Knock Your Socks off Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Seriously

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Knock Your Socks Off

By Kendra ThompsonOctober 3, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Time for Some Comfort Food, Mate!

Fancy a bowl of pure comfort? Honestly, who doesn't? This Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is your ticket to a flavour packed, utterly satisfying meal.

We're talking rich, savoury, and just a little bit spicy basically sunshine in a bowl.

What's the Story Behind Corn Tortilla Soup ?

This hearty soup hails from Mexico, where it's a staple. It's traditionally a humble dish, using up leftover ingredients. Think of it as the Mexican version of a good old British stew proper soul food.

It’s surprisingly simple to make, and this version is a breeze. Prep time is minimal, and in just 45 minutes you can have six generous servings of warmth.

Why You'll Absolutely Love This Soup

First, let’s talk about the health benefits . This soup is loaded with protein from the chicken and fibre from the beans and corn.

It’s actually a Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe option because you control the ingredients. Secondly, it's the perfect dish for a chilly evening or a casual get-together with friends.

What makes my recipe special? It’s the little things, like blooming the spices properly and a good squeeze of lime at the end.

It is really a Best Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe .

Let's Talk Ingredients

Now, let’s grab your basket and load up on what you will need to prepare this Chicken Corn Tortilla Soup .

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Ready to Rumble!

Right then, fancy making some proper Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe ? This ain't your nan's broth. It's Chicken Corn Tortilla Soup that'll knock your socks off, guaranteed! Honestly, getting your ingredients together is half the battle.

And trust me, the right gear makes all the difference.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

For this Best Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe , we're talking proper flavour. Here's what you'll need:

Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . This is for sautéing.
Yellow Onion: 1 medium , diced (about 1 cup/150g). Go for a decent sized one, you know?
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best, trust me.
Green Bell Pepper: 1 , diced (about 1 cup/150g). Adds a lovely bit of sweetness.
Jalapeño: 1 , seeded and minced (optional). Only if you like a bit of a kick.
Chili Powder: 1 tsp (5 ml) .
Cumin: ½ tsp (2.5 ml) .
Smoked Paprika: ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) . This adds a lovely smokey note.
Chicken Broth: 4 cups (950 ml) . Low sodium is the way to go.
Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz/411g) can , undrained. Adds some tang to the Tortilla Chicken Soup .
Black Beans: 1 (15 oz/425g) can , rinsed and drained.
Corn: 1 (15 oz/425g) can , drained (or frozen). Adds a little sweetness.
Cooked Chicken Breast: 1 lb (450g) , shredded. Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver for this Quick Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe !
Lime Juice: From 1 lime. Don't skimp on this, it's essential.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

Quality chicken broth is key. A good one can make or break the Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup . Trust me, cheap broth tastes…well, cheap!

Seasoning: Flavour Town, Population: You!

This Chicken Tortilla Soup With Beans gets its magic from a few simple spices. Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are the core.

Play around with them! Honestly, paprika is a game changer. If you don't have smoked, regular paprika will do. You could also add a pinch of cayenne if you're feeling brave.

I sometimes throw in a bay leaf to add more flavor, but shhh, it's a secret.

Equipment: What You'll Need, Mate

You don't need a fancy kitchen to make this Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe . Just the basics:

Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven. This is essential for making the One-Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Cutting Board and Chef's Knife. For chopping those veggies!
Measuring Cups and Spoons.
Large Skillet (optional). This is just for the tortilla strips if you want to make them yourself.

Don't have a Dutch oven? No worries! A regular large pot will do just fine. No fancy knives either? Just use what you've got! And if you are not making tortilla strips you can skip the skillet altogether, but, I strongly recommend you do! They take the Chicken Tortilla Soup with Toppings to another level!

Knock Your Socks Off Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (Seriously!)

Oh my gosh, you guys! If you're craving something warm and comforting, this Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is it.

Honestly, it's so good, it's like a hug in a bowl. And the best part? It's way easier to make than ordering takeout.

Prep Like a Pro: Get Your Mise en Place Ready

Before you even think about turning on the stove, let's get organised. Dice 1 medium Yellow Onion , mince 2 cloves Garlic , and dice 1 Green Bell Pepper .

Got a jalapeño? Seed and mince that bad boy. That’s about 1 cup / 150g of both onion and bell pepper.

Having everything prepped makes cooking so much smoother, you know?

step-by-step to Chicken Tortilla Soup with Toppings

Ready to cook? Here's the deal:

Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) Olive Oil in a big pot. Add your onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if you're feeling brave). Cook until softened, about 5 minutes .
Bloom Those Spices: Stir in 1 tsp (5 ml) Chili Powder , ½ tsp (2.5 ml) Cumin , and ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) Smoked Paprika . Cook for 1 minute . Smelling good, right?
Add the Good Stuff: Pour in 4 cups (950 ml) Chicken Broth and 1 (14.5 oz / 411g) can Diced Tomatoes (don't drain them!). Add 1 (15 oz / 425g) can Black Beans (rinsed), and 1 (15 oz / 425g) can Corn (drained).
Simmer Down: Bring to a simmer. Then, lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes . This is when the magic happens, honestly!
Chicken Time: Stir in 1 lb (450g) Cooked Chicken Breast (shredded) and the juice of 1 Lime . Heat through. Taste and add salt and pepper if you need to.
Crispy Time: For the Tortilla Chicken Soup , bake tortilla strips with 1 tbsp (15 ml) Olive Oil and a pinch of salt in the oven at 375° F ( 190° C) for 8- 10 minutes , or until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, pan-fry in a skillet until crispy. Keep a close eye - they burn easily.
Serve It Up: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro.

Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup Pro Tips

Want to take your Chicken Corn Tortilla Soup to the next level? Don't skip the lime juice; it adds a vital zing! Also, use good quality chicken broth; it makes a difference.

And simmer for at least 15 minutes for the flavors to really meld.

You can even make a big batch of this Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe and freeze it for later. Honestly, it's a total lifesaver on busy weeknights.

Plus, this One-Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a breeze to clean up. Talk about a win-win! This Best Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is worth it!

Recipe Notes for Your "Knock Your Socks Off" Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

So you are about to make this amazing Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe , eh? Here's a few extra bits I've picked up over the years making this family favourite.

These are the things I wish someone had told me the first time around!

Serving Suggestions: Make It Look Good, Mate!

Presentation matters. Honestly, just chucking soup in a bowl? Bit basic. Ladle your Chicken Tortilla Soup with Toppings into a nice bowl.

Swirl in a dollop of sour cream. Scatter those crispy tortilla strips like you mean it! A sprinkle of fresh cilantro? Chef's kiss! Serve alongside some lime wedges so everyone can add a squirt of zing.

My nan always said, "We eat with our eyes first," and you know what? She's right.

Want a proper side? A simple green salad with a tangy lime dressing complements this Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup perfectly.

For drinks, a chilled Corona always goes down a treat (if you're of age, obvs!), or some refreshing iced tea.

Storage Tips: Making That Soup Last

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Chicken Corn Tortilla Soup tastes even better the next day. Once the soup has cooled down completely , pop it in an airtight container.

It'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days .

Fancy freezing it? You absolutely can. Just be aware that the tortilla strips will go a bit soggy when defrosted, so it's best to add fresh ones when reheating.

Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until piping hot, making sure it reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .

Variations: Your Soup, Your Rules!

Fancy making this Tortilla Chicken Soup your own? Go for it!

If you're after a veggie version, just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Bung in some extra beans or roasted veggies for extra heartiness. I promise, it'll still be banging.

For a creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup , stir in a blob of sour cream or Greek yoghurt at the end.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

Okay, so I'm not a nutritionist, but let's talk about the basics. This Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is packed with protein, thanks to the chicken and beans.

It's also a great source of fibre. You also get a good dose of vitamins from the veg. Remember, this is an estimate, and depends on what you put in it.

Look, this Quick Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is proper tasty and good for you! So there you have it, a really Best Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe , Now go get cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It's like a good cup of tea, gets better as it steeps!

How do I store leftover tortilla soup? And can you freeze the Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe?

Leftover soup should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. However, the texture of the tortilla strips might suffer a bit, so it's best to add them fresh when you reheat the soup. No one likes a soggy bottom, eh?

Is there a vegetarian version of this Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe?

You bet! Simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add extra beans, like kidney or pinto, or throw in some diced sweet potatoes or zucchini for added heartiness. Think of it as swapping out the 'Full English' for a veggie breakfast just as satisfying!

My soup isn't spicy enough. How can I add more heat?

No worries, adding some extra kick is easy! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce, like Tabasco, to the soup while it simmers. For a fresher heat, add more minced jalapeño, remembering to taste as you go!

It’s all about finding that Goldilocks zone not too hot, not too mild, just right!

What are some good toppings for this Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe?

The toppings are where you can really get creative! Classic options include shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. But you could also try crumbled tortilla chips, sliced green onions, or even a sprinkle of cotija cheese.

It's your culinary canvas, go wild! Think of it like building your own Mr. Potato Head endless possibilities.