By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Diary of a Real Housewife.

Nothing says “home” like the smell of a simmering pot and the crunch of fresh tortilla chips hitting the table. Jennie Duncan proves that a single skillet can deliver both comfort and excitement in her chicken tortilla soup, a recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into a festive, flavor‑packed meal.

Gathering the Essentials

Duncan starts with a straightforward shopping list: two diced chicken breasts, a cup of red onion, a tablespoon of minced garlic, a can of corn, salsa, chicken broth, taco seasoning, and flour tortillas. “What you’re going to need for this recipe is two chicken breasts diced into bite‑sized pieces, 1 cup of diced red onion, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 can of corn, 1 cup of salsa, 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 packet of taco seasoning, 2‑3 tablespoons of oil, 4 tortillas and a teaspoon of salt,” she recites, emphasizing that the pantry staples are all you need.

She notes a personal preference for flour tortillas, though she acknowledges that corn tortillas work just as well: “Now me and my family prefer a flour tortilla, but a corn tortilla would work perfectly for this recipe also.” This small tip invites viewers to adapt the dish to their own taste or dietary needs.

Creating the Crunch: Homemade Tortilla Strips

The first step is to turn tortillas into crisp chips. Duncan slices the tortillas with a pizza cutter for even strips, then brushes both sides with oil and sprinkles them with salt. She bakes the strips at 375°F for 13‑15 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure uniform browning. “About halfway through I took mine out and turned them just to make sure nothing burned and they all got evenly cooked,” she explains, offering a practical reminder that a quick flip can make the difference between soggy and perfectly crisp.

These homemade chips become a flavorful garnish that adds texture and a salty bite, elevating the soup beyond a simple broth.

Building the Soup Base

While the tortilla strips bake, Duncan moves on to the broth. She heats the remaining oil in a large pot, cooks the chicken until nearly done, then adds red onion and garlic, sautéing for three to four minutes. The aromatic base is then enriched with corn, salsa, taco seasoning, and chicken broth. After bringing the mixture to a boil, she reduces the heat, covers the pot, and lets it simmer for six to seven minutes. “When your soup is ready and warm throughout, you can top it with sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and of course your baked tortilla strips,” she says, highlighting the final layers of flavor.

The use of taco seasoning infuses the broth with a smoky, slightly spicy profile, while the salsa adds a fresh tomato‑pepper note, creating a depth that feels both familiar and exciting.

Serving and Personal Touches

Duncan suggests topping each bowl with sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro – classic accompaniments that balance the heat and add creaminess. The finished dish is presented as a communal bowl, perfect for family meals or casual gatherings. She concludes with a warm invitation: “I hope you enjoy this recipe just as much as I do,” reinforcing the personal connection she aims to build with her audience.

For a complete written version of the recipe and hundreds of similar dishes, viewers are directed to thediaryofarealhousewife.com, where the full list of ingredients and step‑by‑step instructions are available.

Why This Soup Resonates

Beyond its tasty appeal, Duncan’s chicken tortilla soup reflects a broader trend toward comfort foods that are quick, affordable, and adaptable. The recipe leverages pantry staples, making it accessible to a wide audience, while the homemade tortilla chips add a touch of culinary pride that encourages home cooks to experiment with simple techniques.

In an era where many turn to takeout for convenience, Duncan’s approach showcases how a few minutes of preparation can yield a restaurant‑quality experience right at the kitchen table. The dish also offers nutritional value: lean chicken provides protein, corn adds fiber, and the fresh toppings contribute calcium and vitamins.

Overall, the recipe stands as a testament to the power of home cooking to bring people together, turning everyday ingredients into a memorable meal.

The full episode of Diary of a Real Housewife is available on OBBM Network TV.

Get the full recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup • The Diary of a Real Housewife