This Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is ready in just 20 minutes! It’s loaded with chicken, beans, corn, melty Cheddar, and crunchy tortilla strips for the perfect weeknight dinner.
Author’s Notes
Soup + Something to Dunk!
It’s no secret I love soups. I’ve shared dozens of recipes over the years, and once the cold weather sets in, it’s all I want to make. My kids don’t complain either. Every single one of them LOVES soup. They just need something to dunk in it. Sometimes it’s a quick no-knead bread I throw together, and other times it’s store-bought rolls if I’m short on time.
With this Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe, we switch it up. The kids get tortilla chips, and my husband and I top it with tortilla strips. It’s always a huge hit, and my whole family is obsessed with this recipe.
I love that it’s quick enough for those extra busy nights when I don’t have time for a more involved soup.
Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | Helpful Info & Tips |
|---|---|
| Onion & Garlic | Use fresh, pre-diced, or frozen onion to save time. Jarred minced garlic works great too. You can also skip the onion if preferred. |
| Beans | A mix of chili beans and black beans gives flavor and texture. Drain and rinse the black beans but keep the chili beans with their sauce. |
| Corn & Tomatoes | Fire-roasted tomatoes and corn make this soup rich and smoky without extra work. |
| Stock & Seasonings | Use a good chicken stock for richer flavor. Paprika, cumin, and chili powder build depth. |
| Dairy & Chicken | Soften cream cheese so it blends smoothly. Shred Cheddar from a block for best melt. Pre-shredded rotisserie chicken is the quickest option! |
Storage
This chicken tortilla soup recipe stores in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in a pot on low until warmed through.
Freeze for up to 3 months in airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw in the fridge and then reheat on the stove before serving.
Featured Comment
“Absolutely DELICIOUS!!! 😋 The whole family loved it!! Will definitely be making this recipe again!!”
– Audra
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Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3/4 cup diced yellow onion optional—see note 1
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic jarred
- 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce I use mild Old El Paso
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with green chiles added, undrained
- 1 (16-ounce) can chili beans in mild sauce
- 1 (15.25-ounce) can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1-1/2 cups frozen corn I like fire-roasted
- 3-1/4 cups chicken stock or broth
- 3/4 teaspoon paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- Salt and pepper
- 4 ounces cream cheese full-fat, softened
- 1 (8-ounce) package sharp Cheddar cheese freshly shredded, see note 2
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken like rotisserie, see note 3
- Toppings as desired see note 4
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Sauté onion for 3–5 minutes.
- Increase heat to high. Add garlic, enchilada sauce, undrained tomatoes, undrained chili beans, drained & rinsed black beans, corn, and chicken stock. As the soup comes to a boil, stir in paprika, cumin, chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Mix well.
- Microwave cream cheese until very soft, about 1 minute. When the soup boils, briskly whisk in the cream cheese until smooth. Remove from heat and switch to a wooden spoon. Stir in Cheddar, a handful at a time, until melted. Add the shredded chicken and stir until heated through.
- Ladle into bowls and top with tortilla strips, sour cream, avocado, lime, or fresh cilantro.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Chicken Tortilla Soup FAQs
The soup thickens as it cools. For a chili-like consistency, use only 2 cups of chicken stock.
Add all ingredients except cream cheese and cheddar to the Crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in cream cheese 30 minutes before serving, then add Cheddar until melted. Check seasoning and ensure the chicken is cooked through. Serve hot.
Quick Tip
To make your own baked tortilla strips: Slice 2-3 stacked tortillas into 1/2-inch strips, and place them on a parchment-lined sheet. Toss with oil, salt, and pepper. Bake until golden, turning once, about 7-10 minutes.
Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe: The Toppings
- Tortilla Chips: These can be crumbled on top or served on the side for added crunch.
- Avocado Slices or Guacamole: Adds such a nice creaminess to the soup.
- Sour Cream: Helps tame down the spice!
- Lime Wedges, Fresh Cilantro, and/or Green Onions: For a nice fresh flavor.
What To Serve On The Side
- Mexican Rice Recipe: A great, hearty side dish.
- Cornbread or Drop Biscuits: A warm side to dip into the soup.
- Mexican Salad: Made with the best creamy cilantro-lime dressing!
Made this tonight and it was delicious! Will definitely make it again! I did add a little more broth, so it would be a little thinner, but other than that it was great!
Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for the comment and review Katie 🙂
Could I make this in my crockpot? I have some chicken breast that I want to use up, and I prefer to have shredded chicken made in the crockpot for soups!
This recipe is most similar 🙂 https://axis-framework.live/instant-pot-or-crockpot-mexican-tortilla-soup/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
I made this last night for dinner. It was delicious. My husband loved it!
YAYY!! Soo happy to hear this!! Thanks! 🙂
When I told my husband I was going to try this recipe, he didnt think he would like it. he apoligized to me and told me it was awsome! I had to agree!
Haha! Yay! So happy to hear that! Thanks Jan 🙂
This looks so good! Any thoughts on how it would freeze? We’re meal prepping for baby and looking for a variety!
Thanks Erica! I’m sorry I haven’t personally tested freezing this soup, but I don’t think it would be a great candidate for freezing because of all the dairy in it (dairy doesn’t typically freeze well and will separate upon reheating). If you still want to try, I’d recommend freezing it before adding the cream cheese and cheddar cheese and add those upon reheating. 🙂
Yes, it freezes well. I’ve never had a problem with it separating. Allow it to thaw or put in hot water. I double the recipe and freeze a serving size in ziploc freezer bags.
I made this last week, the only thing I did different was increasing the spices x 4. It was so good!! My daughter loved it, so we’re making it again this week. Also we made the Green Chicken Chili as well, another winner!! Thanks for the yummy goodness.
This is the best soup ever! It’s super yummy and I make it at least once a week. Thanks so much for sharing it.
Ahh I’m so happy to hear! Thanks so much Gigi! 🙂
Amazing my family loves it! I make it for every football/hockey game on Sundays! Its so easy, Thank you,
Lynn
Yay!! I’m so happy to hear this! Thanks Lynn! 🙂
Delish. Nice to take for work lunch with a half sandwich.
So glad to hear it! Thanks for the comment 🙂
I still remember the first time I ate the chicken tortilla soup is when my mom cooked this for me due to my fever and since then, I have been addicted to it. I even asked my mom to make it at least once a week. When I grew up a little bit, I could cook it by myself but I always consider food made by mom is the best. Well I’m going to call my mom to ask for one as soon as I come back home next month xD
– Natalie
Yay!! I hope you enjoy this! There is nothing better than something made by your mom!!