Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 90 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting bowl of warmth packed with robust flavors, then this Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine a rich blend of crushed tomatoes, tender shredded chicken, hearty black beans, and sweet corn, all simmered just right to create a vibrant and wholesome meal. It’s a fiesta of textures and colors, topped with crispy tortilla strips and creamy avocado, that makes every spoonful feel like a celebration. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this soup brings soul-soothing goodness that’s both straightforward and spectacular.

A clean white surface with a vibrant flat lay arrangement of ingredients for chicken tortilla soup: a small glass bowl of rich red crushed tomatoes, a can of rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies showing bright red and green flecks, a mound of golden yellow corn kernels drained and glistening, a small pile of shiny black beans, a small bowl of creamy white heavy cream, shredded cooked chicken pieces in warm beige tones, a halved avocado showcasing vivid green flesh and dark outer skin, bright yellow shredded Tex-Mex cheese in a neat heap, rustic golden tortilla strips arranged in a casual fan, a small wooden bowl with coarse salt and a dish with black peppercorns, a halved yellow onion roughly chopped displaying layers and pale yellow hues, a small jar of deep red smoked paprika powder, a dish with light brown chili powder, a scattering of garlic powder on a small spoon, and a drizzle of warm golden olive oil in a shallow glass dish; natural daylight highlights the colors and textures, with subtle shadows for depth, styled with casual elegance and slight rustic charm, overhead shot, top down view, flat lay photography, professional food styling --ar 1:1 --q 2 --s 750 --v 6.1 this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe shines because of its uncomplicated yet essential ingredients. Each one adds its own magic, from the smoky spices that wake up your taste buds to the fresh texture from crunchy tortilla strips. Here’s everything you’ll want to gather before you dive into making this delicious dish.

  • 1 tbsp olive oil: The base for sautéing onions, adding smoothness and a subtle fruitiness.
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped: Brings natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the broth.
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: Creates the hearty, tangy foundation for the soup’s rich red color.
  • 1 can (10 oz) roTEL diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained: Adds a gentle heat and a pop of zest to balance the richness.
  • 1 cup chicken broth: Essential for thinning the soup and infusing it with warm, savory notes.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor with subtle garlicky warmth.
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika: Brings a smoky complexity that elevates every spoonful.
  • 1/2 tbsp chili powder: Adds a mild kick without overwhelming the palate.
  • 1 can (12 oz) corn, drained: Sweet kernels that add bursts of juiciness and vibrant texture.
  • 1 can (14 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained: Provides heartiness and protein to make the soup truly satisfying.
  • 1 cup heavy cream or whipping cream: Creates a luscious creaminess that softens the spicy notes with a velvety touch.
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped: The star protein that adds substance and a wonderful meaty flavor.
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that perfectly balance the entire dish.
  • Tortilla strips: Crispy, crunchy toppings that bring a delightful contrast to the smooth soup.
  • Avocado: Creamy, buttery slices that cool down the spices and enrich every bite.
  • Sour cream: Provides a tangy creaminess and a luscious finish.
  • Tex-mex style shredded cheese: Melts beautifully and adds another layer of indulgence.

How to Make Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onion

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook it until it turns soft and translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. This step releases sweet and savory aromas that lay the foundation for your soup’s flavor.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the roTEL diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained. Stir well to combine all those vibrant reds. Next, add the chicken broth, which will mellow the acidity of the tomatoes and create the perfect soup base.

Step 3: Season with Spices

Sprinkle in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This simmering melds all the spices into the broth, giving the soup its character and warmth.

Step 4: Incorporate Beans and Corn

Add the rinsed black beans and drained corn to the pot. These ingredients not only boost the texture but also nourish the soup, making it more filling and colorful.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Chicken

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to create a luscious, creamy consistency that balances the bold flavors. Add the cooked shredded chicken, stirring gently to combine it evenly throughout the soup. Let it heat through for a few minutes until everything is piping hot.

Step 6: Season and Adjust

Finish by seasoning the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste. Give it a final stir and remove from heat. Your Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is now ready to be ladled into bowls and enjoyed!

How to Serve Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Elevate your soup with an assortment of garnishes for extra flavor, texture, and a vibrant look. Top with crispy tortilla strips for crunch, creamy avocado slices for richness, a dollop of sour cream to introduce delightfully tangy creaminess, and a sprinkle of Tex-mex style shredded cheese that melts just enough for indulgence.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with warm, fresh cornbread or soft flour tortillas to sop up every drop. For a light addition, a simple garden salad with zesty lime dressing complements the soup’s hearty nature beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini mason jars or individual bread bowls for eye-catching presentation at your next dinner. You can also set up a toppings bar where everyone can customize their bowls with their favorite garnishes. It’s a great way to make this comforting classic feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting, so leftovers can be even tastier the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes well if you want to prep meals ahead of time. Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags. Remember to leave space for expansion. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer without losing its deliciousness.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the consistency. Avoid high heat to keep the cream from curdling and maintain a smooth texture.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the chicken and substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also add extra beans or vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for more substance.

What kind of chicken works best?

Cooked shredded rotisserie chicken is perfect for convenience, but grilled, baked, or boiled chicken also works wonderfully. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces.

Can I use light cream or milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use light cream or whole milk for a lighter soup, but keep in mind the texture will be less rich and creamy. To prevent curdling, add the cream or milk last and heat gently.

How spicy is this soup?

It has a mild to medium heat level thanks to the chili powder and roTEL tomatoes with green chilies. You can easily adjust the spiciness by using mild diced tomatoes or adding extra chili powder if you love more heat.

What other toppings can I add?

Besides the classic garnishes, try adding fresh chopped cilantro, lime wedges, sliced jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, this Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is a total game-changer when it comes to quick, comforting meals that don’t skimp on flavor or heartiness. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, whether for family dinners or friendly get-togethers. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to fall in love with a soup that’s as simple as it is spectacular!

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Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 90 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful and comforting Tex-Mex inspired dish that combines a rich tomato base with tender chicken, black beans, corn, and smoky spices. Finished with creamy heavy cream and topped with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, and shredded cheese, this soup is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Soup Base

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tbsp chili powder

Vegetables and Beans

  • 1 can (12 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 can (14 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

Dairy and Protein

  • 1 cup heavy cream or whipping cream
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings

  • Tortilla strips
  • Avocado, sliced
  • Sour cream
  • Tex-Mex style shredded cheese

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the juice), and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  3. Season the Soup: Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the spices into the tomato base.
  4. Add Beans and Corn: Incorporate the drained corn and rinsed black beans into the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Add Chicken and Cream: Stir in the cooked chicken and heavy cream. Heat through until the soup is warm and creamy, approximately 3-5 minutes.
  6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, and spices as desired.
  7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with tortilla strips, sliced avocado, sour cream, and shredded Tex-Mex style cheese.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
  • To add more heat, include chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
  • Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

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