Chicken Tortilla Soup: 5 Comforting Reasons to Savor It

Name: Chicken Tortilla Soup: 5 Comforting Reasons to Savor It
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Tortilla strips for garnish; Fresh cilantro for garnish

By:

Christina R. Jones

July 20, 2025

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Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: chicken tortilla soup! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly nights when you just want to snuggle up and enjoy something delicious. I remember the first time I tried it at a little Mexican restaurant down the street. The moment I took a bite, I knew I had to recreate that cozy experience at home. There’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken, zesty spices, and those crunchy tortilla strips that just hits the spot!

chicken tortilla soup - detail 1

This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, and I love how quick and easy it is to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients and about 35 minutes, you can have a hearty, flavorful soup that warms you from the inside out. Plus, it’s so versatile! You can easily adjust the spices to suit your taste or throw in a few extra veggies if you’re feeling adventurous. Trust me, once you make this chicken tortilla soup, it’ll become your go-to recipe for any occasion!

Ingredients List

To make my delicious chicken tortilla soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (I like using rotisserie chicken for convenience!)
4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought, whichever you prefer)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (don’t drain this one, the juice is flavor-packed!)
1 onion, chopped (I usually go for yellow or white onions)
2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic makes a world of difference!)
1 tablespoon chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
1 teaspoon cumin (it adds such a lovely warmth)
Salt and pepper to taste (always taste as you go!)
Tortilla strips for garnish (store-bought or homemade, both work great)
Fresh cilantro for garnish (this is my favorite finishing touch!)

Gather these ingredients, and let’s get ready to create a comforting bowl of chicken tortilla soup that you and your family will adore!

How to Prepare Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the magic of making this chicken tortilla soup! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll have a delicious pot of soup ready in no time. Here’s how I do it:

Sauté the onion and garlic: Start by heating a little olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, and trust me, it’s heavenly!
Add the broth and veggies: Next, pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth and add the can of diced tomatoes (don’t drain those juices!). Stir in the rinsed black beans and drained corn. The colorful mix is just beautiful!
Season it up: Sprinkle in the chili powder and cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine all those flavors. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low.
Simmer for flavor: Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where the magic happens! The flavors meld together, and your kitchen will smell amazing. Feel free to taste and adjust the spices as it cooks!
Incorporate the chicken: After the 20 minutes are up, it’s time to add the star of the show—your shredded chicken! Stir it in and let it cook for another 5 minutes until heated through. If you’re using leftover chicken, this part makes it even quicker!
Serve it up: Once everything is hot and comforting, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with crunchy tortilla strips and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. You can even add a squeeze of lime if you want that zesty kick!

And there you have it! A delicious, warm bowl of chicken tortilla soup that’s perfect for sharing (or not!). It’s so easy, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Enjoy every spoonful!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you why this chicken tortilla soup is a must-try! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

Quick and easy preparation: Whip it up in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
Hearty and filling: This soup is like a warm hug, packed with ingredients that will satisfy your hunger.
Packed with protein: With shredded chicken and black beans, it’s a great source of protein to keep you energized.
Gluten-free: Enjoy it without worry, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
Versatile for modifications: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust spices to make it uniquely yours!

Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make this soup a regular in your kitchen!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutrition in this delicious chicken tortilla soup! Here’s a rough estimate of what you can expect per serving (about 1 cup):

Calories: 300
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 10g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 25g

Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But no matter the numbers, you can feel good about enjoying this wholesome soup!

Tips for Success

Ready to make your chicken tortilla soup even better? Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure it turns out perfect every time:

Adjust the spices: Don’t be afraid to tweak the chili powder and cumin to suit your taste! If you like a little kick, toss in some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
Add extra veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or even a handful of spinach can add more flavor and nutrition. Just chop them up and toss them in with the broth!
Reheat with care: If you have leftovers, gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. This helps maintain its flavors without overcooking the chicken.
Top it off: Experiment with toppings! Besides tortilla strips and cilantro, think about adding avocado slices, sour cream, or even a sprinkle of cheese for an extra creamy touch.

With these tips, you’ll master the art of chicken tortilla soup in no time!

Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up with your chicken tortilla soup, you’re in luck! There are so many delicious variations you can try. For starters, why not swap out the shredded chicken for some ground turkey or beef? It adds a different flavor profile that’s equally satisfying!

If you’re feeling adventurous, add in some diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a touch of sweetness and extra nutrition. Just toss them in with the broth and let them cook until tender.

For those who crave a little heat, kick up the spice level by adding diced jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce. You could even experiment with different beans, like pinto or kidney beans, to change up the texture.

And if you’re trying to sneak in more veggies, consider adding corn, bell peppers, or even some kale! The options are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this soup your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Storing your chicken tortilla soup is super easy. Let it cool down to room temperature first, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it for longer, consider freezing it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly. If it seems a little thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl; just cover it loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. Enjoy your cozy soup once more!

FAQ Section

Here are some common questions I get about chicken tortilla soup, along with my answers!

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked? Absolutely! Just dice fresh chicken fillets and sauté them with the onion and garlic. Cook until they’re no longer pink, then continue with the recipe as usual.
What can I substitute for black beans? If you’re not a fan of black beans, feel free to swap them for pinto beans or kidney beans. They’ll add a different texture but still work wonderfully in the soup!
How can I make this soup spicier? If you like some heat, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce when you add the spices. You can also increase the chili powder for an extra kick!
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Definitely! Just throw all the ingredients (minus the chicken) into your slow cooker and let them cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the shredded chicken during the last 30 minutes for a quick heat-through.
What’s a great way to serve chicken tortilla soup? I love serving it with tortilla strips on top, but you can also offer sides like avocado slices, lime wedges, or even a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.

These tips should help you customize your chicken tortilla soup experience and make it even more delightful!