The Best Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

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This Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is easy, delicious comfort food made in one pot! Garnish this delicious soup with all your favorite toppings for the perfect Tex-Mex-inspired meal!

Soup season (as I like to call it) is approaching quickly. I don’t tend to eat a lot of soup in the summer, but I sure love indulging in making a big batch on crisp fall and brisk wintery days.

Soup recipes are my favorite, and the quick, easy ones are the ones I love the most!

This Chicken Tortilla Soup is generally made with chicken, but you can give beef, turkey, or fish a try too.

Every family needs a few staple soup recipes. For us, it’s my

With a healthy sprinkling of Three Bean Slow Cooker Chili. 😍

It is so easy to make a filling meal for your family with a warm bowl of soup and a couple of sides. Serve it with our Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon and Pretzel Bread Rolls.

This Chicken Tortilla Soup will likely make its way to your family’s table on those cold, chilly days or even possibly year-round.

If you want more filling soup recipes, try my Instant Pot Potato and Leek Soup or Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup.

What is Tortilla Soup?

Traditional tortilla soup is made with chicken broth combined with garlic, onion, roasted tomatoes, chiles, and tortillas that are cut into strips and fried.

Over time, people have added additional items such as beans, corn, and various spices (like cumin).

Similar to chili, everyone seems to have their own version that differs slightly from other people.

Ingredients Needed For The Best Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Olive Oil
Onion – minced
Jalapeno – seeded and minced
Garlic Cloves – minced
Chicken Broth – I recommend using organic and low sodium
Diced Tomatoes – with juice
Rotel – with diced chiles
Black Beans – rinsed and drained
Chicken – cooked and shredded
Corn – rinsed and drained
Cumin
Chipotle Chili Powder
Salt and Pepper – to taste, optional
Optional Garnishes – cilantro, avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream and/or tortilla strips

How To Make Chicken Tortilla Soup

Here is the super simple process for making this scrumptious soup.

Step 1

Begin by adding the olive oil to a large soup pot or dutch oven and heat over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the minced onion to the olive oil. Stir until the onion is lightly browned.

Step 3

Next, add the jalapeno and garlic cloves. Cook for 2 minutes.

Step 4

Now, add the chicken broth, Rotel, and tomatoes.

Step 5

Turn the heat to medium-high and allow the broth to come to a simmer.

Step 6

Next, add in the corn, black beans, chicken, cumin, and chipotle chili pepper. Allow simmering for approximately 10 minutes.

Step 7

Turn heat down to medium. Cook the soup until corn and beans are cooked to your preference.

Step 8

Add salt and pepper to your preference.

Step 9

Serve and garnish as desired.

Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Notes And Tips

Depending on the salt content of your canned items and seasonings, you will want to taste the soup before adding the salt and pepper.

A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great option if your time is limited.

Cut and prepare the avocado just before serving to keep it from turning brown.

You can easily make your own chicken broth versus using pre-packaged. Bone broth is another option as it is more concentrated and flavorful.

If you prefer a vegetarian version, just eliminate the chicken and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.

Variations Of Chicken Tortilla Soup To Try

Do you spicy? Add extra jalapenos to the soup. Or, if you prefer something with a little more zip, use serrano, habanero, or ghost peppers.

Whip up a batch of your own tortilla strips. 😉

Add in a dash of smoked paprika for a rich, smoky flavor.

Use fire-roasted tomatoes for an added depth in flavor.

Slice a lime and squeeze a little juice on the top just before serving. YUM!

Tortilla Soup FAQs

If you have questions about making this delicious Chicken Tortilla Soup, please check to see if I’ve answered them below. If you don’t see yours below, please leave them in the comments so I can provide answers!

How long will the Chicken Tortilla Soup leftovers keep in the refrigerator?

It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 – 4 days. Store them in an airtight container without the added garnishes/toppings.

Can I freeze this Chicken Tortilla Soup?

This soup will freeze nicely for up to 2 – 3 months if kept in an air-tight, freezer-safe container. Freeze without the added toppings. Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.

When you are ready to remove it from the freezer, allow the soup to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

What is the best way to reheat this soup?

You can reheat the soup in the microwave for about 2 minutes in a microwave-safe container.

Or you can reheat it in a saucepan on medium heat.

Is tortilla soup Mexican or American?

The exact origin isn’t known, but this soup is though to have originated in Mexico.

More Delicious Comfort Food Recipes To Try

If you love this homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup, you’ll love these other delicious family favorites too!