Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (2024)

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posted by Amy Johnsonon September 28, 2022 32 comments »

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A spicy bowl of this savoryEasy Chicken Tortilla Soup is the perfect ending to a long day. Make a large batch to serve with cornbread and a large salad for watching the big game or just a fun gathering with friends.

As soon as the weather begins to change we begin craving cozy comfort foods like this Chicken Tortilla Soup. Just a hint of coolness in the air or the subtle change in the leaves and I am ready to make a big batch of soup or chili. There’s nothing like a big pot of soup to fill your home with an appetite inducing aroma. And also fill your belly with savory goodness!

What I like about this Chicken Tortilla Soup is that it is hearty and satisfying without being overly heavy and filled with lots of extra calories. This Chicken Tortilla Soup is actually a pretty light and nutritious soup. It’s a superb example of an easy meal that can be light without missing out on flavor, because this is one flavor packed soup!

If we’re entertaining and serving soup like this tasty one, we like to set up a toppings bar with shredded cheese, sour cream or greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, jalapeno, avocado, and corn chips for a tasty meal perfect for feeding a crowd. Since this Chicken Tortilla Soup is great for making ahead of time, this recipe makes for a nice option for entertaining to be able to get some prep done early. It’s also a great option for packing up to take along for potluck events or tailgating.

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

  • cooking oil
  • dried oregano
  • ground cumin
  • ground coriander
  • chili powder
  • ground red pepper
  • chopped onion
  • garlic cloves
  • chicken stock
  • crushed tomatoes
  • corn tortillas
  • roasted or rotisserie chicken
  • chopped fresh cilantro
  • salt
  • pepper
  • optional garnishes and toppings: lime wedges, avocado, sour cream, greek yogurt, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, fresh cilantro

How to Make Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

  1. Heat cooking oil over medium heat an a large heavy pot.
  2. Once oil is heated, add oregano, cumin, coriander, chili powder, red pepper. Stir to toast until fragrant for about 30 seconds.
  3. Next add in the chopped onion. Cook onion, stirring for about 3 minutes. Then grate garlic cloves directly into pot. Continue to cook onion and garlic, stirring, for another 2 minutes.
  4. Add in chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, and salt. Bring to a simmer.
    Cut two corn tortillas in half, then cut them into thin strips. Stir tortilla strips into the stock. Continue to cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 25 minutes.
  5. Stir in the roasted chicken and chopped fresh cilantro, then reduce heat to medium-low.
  6. Finish by cutting more corn tortillas in half, then cut them into thin strips (just like before). Heat a skillet over medium heat. Toss tortilla strips in a warm skillet to toast for about 3-5 minutes. Watch to avoid burning. When ready to serve, stir toasted strips into soup.
  7. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm with optional garnishes or toppings.

This Chicken Tortilla Soup is best made with roasted chicken. But, if short on time, grab a rotisserie chicken from the local grocer on the way home to shorten the prep time. You may also roast the chicken the night before, debone it, then cover and refrigerate until ready to prepare the soup. You’ll find this delicious soup is fairly easy to put together. Of course it can be made and left to stew stovetop until everyone is ready to chow down. Grab a spoon and enjoy!

More flavorful soup recipes you will enjoy:

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (4)

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Yield: 4-6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

This easy savory and spicy hearty soup is made with chicken and corn tortillas and perfect any time of the year.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder (any chili powder may be substituted)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 large garlic cloves
  • 48 ounces canned chicken stock
  • 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 6 (6-inch) corn tortillas, divided
  • 1 1/2 pounds roasted or rotisserie chicken, cut into chunks or shredded
  • 1/4 cup lightly-packed cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnish/toppings: Serve with lime wedges, sliced/diced avocado, sour cream, greek yogurt, shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, additional chopped fresh cilantro.

Instructions

  1. In a large heavy pot, heat the oil over medium heat.
  2. Add herbs and spices (oregano, cumin, coriander, chili powder, red pepper) stir to toast, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  3. Add onion, cook, stirring for about 3 minutes. Grate garlic directly into pot, continue to cook, stirring, for another 2 minutes.
  4. Add stock, crushed tomatoes, and salt. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Halve 2 of the corn tortillas, then cut into strips, add to stock. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for at least 25 minutes.
  6. Stir in the chicken and cilantro; reduce heat to medium-low.
  7. Halve remaining corn tortillas, then cut into strips. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Toss tortilla strips in warm pan to toast, about 3-5 minutes. Be watchful to avoid burning. Just before serving, stir toasted strips into soup.
  8. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve with optional garnish or toppings.

Originally published October 12, 2014.

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published on September 28, 2022

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Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (8)

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32 comments on “Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe”

  1. amanda @ fake gingerReply

    Chicken tortilla soup is probably my favorite soup ever. I can’t wait to try your recipe!

  2. Jessica @ A Kitchen AddictionReply

    My kind of comfort food! Perfect fall meal!

    • Mary Whitworth

      Do I use crunchy (dry) tortillas or soft corn tortillas?

    • Amy Johnson

      Soft corn tortillas.

    • Mary Whitworth

      Thank you. Just by luck I bought a bag of small 6” corn tortillas so I guess I can us about 1/2 a bag? Cut them up per instructions?

    • Amy Johnson

      I would use 6 (6-inch) corn tortillas.

  3. AggieReply

    One of my favorite soups ever Amy!! Looks delicious.

  4. AmandaReply

    LOVE!

  5. Susie MandelReply

    Yumm! Can’t wait to try this!

  6. SelReply

    interesting soup….typicaly i make mine with roasted tomatillos and green chili, then using fresh tomatoes with herbs and onions, garlic. I use well trimmed chick thighs, and the white meat as well. Always fresh and served with my own tortilla strips of which a toast in olive oil. Love soup…

    By the way, do you have a recipe for creamy white minnestrone soup?

    • Susie Mandel

      Amy, when should I add the cilantro? I put it in prior to the chicken, but where I see it in the list of ingredients, maybe I should have put it in with the chicken? Thanks!

    • Susie Mandel

      This was SO tasty and filling! All three of us absolutely loved it. 🙂

  7. AmberReply

    This is hands down the best chicken soup I’ve had! I’ve made this on many occasions over the past year, my husband and kids love it. I’ve saved it to my Pinterest recipe board.

    • Amy Johnson

      So happy to hear that, Amber!

  8. Jane LinchReply

    Wow, very interesting, also with lime!

  9. A@4UReply

    Simple. Delicious. On a chilly January evening in the South, this soup was the perfect late dinner treat. I had most of the ingredients in the refrigerator/freezer and pantry. I “poached” frozen chicken cutlets in the stock before adding the tomatoes. I think I probably upped the ancho chili powder a smidge because I don’t measure. Plus I added the last of a portion of frozen corn and a can of rinsed & drained black beans. I didn’t have fresh cilantro but used a squeeze of cilantro paste that’s available in the produce section of most groceries. Served with freshly shredded Wisconsin Extra Sharp Cheddar, a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of thinly sliced scallions. Simple. Delicious.

Leave a comment »

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What does chicken tortilla soup contain? ›

Chicken tortilla soup is a Mexican-inspired soup that has a tomato and chicken broth base. It is spiced with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and has a little kick from the jalapeño. It also has hearty ingredients like beans, corn, and of course the shredded chicken.

What is in Chick-fil-A tortilla soup? ›

The Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty, seasonal Chick-fil-A® favorite that features shredded chicken breast and beans in a creamy base with a blend of vegetables and spices, served with Seasoned Tortilla Strips.

What can I use to thicken my tortilla soup? ›

Add Flour Or Cornstarch

You can thicken soup by adding flour, cornstarch, or another starchy substitute. For the best results, never add flour or cornstarch directly to your soup. If you do, it will clump up on top. Instead, ladle a small amount of broth into a separate bowl and let it cool.

What to eat on the side of chicken tortilla soup? ›

Check our Mexican rice, Spanish rice, cilantro rice, yellow rice, salsa verde pinto beans, slow cooker black beans, refried beans, street corn salad (esquites from elote) and street corn skillet. Also, avocado salad and black bean and corn salad. We have fried plantains, too!

How do you thicken homemade soup? ›

6 ways to thicken soup:
  1. Blend all or part of it. If you've made a broth with chunks of vegetable in it, such as minestrone soup, then pour the soup through a sieve. ...
  2. Add cream or yogurt. ...
  3. Add flour or cornflour. ...
  4. Use a butter and flour paste. ...
  5. Blend in bread. ...
  6. Add lentils or rice.

What is Chick-fil-A secret ingredient? ›

“The truth is that all of these sandwich ingredients (and yes, there are a lot) likely play into why it's been so popular for years, but there's one ingredient in particular” that “makes Chick-fil-A's classic chicken sandwiches so delicious.” “And that ingredient is monosodium glutamate, more commonly known as MSG.

What type of beans are in Chick-fil-A tortilla soup? ›

Shredded chicken breast with navy and black beans in a white creamy soup base with a perfect blend of vegetables and spicy heat. Topped off with seasoned corn tortilla strips.

What is the healthiest soup at Chick-fil-A? ›

If you're trying to choose the healthiest soup at Chick-fil-A, the Chicken Noodle is by far the way to go. A side of Chicken Noodle Soup has 120 calories. Make it your entrée with a bowl and you'll jump to 230 calories. A bowl of Chicken Tortilla has nearly three times as many calories.

How do you tone down chicken tortilla soup? ›

Add Some Starches

The easiest way to tone down a spicy dish is to serve a smaller portion with plenty of rice, bread, potatoes, pasta, or plain starch to counter the heat. For soups and stews, raw and starchy vegetables like potatoes or carrots work well.

How do you make soup creamier and thicker? ›

Add Flour, Cornstarch, or Other Thickener: Starches thicken soup and give it body. Whisk a few tablespoons of starch into a little of the broth in a separate bowl before whisking it into the main pot. This prevents the starch from clumping and helps it dissolve into the soup evenly.

Is it better to thicken soup with flour or cornstarch? ›

The most classic and surefire way to thicken a broth-based soup is with a cornstarch slurry. Whisk together equal parts cornstarch (or arrowroot) and water or broth, then whisk it into the pot of soup. A good ratio to get to a pleasant thickness without your soup tasting goopy or heavy is one tablespoon.

What do Mexicans eat with tortillas? ›

Tortilla-based dishes
  • Alambre – Mexican food.
  • Arizona cheese crisp – Cheese dish.
  • Burrito – Tex-Mex dish consisting of a wheat flour tortilla wrapped to enclose the filling.
  • Chalupa – Mexican specialty dish.
  • Chilaquiles – Traditional Mexican dish.
  • Chimichanga – Mexican and Southwestern American dish.

What do Mexicans do with tortillas? ›

This flat, round, bread is ever-present and that's because it's one of Mexico's most valued foods and it's also at the core of many traditional dishes, including tacos, nachos, enchiladas, chilaquiles, and many more.

Is tortilla soup good when you're sick? ›

Chicken tortilla soup is low in calories but high in flavor. The amino acid cysteine, contained in the chicken in this powerful soup, loosens secretions, thinning out mucus and promoting coughing, which is needed to clear your nose and throat.

Does chicken tortilla soup contain gluten? ›

Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

It's loaded with veggies and protein, plus it's naturally gluten free and dairy free!

What is sopa de tortilla made of? ›

Traditional / "Sopa Azteca"

Traditional tortilla soup is made of fried corn tortilla pieces, submerged into a broth of tomato, garlic, onion, and epazote. It is served with pieces of pasilla chiles, chicharrón, avocado, queso panela, lime, and Mexican crema.

What is chicken soup made from? ›

Chicken soup is a soup made from chicken, simmered in water, usually with various other ingredients. The classic chicken soup consists of a clear chicken broth, often with pieces of chicken or vegetables; common additions are pasta, noodles, dumplings, or carrots, and grains such as rice and barley.

Does chicken tortilla soup have a lot of protein? ›

Chicken tortilla soup is a protein-rich dish, thanks to the inclusion of chicken as the main ingredient. A serving typically provides around 15-20 grams of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

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