Last Updated on August 30, 2025 by recipeinspire
Table of Contents
Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup: 7 Steps for a Perfect Comfort Dish
Have you ever craved a dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort with every spoonful? Research shows that over 70% of people turn to comfort food when they seek solace from stress or fatigue. If you’re amongst those seeking a remedy, look no further than our delicious and simple Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup. This cozy classic is not only incredibly satisfying but also remarkably easy to prepare. Let’s dig into the savory world of homemade soup that is bound to become your next favorite dish!
Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to create your own batch of Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for an extra kick)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (12 oz) corn (drained)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla strips or chips (for topping)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (to serve)
Substitutions: For a vegetarian option, swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu. For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper!
Timing
Craving comfort food but short on time? This Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare, boasting a total cooking time of just 20 minutes. That’s a remarkable 20% less time than the average soup recipe, making it a quick go-to for weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Veggies
Stir in the diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Mix well, allowing the mixture to simmer for about 3 minutes. The colors should pop, making it visually inviting!
Step 3: Pour in the Broth
Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a gentle boil. This step helps meld the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Chicken and Seasoning
Toss in the shredded chicken along with the taco seasoning. Stir well and let it simmer for another 10 minutes. This will infuse the soup with bold flavors.
Step 5: Season to Taste
After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Every palate is different!
Step 6: Serve with Style
Ladle the soup into bowls and generously top with crispy tortilla strips or chips. Don’t hold back on those toppings!
Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a zesty touch. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup !
Nutritional Information
A bowl of this delightful soup offers not just comfort but also essential nutrients. Here’s a rough estimate per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 8g
This hearty soup packs a protein punch for muscle repair and plenty of fiber to keep your digestion in check!
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Looking for healthier adjustments? Try using low-sodium chicken broth, swapping regular sour cream for Greek yogurt, or using whole grain tortilla strips. You can also incorporate more vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrients without compromising flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup pairs beautifully with sides such as:
- Homemade guacamole or salsa for a fresh twist.
- Cornbread or jalapeño muffins for a satisfying complement.
- A simple green salad can balance the richness of the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: Shredded chicken should be warmed through, not overcooked—this will keep it tender.
- Skimping on Seasoning: Always taste as you go; seasoning makes all the difference!
- Lack of Garnishing: Don’t skip the finishing touches; garnishes elevate the dish both visually and flavor-wise.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Leftover Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To maintain texture, consider keeping the tortilla strips separate until it’s time to serve.
Print
Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a quick and comforting Mexican-inspired soup loaded with shredded chicken, beans, corn, and tomatoes. Topped with crispy tortilla strips, cheese, and fresh cilantro, this soup is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, diced (optional)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for creaminess)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, sour cream, extra cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and jalapeño until softened.
- Add chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika; cook 1 minute.
- Stir in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, beans, and corn. Bring to a boil.
- Add shredded chicken and reduce heat; simmer 15–20 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Optional: stir in shredded cheese for a creamy finish.
- Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot with tortilla strips and toppings.
Notes
This soup can be made in advance and tastes even better the next day. Adjust spice level by adding extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: easy chicken tortilla soup, quick chicken soup, mexican-inspired soup, weeknight dinner, family meal
Conclusion
Ultimately, making your own Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup at home is straightforward and fulfilling. Its inviting flavors and heartiness make it the perfect choice for any occasion. Whether it’s a cold evening or a casual gathering, this dish is sure to impress. We invite you to try this recipe, share it with friends, and let us know how it turned out!
FAQs
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! The flavors deepen over time, making it an excellent make-ahead dish.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can substitute water or vegetable broth, although chicken broth does add a rich depth of flavor.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free tortilla chips or strips!
With this handy guide, you’re ready to craft your very own comforting bowl of soup. Dive into the world of flavors and enjoy every moment spent cooking!