Chicken Tortilla Soup

4.7
(2,030)

This comforting chicken tortilla soup with shredded chicken, black beans, and corn is quick to make, full of flavor, and very filling! Garnish with chopped fresh avocado, Monterey Jack cheese, crushed tortilla chips, and green onion.

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a low angle, close-up view of a single bowl of chicken tortilla soup topped with shredded cheese, crispy tortilla strips, and slices of avocado.
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Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Servings:
8

This chicken tortilla soup is the perfect comfort food that offers both spicy Mexican flavors and hearty ingredients that will keep you full and happy. Everyone will be slurping up this soup by the bowlful — so be prepared to make the tasty recipe again and again.

Is Chicken Tortilla Soup Authentic Mexican Food?

Chicken tortilla soup actually is an authentic Mexican dish. The traditional soup is made with chicken broth, tomatoes, garlic, onion, chiles, and fried tortilla strips. There are also variations of the soup, like ones that include beans.

How to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup

Making this chicken tortilla soup is really simple, and it only takes 35 minutes. You can find the full recipe below, but here's what you can expect:

  1. Sauté the onions and garlic, then add seasonings, tomatoes, broth, and water.
  2. Allow to simmer, then add corn, hominy, chiles, beans, cilantro, and chicken.
  3. Simmer for a few more minutes then serve topped with your favorite garnishes.

What to Serve With Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken tortilla soup is great on its own, or garnished with avocado, cheese, green onions, and sour cream. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread or a side salad for the perfect meal.

How to Store Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ladle (completely cooled) chicken tortilla soup into airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Can You Freeze Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Yes! Chicken tortilla soup freezes well, so it's a great meal to make ahead of time and stash in the freezer for quick weeknight dinners.

Ladle (completely cooled) chicken tortilla soup into airtight freezer containers or zip-top freezer bags and store in the freezer. If using zip-top bags, make sure to freeze them flat.

Chicken tortilla soup will last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"This soup was yummy. I noticed several people saying that it was even better the next day. We didn't have any left over! It was too good. I had a friend come over and could smell it on the stove and wanted the recipe just by the smell! Perfect for any time," raves momof4.

"My whole family loves this recipe!" says Cindy Williams. "I add about 1/2 cup finely crushed tortilla chips and squeezed in some lime juice. This soup freezes great. I double the batch and freeze several bags to pull out on our busy nights."

"Super easy and very flavorful! I made the shredded chicken in my Instant Pot ahead of time, so it was quick and easy to make on a week night. I didn't have hominy so I used garbanzo beans. Not bad, but I will use hominy next time for a more unique balance of textures. Used all the recommended toppings and they were great," according to Andrea Bonner.

Editorial contributions by Bailey Fink

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed chicken broth

  • 1 ¼ cups water

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

  • 2 large boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 1 cup whole corn kernels, cooked

  • 1 cup white hominy

  • 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers

  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

  • ½ cup crushed tortilla chips, or to taste

  • 2 medium avocados, sliced, or to taste

  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, or to taste

  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, or to taste

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    Overhead of tortilla soup ingredients in various bowls and measuring cups.
  2. Heat oil in a stockpot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in chili powder and oregano.

    Overhead of garlic and onions being cooked in a pot.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, condensed broth, and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.

    Overhead of crushed tomatos and broth cooking in a large pot.
  4. Stir in black beans, cooked chicken, corn, hominy, chile peppers, and cilantro. Simmer for 10 minutes.

    Overhead of black beans, cooked chicken, and corn cooking in a tomato broth in a large pot.
  5. Ladle soup into individual serving bowls, and top with crushed tortilla chips, avocado slices, Monterey Jack cheese, and green onions.

    a low angle, close-up view of a single bowl of chicken tortilla soup topped with shredded cheese, crispy tortilla strips, and slices of avocado.

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)

352 Calories
18g Fat
34g Carbs
19g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 352
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g 22%
Saturated Fat 4g 19%
Cholesterol 33mg 11%
Sodium 711mg 31%
Total Carbohydrate 34g 13%
Dietary Fiber 12g 44%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 19g 39%
Vitamin C 55mg 61%
Calcium 140mg 11%
Iron 4mg 21%
Potassium 1050mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.