Name: Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp light olive oil; 1 large yellow onion, chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1-2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced; 32 oz chicken broth; 28 oz can crushed tomatoes; 1 lb chicken breasts (2 medium) or leftover rotisserie chicken; 15 oz can corn, drained and rinsed; 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped (plus more to garnish); 1 1/2 Tbsp lime juice (from 1 lime, or to taste); 1/4 cup olive oil; 8 corn tortillas (6″ tortillas); 1 large avocado, diced; 1 lime, cut into wedges (to serve)

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, comforting meal that also feels fresh and vibrant, then this Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is going to be your new favorite. I absolutely love how it combines tender chicken, a flavorful broth, and those irresistible crispy tortilla strips. Plus, it’s all made in one pot—making weeknight dinners a breeze without sacrificing that “from-scratch” appeal. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be a staple in your rotation.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup thanks to cooking everything in a single pot, perfect for busy nights.
Burst of Flavors: The blend of spices, fresh lime, and cilantro keeps the soup vibrant and mouthwatering.
Customizable Heat: You control the spice level with jalapenos—mild or bold, it’s up to you.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this soup, and I bet yours will too!

A white pot filled with bright red soup as the base layer, containing small pieces of shredded chicken, black beans, and corn kernels mixed in. On top of the soup, there is a layer of golden yellow crispy tortilla strips arranged mostly in the center. Thin slices of green jalapeño peppers with visible seeds float on one side among the tortilla strips. Two wedge slices of pale green lime sit on the surface near the tortilla strips. Fresh green chopped cilantro is scattered over the soup and toppings, adding a textured color contrast. The pot is set on a white marbled surface with some fresh cilantro leaves beside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup, flavorful chicken tortilla soup, one-pot tortilla soup, quick chicken soup recipes, healthy Mexican inspired soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you gather your ingredients, know that this combination creates a soup that’s rich and hearty but still bright. Using canned corn and beans saves time but rinsing them helps keep the flavors clean and fresh. Also, fresh lime juice is a game changer here!

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of light olive oil, a large yellow onion halved showing its fresh layers, four whole garlic cloves with clean skins, two green jalapeno peppers whole and uncut, a small white bowl of golden chicken broth, a small white bowl filled with bright red crushed tomatoes, two medium raw chicken breasts with smooth skin, a small white bowl of fresh yellow corn kernels, a small white bowl of shiny black beans, a small white bowl of ground chili powder, a small white bowl of ground cumin, a small white bowl of coarse salt crystals, a small pile of bright green chopped cilantro leaves, a whole lime cut in half showing juicy interior alongside a small white bowl with fresh lime juice, a neat stack of fresh yellow corn tortillas, a ripe avocado halved displaying green flesh and pit, and a whole lime cut into wedges arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup, flavorful chicken tortilla soup, one-pot tortilla soup, quick chicken soup recipes, healthy Mexican inspired soup

Light olive oil: For sautéing the veggies and adding a subtle fruity note.
Yellow onion: Gives that sweet, savory base when cooked down.
Garlic cloves: Fresh, minced garlic brings essential warmth and depth.
Jalapeno peppers: Adds gentle heat; remove seeds if you prefer milder soup.
Chicken broth: The heart of the soup—rich, flavorful, and comforting.
Crushed tomatoes: Provides acidity and body, balancing the spices perfectly.
Chicken breasts or leftover rotisserie chicken: Tender protein that soaks up the soup’s flavors.
Corn: Sweetness and textural contrast in every spoonful.
Black beans: Adds earthiness and a boost of fiber.
Chili powder: The key spice that ties the whole dish together.
Ground cumin: Adds smoky warmth that’s essential in tortilla soup.
Salt: To season and enhance every ingredient’s taste.
Cilantro: Fresh herbaceous notes; adds brightness and garnish.
Lime juice: The acidic punch that wakes up all flavors.
Olive oil: Used again to make crispy tortilla strips that crown the soup.
Corn tortillas: Cut into strips and crisped for the perfect topping.
Avocado: Creamy topping that cools down the spice and adds luxury to every bite.
Lime wedges: For an extra squeeze of fresh tartness when serving.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to play around with this Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the season. It’s super forgiving, so don’t be afraid to tweak it!

Spicy Upgrade: Once, I added chipotle peppers in adobo instead of jalapenos for a smoky kick—delicious and warming.
Vegetarian Swap: Use veggie broth and omit chicken, add extra beans and veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for a garden-fresh version.
Heavy Cream Twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or Mexican crema at the end for a richer, velvety soup that my kids absolutely love.
Fresh Tomato Swap: When tomatoes are in season, swapping canned for fresh crushed tomatoes created an even brighter flavor that blew my mind.

How to Make Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the light olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook until softened and translucent—about 5 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapenos, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This step releases all those beautiful flavors that build the base of your soup, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add Liquids and Spices

Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, then sprinkle in your chili powder, ground cumin, and salt. Give everything a good stir to combine. Bring this to a gentle simmer—this is where the flavors start melding beautifully together. I like to let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes to deepen the taste.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken breasts (or shredded leftover rotisserie chicken) to the pot. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through—about 15 minutes for fresh breasts. Once done, remove the breasts and shred them with two forks, then stir back into the soup. This trick keeps your chicken juicy and well coated with that delicious broth.

Step 4: Final Touches and Tortilla Strips

Stir in the drained corn, rinsed black beans, chopped cilantro, and fresh lime juice for that pop of brightness. Meanwhile, slice your corn tortillas into thin strips and sauté them in olive oil in a small pan until crispy and golden—this is my favorite part! These crispy strips add fantastic texture and are key to making this soup extra special.

Ladle the soup into bowls, top with the crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, extra cilantro, and lime wedges for squeezing. You’ll find these finishing touches make the whole experience so much more vibrant and satisfying.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Control the Heat: I always start with one jalapeno and add more after tasting; it’s way easier than fixing a too-spicy soup.
Perfectly Shredded Chicken: Don’t skip shredding the chicken by hand—it keeps texture and absorbs the broth better than chopping.
Tortilla Strips Timing: Make your tortilla strips just before serving so they stay crisp; soggy strips are no fun!
Balance Acidity: Add lime juice gradually and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the soup.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

The dish is a black bowl filled with a rich, reddish-orange soup base that has a thick texture with visible shredded chicken and black beans mixed throughout. On top, there are bright yellow crispy tortilla strips layered randomly, diced green avocado pieces, thin slices of light green jalapeño peppers, and fresh green cilantro leaves scattered evenly. A light green lime wedge sits on one edge of the bowl. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with some cilantro sprigs nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup, flavorful chicken tortilla soup, one-pot tortilla soup, quick chicken soup recipes, healthy Mexican inspired soup

Garnishes

I always top mine with creamy diced avocado and extra fresh cilantro because they add coolness and freshness that balance the soup’s warmth. A squeeze of lime at the table brings everything to life. If you want an extra kick, a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese work wonders too.

Side Dishes

We often keep it simple with a crisp green salad or warm corn tortillas on the side. For heartier meals, some Mexican street corn or black bean dip complements the flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun idea I tried recently was serving the soup in mini bread bowls, which made it feel extra special for a small dinner party. Another time, I layered up all the garnishes in a “topping bar” so everyone could customize their bowl—this is a big hit with kids especially!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Because the chicken is shredded and the flavors marry overnight, I often find it tastes even better the next day. Just keep tortilla strips separate until ready to eat to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup without the avocado and tortilla strips, then thawed and reheated it for busy nights. Just refrigerate overnight before reheating gently on the stove. The texture holds up well, but fresh toppings are a must after freezing.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming the soup gently over medium-low heat to avoid breaking down the chicken further. Add fresh lime juice after reheating to revive the brightness. Top with fresh avocado and crisp tortilla strips to bring back that fresh-from-the-kitchen feeling.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! To adapt for a slow cooker, sauté the onions, garlic, and jalapenos first, then add all ingredients except the tortillas and avocado. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken before serving and add fresh toppings separately to keep that perfect texture.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy, which I love. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may cook a bit faster. They add a richer flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices.
How do I keep the tortilla strips crispy?

The secret is to cook them just before serving in a hot pan with olive oil. Avoid soggy, pre-made strips by frying them fresh and storing separately until you’re ready to eat.
Is there a vegan or vegetarian option for this soup?

Definitely! Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth, skip the chicken, and add extra beans or your favorite veggies. You can also add diced sweet potatoes or zucchini for heartiness, and it’s just as satisfying.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Just reheat gently and add fresh garnishes before serving to keep everything tasting bright and fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is one of those meals I turn to when I want something hearty, quick, and crowd-pleasing. From the moment it hits the table, it’s a comforting hug in a bowl that’s filled with bold flavors and fresh accents. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a dinner party, it’s easy to make and even easier to love. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’ll see why it quickly became a favorite in my kitchen!