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.
30-Minute Mexican Tortilla Soup
There’s something about cooler weather approaching that makes me want to eat soup EVERY single day! I’ve tried out a few new soup recipes over the last few weeks and a buffalo chicken soup recipe and this authentic chicken tortilla soup were both keepers. It’s hearty and delicious and has just the perfect kick.
The soup is filled with healthy ingredients like chicken, corn, beans, spices and salsa. It’s really easy to make when you’re looking for something quick to warm up on the stove. I tend to always have the ingredients on hand in my pantry which makes it so simple to throw together. Serve it with your favorite toppings and a warm piece of Mexican cornbread for the absolute perfect meal.
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.
Toppings Ideas
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!
- Tortilla strips or tortilla chips (store bought or homemade)
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Cilantro
- Avocado or guacamole
- Splash of lime juice
- Green onions
- Jalapenos
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.
For More Soup Recipes, Check Out:
- Taco Soup or Chicken Taco Soup – also made in one pot!
- Cheeseburger Soup – done in 30 minutes.
- Chicken and Rice Soup – perfect for when a cold is coming on.
- Cheesy Southwest Chicken Soup – a yummy twist.
- Green Enchilada Chicken Soup – made in the crockpot.
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Chicken Tortilla Soup
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
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: 30 Minute Meals, 30 Minute Meals, Chicken, Chicken, Cinco De Mayo, Crockpot, Crockpot, Crockpot, Dairy-Free, Dinner, Freezer-Friendly, Freezer-Friendly, Gluten-Free, Meal Prep, Mexican, Nut-Free, One Pot, One Pot, Soups, Stovetop, Stovetop
It was delicious! The only thing I added (besides the toppings) was a sprinkle or two of Adobo…so yummy! You are my Mexican food go to girl!
This was so fun to make! I love recipes with easy to adjust spice levels. Was so good! Whole family enjoyed.❤
So glad to hear it was a hit with your family, Britni!
Such a wonderful soup for cozy fall nights. I’m definitely saving this recipe and will give it a try. I bet my family would enjoy this very much.
One of my favorite soups to have when the weather starts getting colder.
This was a hit with all my kids, and that is saying something! Saving this recipe for sure!
I’m so happy to hear it was a hit! :)
Could I use ground chicken. P.S. I love all of your recipes by the way. They are by far my fav out of any I have came across!!!
Ah thank you! Yes, you could use ground chicken.
how should the one lb of chicken be cut up? it just says to saute so i just want to make sure I’m doing it right
Cut into bite sized pieces. Just added that to the recipe card :)