Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (2024)

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Chicken Tortilla Soup is comforting, delicious, and so easy to make at home! Full of freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken, black beans, sweet corn, and healthy veggies and served with all of your favorite toppings, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner and one of my very favorite soups to make!

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (1)

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup, also known as Sopa de Tortilla, is a traditional Mexican soup with several versions and interpretations. Originating in Mexico City, there is one constant among all tortilla soup recipes- the presence of fried tortillas.

I first tried chicken tortilla soup two decades ago while eating at the restaurant, El Torito. An instant favorite, I always ordered a big bowl whenever I had the chance.

Filled with vegetables, chicken, and all your favorite toppings, chicken tortilla soup is easy to make entirely from scratch or with time-saving shortcuts.

What’s In Chicken Tortilla Soup?

For the full list of ingredients scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • Vegetables: onion, poblano pepper, jalapeño pepper, bell peppers, canned tomatoes
  • Chicken breasts or Chicken thighs
  • Seasoning + aromatics: garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, coriander, Italian seasoning, cilantro
  • Low-sodium chicken broth or chicken stock
  • Red enchilada sauce
  • Canned black beans
  • Whole corn kernels
  • Green onion
  • Limes
Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (2)

How to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup

1. Sauté the vegetables:
Grab a large Dutch oven or stockpot and sauté the onions over medium-high heat. Once the onions have started to soften, add the poblano pepper, jalapeño pepper, red and green bell peppers, and garlic.

2. Add the seasoning and broth:
Stir in the salt, cumin, chili powder, coriander, Italian seasoning, canned tomatoes, and chicken broth.

Tip

If you don’t have all of the spices available, feel free to substitute with approximately 1 tablespoon of your favorite taco seasoning, plus more to taste.

3. Add the chicken:
Bring to a boil and add the chicken. Reduce to a simmer and cover. Allow chicken to cook for approximately 25 minutes.

4. Shred the chicken:
Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set it aside until it is cool enough to handle. Meanwhile, add the enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, cilantro, green onion, and lime juice to the soup. Mix well to combine. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

5. Simmer and serve:
Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Serve with all your favorite toppings!

Chicken Tortilla Soup Toppings

One of the best parts about chicken tortilla soup is the toppings! And, you guys, this soup WANTS you to have fun with the toppings!

  • Fresh greens- chopped cilantro and green onion
  • Avocado- you want this, trust me
  • Fried tortilla strips- homemade or store-bought
  • Heat- chopped jalapeño or serrano peppers
  • Dairy- cheese, Greek yogurt, or sour cream
  • Fresh lime wedges
Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (3)

FAQ

Is this chicken tortilla soup spicy?

The heat level of chicken tortilla soup is entirely up to you; in general, however, this soup is relatively mild. If you are sensitive to spicy food, you may want to consider omitting the jalapeño. Also, make sure that the red enchilada sauce you choose isnotspicy.

How to thicken chicken tortilla soup?

1. Tomato paste. Tomato paste is an amazing natural thickener for things like soups and sauces. Add a couple of tablespoons just before you add the spices, mixing well to thoroughly combine with the vegetables and prevent it from burning.
2. Corn tortillas. All you have to do is
chop up a couple of small corn tortillas and toss them in with the simmering soup. You’ll notice that after a period of time, the tortillas will dissolve right in with the soup! The corn tortillas also add really excellent flavor to the broth so it’s a total win-win.

Can you freeze chicken tortilla soup?

Yes! Chicken tortilla soup is one of the best soups to freeze (just leave the toppings out of it). For best results, thaw, reheat and enjoy within 4 months of freezing.

What to serve with chicken tortilla soup?

Chicken tortilla soup is a meal within itself, but if you’re looking for things to serve on the side try serving it with a cheesy quesadilla, chips and salsa, Mexican rice, guacamole, or a green salad.

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (4)

How to Store Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup tastes awesome leftover. In fact, I’m just going to go ahead and say that it may even taste better 1-2 days after it is initially made. For that reason, I strongly recommend making a BIG pot of this delicious healthy goodness to enjoy all week.

If you’re not really into eating the same thing two days in a row, you can easily freeze the leftovers for a quick family meal or in pre-portioned containers for lunch.

How to freeze Chicken Tortilla Soup:

  • Allow the soup to cool completely before dividing or transferring. I recommend refrigerating overnight, if possible.
  • Freeze in either large gallon or quart-sized freezer bags or in freezer-friendly containers.
  • Do NOT freeze with the toppings.
  • Place the soup-filled bags on a baking sheet or on a flat surface in the freezer to freeze, always making sure to leave a small amount of room in each bag for expansion during freezing.
  • Freeze completely and stack each on top of each other or side-by-side for easy storage.

To thaw:transfer frozen bags of soup to the refrigerator to thaw overnight.

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (5)

More Soup Recipes and Cooking Resources

  • Albondigas Soup Recipe (Mexican Meatball Soup)
  • Chicken Stock
  • Healthy Buffalo Chicken Soup
  • Easy Chicken Avocado Soup Recipe
  • Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
  • Poached Chicken Breasts (How to Poach Chicken)

Have you tried making this Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe?

Tell me about it in the comments below! I always love to hear your thoughts. And tag me#theforkedspoononInstagramif you’ve made any of my recipes, I always love to see what you’re cooking in the kitchen.

RECIPE CARD

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (6)

Chicken Tortilla Soup

4.85 from 20 votes

AuthorAuthor: Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (7)Jessica Randhawa

Filled with juicy shredded chicken, black beans, sweet corn, and healthy veggies, this Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is utterly irresistible and my all-time favorite soup recipe!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Soup

Cuisine American, Mexican

Servings 6 servings

Calories 345 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 medium onions - chopped
  • 1 poblano pepper - seeded and diced
  • 1 jalapeño - seeded and diced (optional)
  • 1 red bell pepper - seeded and chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper - seeded and chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic - minced
  • 2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans fire roasted tomatoes
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth - (or water)
  • 3 chicken breasts
  • 10 oz red enchilada sauce - (approximately)
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans - drained
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans whole corn kernels - drained
  • ½ cup cilantro - chopped
  • ½ cup green onion - chopped
  • 1 lime - juiced

Optional Garnishes

  • Tortilla strips
  • Lime wedges
  • Sour cream
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced avocado

Instructions

  • Add olive oil to a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook for 4-6 minutes, stirring often. Add the poblano pepper, jalapeño, red, and green bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

  • Add the salt, cumin, ancho chili powder, ground coriander, Italian seasoning, canned tomatoes, and chicken broth (or water), to the pot. Cover soup and bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer over medium-low heat. Add the chicken breasts and return the lid to the pot.

  • Allow the chicken to cook for 25-30 minutes. Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot and transfer to a clean cutting board. Let rest until cool enough to handle then shred with a fork.

  • Return the shredded chicken back to the pot. Add the enchilada sauce, black beans, corn kernels, cilantro, green onion, and lime juice. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.

  • Garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped green onion, lime juice, avocado, sour cream, and tortilla strips, if desired.

Jessica’s Notes

  • If you are super sensitive to spicy foods, I recommend skipping the jalapeño and adding half the recommended chili powder. Also, make sure that whichever red enchilada sauce you choose isnotspicy.
  • If you do not have all the spices listed to make this soup, your favorite taco seasoning would make an excellent substitute. Add approximately 1 tablespoon in place of the cumin, chili powder, salt, and coriander. Season with more taco seasoning or salt to taste.
  • Feel free to add pre-cooked shredded chicken breasts or even shredded rotisserie chicken!
  • Nutritional information does not include the optional garnishes.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 345kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 1686mg | Potassium: 717mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1405IU | Vitamin C: 71mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 2.2mg

(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)

Keyword Chicken Tortilla Soup, Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Did You Make This Recipe? Tag it Today!Mention @theforkedspoon or tag #theforkedspoon and please leave your star rating in the comment section below.

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What does chicken tortilla soup contain? ›

Chicken tortilla soup is a Mexican-inspired soup that has a tomato and chicken broth base. It is spiced with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and has a little kick from the jalapeño. It also has hearty ingredients like beans, corn, and of course the shredded chicken.

What is the secret to soup? ›

7 Tips for Successful Soup Making
  • Use a Sturdy Pot. It is worth investing in a heavy pot with a thick bottom to use for making soup. ...
  • Sauté the Aromatics. ...
  • Start with Good Broth. ...
  • Cut Vegetables to the Right Size. ...
  • Stagger the Addition of Vegetables. ...
  • Keep Liquid at a Simmer. ...
  • Season Just Before Serving.
Oct 9, 2022

How to make can chicken soup better? ›

Here are some ideas to liven up your canned soups and make them taste more like homemade: Sauté some onions and/or garlic: Low and slow is the way to go. Then deglaze the pan (a splash of wine will unstick all those caramelized yummy bits on the bottom of the pan). Stir these yummies into the soup.

How to make chicken soup without drying out the chicken? ›

Cold-poaching the chicken breasts, then removing them until the end of the cooking process, guarantees a perfectly tender and juicy texture. Using stock reinforces the flavor of the broth, creating a more deeply flavorful soup.

Can you cook raw chicken in soup? ›

We first make the stock and later add the raw chicken meat to cook near the end of the soup-making process. You could also cook the breast and thigh chicken pieces whole, in the broth, and remove them after 15 minutes of cooking or so, cool them and shred them to be added at service.

What is the most important ingredient in soup? ›

For clear, brothy soups, stock is your most important ingredient. If you want to make a good soup, you need to use an excellently flavored stock — otherwise, the entire pot could be tasteless.

What can I add to my chicken soup to give it flavor? ›

If you're going for a classic chicken noodle vibe, an onion or two (skin-on for extra rich color), a few coarsely chopped carrots, a couple celery stalks (also coarsely chopped), and a bisected head of garlic will do the trick, especially if you include a tablespoon of peppercorns and few sprigs of dill.

What not to do when making soup? ›

The 7 Biggest Mistakes You Make Cooking Soup
  1. Boiling instead of simmering. You want a small bubble or two to rise to the surface of the liquid every few seconds. ...
  2. Not using enough salt. ...
  3. Ignoring water. ...
  4. Overcooking the vegetables. ...
  5. Adding tomatoes at the beginning. ...
  6. Neglecting to garnish. ...
  7. Not trying a pressure cooker.
Nov 19, 2014

What thickens chicken soup? ›

Add Flour Or Cornstarch

You can thicken soup by adding flour, cornstarch, or another starchy substitute.

Does chicken soup get better the longer you cook it? ›

While broth and stock both get richer and richer the longer you cook them, the problem is that the chicken meat will dry out and get tough if you let it go too long.

How do you make soup taste richer? ›

"If your broth is lacking in savory richness, try adding roasted onion, tomato paste, mushrooms, seaweed, soy sauce, or miso. These ingredients add umami flavor and depth to broth," she says. The choice of ingredient depends on the recipe, though.

Do you simmer chicken soup covered or uncovered? ›

Place the chicken in a 6- to 7-quart soup pot and add the water (it should cover chicken). Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Uncover, reduce to a bare simmer and skim foam as it rises to the surface.

What can I use if I don't have chicken stock for soup? ›

Vegetable broth is a simple one-to-one substitute that can stand in just about anywhere. This broth is made by steeping vegetables or vegetable scraps—and sometimes spices—instead of chicken in water.

How long do you leave chicken soup on the stove? ›

The chicken is ready as soon as the meat registers 165°F and easily falls off the bone, after about 1 1/2 hours, but you can continue simmering for up to 3 hours for richer flavor — just keep an eye out that the chicken doesn't start to disintegrate or turn the soup cloudy.

Does chicken tortilla soup contain gluten? ›

Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

It's loaded with veggies and protein, plus it's naturally gluten free and dairy free!

What is sopa de tortilla made of? ›

Traditional / "Sopa Azteca"

Traditional tortilla soup is made of fried corn tortilla pieces, submerged into a broth of tomato, garlic, onion, and epazote. It is served with pieces of pasilla chiles, chicharrón, avocado, queso panela, lime, and Mexican crema.

What is chicken soup made from? ›

Chicken soup is a soup made from chicken, simmered in water, usually with various other ingredients. The classic chicken soup consists of a clear chicken broth, often with pieces of chicken or vegetables; common additions are pasta, noodles, dumplings, or carrots, and grains such as rice and barley.

Does chicken tortilla soup have a lot of protein? ›

Chicken tortilla soup is a protein-rich dish, thanks to the inclusion of chicken as the main ingredient. A serving typically provides around 15-20 grams of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

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