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Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

This chicken tortilla soup recipe is made in ONE pot in 30 minutes. Always a crowd pleaser and tastes great loaded with cheese, avocado and tortilla chips. 

Love soup recipes? Try my chicken vegetable soup, taco soup and chicken enchilada soup.

chicken tortilla soup in bowl
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30-Minute Mexican Tortilla Soup

There’s something about cooler weather approaching that makes me want to eat soup daily! I’ve tried out a few new soups over the last few weeks and buffalo chicken soup recipe, chicken taco soup and this authentic chicken tortilla soup were keepers.

The soup is filled with healthy ingredients like chicken, corn, beans, spices and salsa. It’s hearty, delicious and has the perfect kick.

It’s easy to make when you’re looking for something quick to make on the stove. I always have the ingredients on hand in my pantry which makes it so simple to throw together. Serve with your favorite toppings and a piece Mexican cornbread for the perfect meal.

chicken tortilla soup in skillet

Cooking Tips

  • Rotisserie chicken. For an easier alternative, you can use cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts. Simply add it to the pan while sautéing the onions and garlic.
  • Customize. This recipe is very easy to make your own. Throw in some chopped bell peppers or add an extra can of pinto beans to bulk it up even more. You can’t mess it up!
  • Thickening the soup. Feel free to add in some cream cheese or shredded cheese during the last few minutes of cooking. The additional cheese helps to make a thick and creamy consistency, similar to my chicken enchilada soup.
  • Make spicy. This soup has a small kick, but ramp it up even more with another 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Or add in some chopped jalapenos when sautéing the onions and garlic.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

This recipe also makes an easy dump and go meal. Just add all of the ingredients in the slow cooker (no need to add olive oil since we aren’t frying the chicken) and then cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours. Then shred the chicken and add back into the crockpot and mix.

bowl of chicken tortilla soup with sliced avocado and crushed tortilla chips

Chicken Tortilla Soup Toppings

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, avocado and crunchy tortilla strips are the perfect finishers to this delicious bowl of soup. Add a few spoonful’s of sour cream to make it a bit creamier, or some sliced jalapenos for extra heat. The beauty of adding toppings is that you can make the soup just how YOU like it!

Tip: I love to save the crushed tortillas chips at the bottom of the bag, so don’t throw them out! Place them in a zip top bag or small container and you’ll love the extra flavor and crunch it adds.

Freezing + Reheating

Once the soup has cooled, store in a freezer bag or airtight plastic container (make sure to leave about an inch of space from the top so the soup has room to expand). Then store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the fridge overnight or in the microwave if preferred. Then pour into a pot and let the soup simmer over low heat until it’s warm throughout.

Spoonful of chicken tortilla soup

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bowl of chicken tortilla soup with sliced avocado and crushed tortilla chips

Chicken Tortilla Soup

5 from 23 votes
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Author: Jamielyn Nye
This chicken tortilla soup recipe is made in ONE pot in 30 minutes. Always a crowd pleaser and tastes great loaded with cheese, avocado and tortilla chips. 
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts , cut into bite sized pieces
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil , more as needed
  • 1 onion , chopped
  • 2 to 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 29 ounces chicken broth (2 cans)
  • 1 ½ cups frozen corn kernels
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (can add another 1/2-1 tsp if you like spicy)
  • 15 ounces black beans (1 can)
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons fresh lemon or lime juice
  • 1 ½ cups chunky salsa
  • salt and pepper

Toppings: Freshly chopped cilantro, tortilla strips or sliced tortillas, shredded cheese, sour cream, lime and avocado

    Instructions

    • In a large pot heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chicken in. Sprinkle salt and pepper over top. Sauté in the oil for 3 to 5 minutes, or until center is no longer pink.
    • Add the onions and cook for about 2 minutes. Then add the garlic and mix well, continuing to cook for 1 more minute. 
    • Next add the broth, corn, cumin, chili powder, beans, lemon or lime juice and salsa. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes.
    • Top the soup with fresh cilantro if desired. Break up some tortilla chips or tortilla strips and add to individual bowls. Ladle tortilla soup over tortillas. Add desired toppings.

    Notes

    Additions and substitutions: This recipe is easy to add in additions. Many times I’ll add in a chopped bell peppers with the onions. I also like to add an additional can of pinto or kidney beans (whatever I have on hand). If I don’t have salsa on hand, I’ll use a can of Rotel or diced tomatoes. 
    Slow cooker version: Combine all ingredients in slow cooker (no need to add oil) and cook on high heat for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours. Then shred the chicken and add back to pot. 
    Freezing: Pour in a freezer bag or container, leaving room at the top for the soup to expand. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 298kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 1088mg | Potassium: 796mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 445IU | Vitamin C: 14.6mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 3mg

    Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

    Course: Soup
    Cuisine: Mexican

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