Looking for a soul-warming dinner that’s quick, hearty, and bursting with flavor? This Super Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup is the answer! Packed with tender chicken, zesty spices, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a touch of heat, every spoonful feels like a cozy hug.
Top it with crispy tortilla strips, melty cheese, fresh avocado, or a squeeze of lime for the ultimate bowl of comfort. The best part? It comes together in a snap—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
If you’re looking for a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to pull together, Chicken Tortilla Soup is a true winner. This dish is a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine, loved for its comforting broth, shredded chicken, vibrant spices, and crunchy tortilla strips on top.
What makes this version so appealing is its simplicity—you don’t need fancy techniques or all day in the kitchen. With a few pantry staples, some fresh garnishes, and about 30 minutes, you can serve up a big pot of delicious, soul-warming soup.
Think of this soup as the perfect balance between cozy and zesty. The broth is infused with tomatoes, onions, garlic, chili powder, and cumin, giving it that smoky, slightly spicy depth of flavor.
Tender chicken adds protein, while beans and corn provide heartiness. The magic, though, comes at the end when you top the steaming bowl with crisp tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, shredded cheese, and a squeeze of lime. It’s a customizable bowl that everyone at the table can make their own.
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Description
Super Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender shredded chicken, zesty tomatoes, sweet corn, and black beans simmered in a spiced broth.
Quick to prepare, this comforting soup is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Crispy tortilla strips add a satisfying crunch, while fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, lime, and cheese bring brightness and depth.
Bursting with Tex-Mex flavors, it’s both wholesome and customizable to your taste.
Whether served as a main meal or starter, it’s a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.
Ingredients
For serving:
Instructions
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Prepare the base:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and jalapeño, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
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Build the flavor:
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir well, letting the spices toast for about 30 seconds to release their flavor. -
Add tomatoes and broth:
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomatoes with green chilies, and chicken broth. Stir everything together, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pot. -
Stir in beans, corn, and chicken:
Add the black beans, corn, and shredded chicken. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes so the flavors can meld together. -
Finish with lime:
Just before serving, stir in the lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. -
Prepare tortilla strips:
While the soup simmers, cut corn tortillas into thin strips. For a healthier option, lightly brush with oil and bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until crisp. For a traditional version, fry them in a little vegetable oil until golden brown, then drain on paper towels. -
Serve and garnish:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top with crispy tortilla strips, a sprinkle of cheese, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Cholesterol 65mg22%
- Sodium 900mg38%
- Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
- Dietary Fiber 8g32%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 25g50%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Super Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup – Tips & Serving Tricks
Chicken Tortilla Soup is one of those comforting, flavor-packed dishes that brings warmth to the table with minimal effort.
With its zesty broth, tender chicken, hearty beans, and crispy tortilla strips, it’s the kind of recipe that feels restaurant-worthy yet can be whipped up at home in no time.
To make your version even more special, here are some essential tips and serving tricks to elevate this classic soup.
Tips for the Best Chicken Tortilla Soup
1. Choose the Right Chicken
For quick cooking, use rotisserie chicken or leftover shredded chicken. It saves time and still delivers tender, juicy bites. If you’re starting from scratch, boneless chicken breasts or thighs simmer quickly in the broth and can be shredded directly in the pot for maximum flavor.
2. Layer Flavors Early
The base of the soup is where the magic happens. Sautéing onions, garlic, and jalapeños in a bit of oil before adding tomatoes and broth helps build depth. For an even richer taste, fire-roasted tomatoes or a touch of smoked paprika can give the soup a slightly smoky undertone.
3. Balance the Spices
Cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne provide that signature kick. Adjust the heat level depending on your preference — keep it mild for kids or kick it up with extra jalapeños and chipotle peppers for spice lovers. Don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
4. Don’t Skip the Beans & Corn
Black beans and sweet corn not only add texture and body but also transform the soup into a more filling, one-bowl meal. Rinse canned beans before adding to remove excess sodium. If you love extra crunch, stir in roasted corn kernels for a smoky bite.
5. Crispy Tortilla Strips Matter
While you can use store-bought tortilla chips in a pinch, frying or baking your own tortilla strips makes a huge difference. Cut corn tortillas into thin strips, lightly brush with oil, and bake until golden. These crispy strips hold up beautifully in the soup without turning soggy too quickly.
6. Let It Rest Before Serving
Once your soup is ready, let it sit for about 5 minutes off the heat. This allows the flavors to meld and the broth to thicken slightly, giving you a richer, more cohesive taste.
Serving Tricks to Impress
1. Build a Garnish Bar
Half the fun of Chicken Tortilla Soup is personalizing each bowl. Set up a garnish bar with toppings like shredded cheese, avocado slices, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges, and jalapeños. This way, everyone at the table can customize their soup to their liking.
2. Double Up on Tortillas
Add tortilla strips not just as a topping but also stirred into the soup right before serving. This creates a nice contrast — some strips stay crisp while others soak up the broth and become soft and flavorful.
3. Serve in Bread Bowls or Mini Crocks
For a fun presentation, ladle the soup into hollowed-out bread bowls or small stoneware crocks. The bread soaks up the broth, making the meal even more comforting.
4. Pair with the Right Sides
While the soup is hearty enough on its own, serving it alongside warm cornbread, cheesy quesadillas, or a fresh green salad can make it a complete meal. For a lighter option, pair with grilled vegetable skewers.
5. Add a Drizzle for Flair
Right before serving, drizzle a little crema or Mexican sour cream in a swirl pattern on top of each bowl. Not only does it add creaminess, but it also makes the dish look restaurant-ready.
6. Make It Kid-Friendly
If you’re serving children, keep the spice mild and set out toppings like shredded cheddar and tortilla chips. Kids love dunking the chips directly into the soup, making it interactive and fun.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Using cooked chicken (like leftover rotisserie) cuts the cooking time dramatically.
- Budget-friendly: Most ingredients are pantry staples like canned tomatoes, beans, and corn.
- Customizable: Adjust spice levels, add veggies, or change up the toppings to suit your taste.
- Family-approved: Each person can build their own bowl with toppings they love.
- Healthy but hearty: Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and vibrant toppings, it’s satisfying without being heavy.
Tips & Variations
- Spice it up: Add extra jalapeños, cayenne, or hot sauce if you love more heat.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or add a spoonful of sour cream to the pot for a richer broth.
- Veggie boost: Bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots make great additions if you want more vegetables.
- Protein swaps: Try ground turkey, leftover steak, or even shrimp instead of chicken.
- Slow cooker method: Add all ingredients (except tortillas and toppings) to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours. Add lime juice before serving.
Final Thoughts
Super Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. In under an hour, you can create a pot of soup that’s brimming with bold flavor and warmth.
The best part? The endless toppings make it interactive, so it feels fresh and fun every time you serve it. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a game-day crowd-pleaser, or a cozy weekend meal, this soup delivers every time.
Super Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup is proof that a simple recipe can be transformed into something extraordinary with just a few thoughtful tips and serving tricks.
From crisping your own tortilla strips to setting up a colorful garnish bar, these little details make all the difference.
Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner, prepping a quick weeknight meal, or feeding a crowd, this soup is guaranteed to impress every time.
So grab your pot, your tortillas, and your appetite—this is one recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket all year long!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is one of the best shortcuts to make this recipe even faster. Simply shred the chicken and add it during the last few minutes of cooking so it warms through without drying out. This swap can cut your cooking time by nearly half, making the soup a true weeknight lifesaver.
How can I make this soup spicier or milder?
The beauty of chicken tortilla soup is its flexibility. To make it spicier, add extra jalapeños, chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder and use mild canned green chilies instead of hot ones.
You can also serve toppings like sliced jalapeños, hot salsa, or crushed red pepper on the side so each person can adjust the heat level to taste.
What toppings go best with chicken tortilla soup?
The toppings are what truly bring this soup to life. Classic options include crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sour cream.
For extra crunch, you can even add crushed tortilla chips if you don’t have time to fry strips. Each topping adds flavor and texture, turning a simple soup into a hearty, customizable meal.
Can I make this soup ahead of time or freeze it?
Yes! This soup is meal-prep friendly. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the soup cool completely and transfer it to freezer-safe containers.
It will keep well for up to 3 months. For best results, add toppings like avocado or tortilla strips only after reheating, so they stay fresh and crisp.
