay crunchy
• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness

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❄️ Storage, Freezing & Reheating

Refrigerator

Store in airtight containers for up to 4–5 days.

Freezer

Freeze the soup base (without tortilla strips) for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop. Add fresh lime and fresh tortilla strips after reheating.

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❤️ Why This Soup Is a Fan Favorite

Mexican Lime & Tortilla Noodle Soup is loved because it is:

• Bright and refreshing
• Savory and satisfying
• Spicy yet balanced
• Comforting but not heavy
• Perfect for all seasons
• Easy to customize
• Crowd-pleasing for family meals

It delivers restaurant-quality flavor in a simple homemade recipe.

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✅ Final Thoughts

Mexican Lime & Tortilla Noodle Soup combines the comfort of chicken soup with the bold, zesty flavors of Mexican cuisine. With tender chicken, warm spices, crispy tortilla noodles, and a bright burst of fresh lime, every spoonful is vibrant, cozy, and unforgettable.

If you’re looking for a soup that’s comforting yet exciting, healthy yet indulgent, and simple yet impressive—this is the one to make.

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