Name: Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 10 pieces Corn tortillas, cut into strips (for frying); 2 tbsp Neutral oil (for frying (canola or vegetable oil)); to taste Salt; 1 medium Onion, diced; 3 cloves Garlic, minced; 2 Jalapeños, diced and seeded; 1 Poblano pepper, diced and seeded; 1 Red bell pepper, diced and seeded; 1 tsp Ground cumin; 1 tsp Smoked paprika; 1 tsp Chili powder; 1 tsp Dried oregano; 5 cups Low sodium chicken broth; 28 oz Fire-roasted diced tomatoes (about 2 cans); 1 cup Corn, canned or frozen; 15 oz Black beans, drained and rinsed; 2 cups Shredded rotisserie chicken (skin removed); to taste Salt and pepper; Sliced avocado; Chopped scallions; Chopped cilantro; Sliced jalapeños; Lime wedges; 1 cup Fried tortilla chips (for serving)

Meal-prepping on Sunday and wanting something I would still enjoy later in the week? I’ve got you covered with this Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup that’s hearty, satisfying, and simply delicious!

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Prep15 minutes
Cook30 minutes
Total45 minutes
Serves6

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

In my kitchen, I’ve found that the best meals are both affordable and comforting, and this soup checks both boxes. It’s packed with vibrant veggies and protein-rich chicken, perfect for enjoying now and savoring later in the week.

What I love about making this soup is how easy it is to keep everything on hand. You can whip it up quickly, and it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to mingle.

What Makes this Recipe Unique

Affordability: This soup is made with budget-friendly ingredients that deliver big flavor without breaking the bank.
Texture: The combination of tender chicken, soft beans, and just the right amount of crunch from the fried tortilla strips creates a satisfying mouthfeel.
Speed: You can get this soup on the table in a snap, making it a perfect option for busy evenings or meal prep days.
Flavorful Base: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes and fresh vegetables provide a rich, savory foundation that brings everything together beautifully.

Estimated Macros & Calories

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect nutritionally.

(estimated per serving, without optional ingredients)

Calories: 400
Protein: 31 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fat: 11 g
Fiber: 12 g

The Most Authentic Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

With simple ingredients and honest flavors, this recipe keeps it real while delivering a comforting bowl of soup. It’s something that feels special yet totally manageable, making it a repeat favorite in my household.

Looking for something similar? Take a look at my Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Soup.

Ingredient Notes

Chicken Broth: This adds depth and richness to your soup, making each bite comforting and warm.
Corn: Whether using canned or frozen, corn brings a slight sweetness that balances the heat from the peppers beautifully.
Jalapeños and Poblano: They contribute a lovely kick, and removing the seeds helps manage the spice level.
Rotisserie Chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken not only saves time but also keeps your soup protein-packed and flavorful.
Tortilla Strips: These crispy pieces add the perfect finishing touch, elevating the texture of the dish and giving it that classic tortilla soup charm.

Instructions

Step 1: Fry the Tortilla Strips

In a large pot, pour in the neutral oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the tortilla strips and fry until golden brown and crispy. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate and season lightly with salt.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pot, sauté the diced onion, garlic, jalapeños, poblano, and red bell pepper. You’ll want to cook this mixture until everything is tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Mix in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and dried oregano, stirring them for about a minute to let their flavors bloom in the heat.

Step 4: Combine the Soup Ingredients

Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and add the fire-roasted tomatoes, corn, black beans, and shredded chicken. Season with salt and pepper, then bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat to let it simmer.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with sliced avocado, scallions, cilantro, and jalapeños. Don’t forget those crunchy fried tortilla strips and lime wedges on the side!

Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

Make sure to fry the tortilla strips in batches. Crowding the pan can prevent them from getting crispy.
Sauté the vegetables until they’re just tender; overcooking them can result in a mushy texture.
Don’t skip seasoning; proper seasoning is key for flavor, so taste as you go.

Storage Tips

This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual portions, but it’s best enjoyed fresh for the optimal crispy tortilla experience. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth to loosen it up.

Variations and Substitutions

For a kick of extra flavor, try adding a splash of lime juice or some chopped fresh cilantro right before serving.
If you’re looking for a higher-protein option, throw in some white beans or use extra rotisserie chicken.
To make this soup gluten-free, just swap out the corn tortillas for gluten-free tortilla chips or strips, ensuring you’re mindful of any cross-contamination.
You can opt for dairy-free by skipping the avocado if you’re not using any other dairy in your toppings.

Why This Recipe Is The Real Deal

This soup stands out not just for its comforting flavors but also for how quick it is to prepare. I love that I can make a batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week without it losing its charm. It’s a fantastic meal prep option that still feels fresh and exciting.

Another favorite of mine is the 11 High Protein Chicken Recipes for Easy Dinners.

The combination of spices and rotisserie chicken really makes it a winner at our dinner table. It showcases how simple ingredients can come together to create homey, tasty dishes that everyone can enjoy.

More High Protein Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this chicken tortilla soup recipe, these easy ideas are a great next step:

Want more? Browse all of our high protein dinner recipes, or see our list of high protein chicken recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup take to make?

Prep time for chicken tortilla soup is 15 minutes and the total time is 45 minutes . It makes 6 servings.

How should I store Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

To store chicken tortilla soup: This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual portions, but it’s best enjoyed fresh for the optimal crispy tortilla experience.

What substitutions work for Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

These swaps work for chicken tortilla soup: For a kick of extra flavor, try adding a splash of lime juice or some chopped fresh cilantro right before serving. If you’re looking for a higher-protein option, throw in some white beans or use extra rotisserie chicken.

What is your top tip for Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

My top tip for chicken tortilla soup: Make sure to fry the tortilla strips in batches. Crowding the pan can prevent them from getting crispy.

How many calories and how much protein are in Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Our estimate for chicken tortilla soup is about 400 calories and 31 g of protein per serving, without optional ingredients. These are estimates, not lab results.

Where can I find more recipes like Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

If you liked chicken tortilla soup, browse our High Protein Dinner category for more easy ideas.

The Bottom Line

So, if you’re ready for big flavors that won’t take all day, give this Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup a try. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!

Whether you are new to chicken tortilla soup or already a fan, this version is easy to make at home. If you try this chicken tortilla soup recipe, I would love to hear what you thought.

If you like this one, you will also love my Easy Chicken Stuffing Casserole Delight.

Lauren Mitchell
Recipe Creator at The Cookly
Easy high-protein recipes for everyday life.

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