Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

My easy chicken tortilla soup recipe can revolutionize your dinner routine.

Let’s face it, life as a parent can often feel like a juggling act. Between work, school runs, extracurricular activities, and everything else that comes with the territory, finding the time to prepare a wholesome meal can be a challenge. But fear not, because I have a solution that will revolutionize your dinner routine: an easy chicken tortilla soup recipe that is as simple to make as it is delicious to eat.

Jump directly to the recipe, or read on for some in-depth tips and shortcuts.

Why This Recipe?

We all want meals that are not only nutritious but also quick and hassle-free to prepare. This recipe ticks all the boxes. It’s packed with protein from lean chicken breast, loaded with veggies, and bursting with flavor from a combination of spices and herbs. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your family’s taste preferences.

Chicken Taco or Chicken Tortilla - What’s the Difference?

While both chicken tortilla soup and chicken taco soup share similarities in their use of chicken and Mexican-inspired flavors, they differ somewhat in texture. Chicken taco soup typically features a clear or slightly thickened broth infused with savory spices like cumin, chili powder, and oregano. It often incorporates corn and diced tomatoes, along with toppings like crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and cilantro, for added texture and freshness.

In contrast, chicken tortilla soup tends to have a thicker, heartier consistency, resembling more of a stew. The recipes are almost interchangeable, and you can decide which one works best for you and your family.

Ingredient Options

Chicken

For this easy chicken tortilla soup recipe, selecting the right chicken is crucial for achieving tender, flavorful results. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breast, as it cooks quickly and maintains its moisture throughout the simmering process. To expedite preparation, thinly slice or chop the chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the chicken cooks quickly and evenly, and absorbs the flavors of the soup effortlessly.

For even faster results, use leftover chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken.

Aromatics

Aromatic vegetables enhance the depth of flavor in your soup. Begin by sautéing a medley of diced onions, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic in any neutral oil. For a subtle kick of heat and added complexity, consider incorporating hot peppers like jalapeños or serranos.

If your diet doesn’t include onions or garlic, you can use celery instead, but it will have a slightly different flavor. Diced carrots will also work, or even both.

Broth

Good broth equals good soup. But that doesn’t mean you have to make it from scratch. You can find high quality broths in almost any grocery store, in liquid (boxes and cans), powder, or paste form. My favorite is the boxed variety, but whatever kind you choose, make sure it’s tasty. Otherwise your soup will be bland, no matter what else you do to it.

Spices

This recipe calls for cumin, paprika, and oregano, which infuse the soup with a tantalizing array of earthy, smoky, and slightly sweet notes. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes can be added to dial up the spiciness.

Premixed spice blends like chili powder or taco/fajita spices will also work, but you may want to add some of the above spices to round out the flavor.

Corn

Corn plays a pivotal role in adding sweetness, texture, and vibrant color to the dish. Fresh corn brings a crisp, juicy bite and a burst of natural sweetness, while frozen corn offers convenience without compromising on flavor or texture.

Canned corn, though slightly softer in texture, provides a quick and accessible option for busy cooks, but be sure to avoid the creamed variety as it’s not really suitable for this recipe.

Tomato

Diced tomatoes add a bright, slightly acidic dimension to this soup. You can opt for fresh tomatoes if they’re in season, but canned will almost always be better. Avoid crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, as your soup may end up runny.

Garnishes

Garnishes are the finishing touch that takes chicken tortilla soup from delightful to irresistible. Traditional garnishes include a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, which adds a burst of bright, herbaceous flavor, along with a handful of crispy tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite.

For an extra burst of freshness, a squeeze of lime juice adds a tangy zing that balances the richness of the soup.

Other popular garnishes include diced avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, and thinly sliced jalapeños, allowing each diner to customize their bowl according to their preferences.

And if you really want to impress the kids, let them decorate their own soup from a selection of garnishes set out on the table.

Preparing the soup

The first step in making chicken tortilla soup is to heat a tablespoon or so of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely diced onions and minced garlic to the pot, along with a pinch of salt plus all the spices. Sauté this mix until the vegetables become soft and fragrant. This initial sautéing process creates a flavorful base for the soup, infusing it with savory undertones that will permeate every spoonful.

After sautéing the vegetables, the next step is to add the remaining ingredients (except for garnishes) to the pot, withholding about half of the beans. Pour in a quart of chicken broth, ensuring that all the ingredients are submerged. Once the broth is added, bring the mixture to a gentle boil before reducing to a simmer.

While the soup simmers, mash the remaining portion of beans with a spoon or a fork, and add them to the soup. This will help thicken the soup to achieve the desired consistency as the beans release their starch into the broth. This simple trick adds body and richness to the soup, transforming it into a hearty and satisfying meal.

Once the chicken has had time to cook through (20 minutes or so, depending on the size of the pieces), it's time to serve. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, shredded cheese, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve the chicken tortilla soup alongside warm tortillas or tortilla chips for a complete and satisfying meal that's sure to please the whole family.

This easy chicken tortilla soup recipe not only delivers on flavor but also offers a nutritious and satisfying meal option that's perfect for busy families. With its rich broth, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables, each spoonful bursts with savory goodness.

What's more, the simple preparation makes this recipe a breeze, saving valuable time without compromising on taste or nutrition. Whether enjoyed as a comforting dinner or a hearty lunch, this soup is sure to bring the family together around the table, creating cherished moments of warmth and connection.

So, gather your loved ones, savor the flavors, and indulge in the joy of good food and great company with this delightful chicken tortilla soup.

Some extra tips:

  • Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables and slice chicken in advance to streamline cooking time and make dinner preparation a breeze.
  • Frozen Corn Shortcut: Opt for frozen corn kernels as a convenient alternative to fresh, without skimping on flavor or texture.
  • Double Batch for Leftovers: Consider making a double batch of soup to have leftovers for quick and easy lunches throughout the week.
  • Garnish Galore: Encourage family members to customize their bowls with their favorite garnishes, from crunchy tortilla strips to creamy avocado and zesty lime wedges.
  • Freezing Soup: While the soup can be frozen, bear in mind that the texture of the vegetables and chicken may change slightly upon thawing. On the other hand, the flavors have a chance to blend and intensify.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Portion leftovers into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches or quick reheatable dinners on busy nights.
  • Soup and Salad Combo: Pair the soup with a crisp green salad for a well-rounded and nutritious meal that satisfies both adults and kids alike.

My Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced or chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 or 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp each of cumin, paprika, and oregano
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil (olive oil or avocado oil work great)
  • 1 can corn (15 oz.), rinsed and drained
  • 1 can black beans (15 oz.), rinsed and drained
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz.)
  • 1 quart chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, cilantro, parsley, grated cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, toasted tortilla strips or chips

Preparation:

  1. Saute the Veggies: Heat the cooking oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the diced carrots and minced garlic, season with a pinch of salt, add spices, and sauté until softened.
  2. Add Chicken and Other Ingredients: Once the veggies are soft, add in the thinly sliced or chopped chicken breast along with frozen corn, diced tomatoes, and half the beans. Stir everything together.
  3. Pour in Chicken Broth: Next, pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that all the ingredients are submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  4. Thicken the Soup: While the soup is simmering, mash the remaining beans with a spoon or fork, and stir into the soup.
  5. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer until the chicken is cooked through. This usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces.
  6. Season and Garnish: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions, cilantro, parsley, or a drizzle of sesame oil for extra flavor.

Conclusion:

This easy chicken tortilla soup recipe is a game-changer for busy parents looking to provide nutritious and delicious meals for their families without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients, minimal prep time, and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.

So why not give it a try and see for yourself? Your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you!

FAQ

Q: Can you freeze this soup?

A: This soup freezes very well, but be aware that the texture of some ingredients may change, especially the corn and beans.

Q: Is this easy chicken tortilla soup recipe gluten free?

A: You'll need to be careful about the tortilla shells or chips, as these can sometimes contain wheat flour. Other than that you should be safe, but the usual warning to check the ingredients list on all the packages applies.