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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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.
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.
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.Servings 6
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
