If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and full of flavor without spending hours in the kitchen, this Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup will hit the spot. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, combining tender chicken, bold spices, and crunchy tortilla strips into a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make.

Whether you’re pulling this together on a busy weeknight or whipping up a cozy meal for weekend lounging, this soup delivers. It’s versatile, too—you can spice it up, make it creamy, or keep it lean and light. No matter how you tweak it, the end result is always delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

This soup brings together the best of both worlds: ease and flavor. You get the depth of a slow-simmered broth in a fraction of the time, thanks to canned goods and cooked chicken. It’s also a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup.

Plus, it’s totally customizable. Like it spicier? Add more jalapeños. Want it creamy? Stir in a bit of sour cream or cheese. Have leftover veggies in the fridge? Toss them in! This soup doesn’t judge—it welcomes your creativity.

What Kind of Chicken Works Best in Tortilla Soup?

One of the beauties of this soup is that it’s flexible with the kind of chicken you use. Shredded rotisserie chicken makes it incredibly fast and flavorful, but leftover grilled chicken or even poached chicken breasts will work beautifully.

If you want to cook the chicken fresh, boneless skinless thighs add a deeper richness, while breasts keep it lean. Whatever you have on hand will likely work, making this soup ideal for using up leftovers.

Ingredients for the Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Great soup starts with great ingredients, and this one is no different. Each component in this recipe builds flavor and texture that will keep you going back for more.

Olive oil
Onion
Garlic
Jalapeño (optional)
Chili powder
Cumin
Diced tomatoes (canned)
Black beans (canned)
Corn (frozen or canned)
Chicken broth
Cooked shredded chicken
Salt and pepper
Tortilla strips or chips
Lime juice
Fresh cilantro

Each of these brings its own something special. The spices deepen the flavor, the beans and corn give it body, and the fresh lime and cilantro add brightness to balance it all out.

How To Make the Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Toss in the minced garlic and jalapeño and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Spices and Base Ingredients

Stir in the chili powder and cumin, letting the spices toast slightly. Then pour in the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Simmer with Chicken

Add the cooked shredded chicken and reduce the heat to let the soup simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Finish and Garnish

Taste and season with salt, pepper, and lime juice. Right before serving, stir in chopped fresh cilantro. Ladle into bowls and top with tortilla strips or chips. Add cheese, avocado, or sour cream if desired.

How to Serve and Store Chicken Tortilla Soup

This soup feeds about 4 to 6 people, depending on bowl size and toppings. Serve it piping hot, with all your favorite toppings laid out like a mini taco bar—think shredded cheese, sliced avocado, fresh lime wedges, and sour cream.

Leftovers store beautifully. Let the soup cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. If you’re making a big batch, it also freezes well (just keep the tortilla strips out until serving).

What to Serve With Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Classic Cheese Quesadillas

A warm, melty quesadilla is the perfect dipper and side for this soup.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Add a fresh and fluffy side to round out the meal.

Mexican Street Corn

Sweet, tangy, and coated with creamy cheese, this side is a flavor bomb.

Guacamole and Chips

Crunchy, creamy, and satisfying—this duo never fails.

Avocado Toast with Jalapeño

For a spicier pairing, serve up a slice of toast with mashed avocado and sliced jalapeño.

Chopped Southwest Salad

Add more greens to the table with a zesty salad full of black beans, corn, and peppers.

Cornbread Muffins

Slightly sweet and crumbly, cornbread goes surprisingly well with spicy soup.

Want More Chicken Soup Ideas?

If this tortilla soup has you hooked, check out these flavorful chicken favorites from the site:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can come back to it on your next chilly day.

Have you tried adding cream cheese for a twist? Or maybe a smoky chipotle kick? Let me know in the comments how you made it yours.

Explore even more wholesome and delicious meals over on Janet Dishes on Pinterest. It’s where I share my daily kitchen adventures and fresh dinner inspiration.

Conclusion

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup is more than just a quick meal—it’s comfort food with a kick. Whether you make it mild or fiery, loaded with toppings or kept simple, it’s a soup you’ll come back to again and again. Give it a try this week and make it your own favorite version.