If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful meal that warms you from the inside out, this Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is just what you need. It’s a vibrant medley of tender chicken, hearty beans, and bold seasonings, all coming together in a rich, satisfying broth. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a quick supper with a kick, this recipe delivers real comfort and a punch of Tex-Mex flair that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up using pantry staples and the magic of a rotisserie chicken!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From creamy refried beans adding thickness to the smoky diced tomatoes and green chilies, these essentials transform simple pantry items into a fiesta in a bowl.
- Rotisserie chicken: Perfectly cooked and tender, it’s the heart of the soup with its rich, roasted flavor.
- Refried beans: They add a smooth, creamy texture that makes the soup wonderfully hearty.
- Taco seasoning: Brings a blend of spices that gives the soup its signature zest and warmth.
- Petite diced tomatoes and green chiles: Add vibrant color and a gentle kick of spice, brightening every spoonful.
- Frozen corn kernels: Sweet bursts of flavor that punctuate the soup with a lovely texture contrast.
- Black beans: Offer extra protein and heartiness with a rich, earthy taste.
- Chicken broth: The liquid base that ties all these flavors together into a comforting, savory soup.
How to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by removing the skin from your rotisserie chicken and discard it. Then, carefully pull the meat away from the bones and chop it into bite-sized pieces. This quick step ensures you get tender, flavorful chicken that melts into the soup.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Grab a large pot or Dutch oven and add the chopped chicken, refried beans, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes and green chiles, frozen corn, black beans, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir so that the beans and seasoning start to mingle with the broth and chicken for an even flavor.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Heat the pot over medium-high until the soup comes to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help all the ingredients blend beautifully.
Step 4: Adjust Consistency
Check the thickness of your soup—if it feels too thick, add a splash of water or extra chicken broth until you reach the perfect consistency that suits your taste. This step ensures your Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe has that ideal balance between hearty and smooth.
How to Serve Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes make all the difference when serving this soup. Freshly sliced avocado, a handful of crisp tortilla strips, chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese are fantastic options that elevate the dish while adding texture and freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair your soup with warm, soft corn tortillas, a side of Mexican rice, or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. These sides complement the spicy, savory notes of the soup and provide a rounded meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe in small, hollowed-out bread bowls or mini cast-iron skillets for individual portions. You can also layer soup, tortilla chips, cheese, and avocado in clear glasses to create a deconstructed, visually appealing presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep all the flavors fresh and vibrant. Before serving, just give it a good stir and heat it gently on the stove.
Freezing
Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe freezes wonderfully, making it perfect for batch cooking. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a little water or chicken broth can help if the soup thickened too much during storage, bringing it back to that perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this soup without canned beans?
Absolutely! You can use cooked dry beans instead. Just be sure to soak and cook them fully before adding them to the soup so they soften properly during simmering.
Is this soup spicy?
The soup has a mild to moderate kick thanks to the diced green chiles and taco seasoning, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot versions of these ingredients or adding extra chili powder if you’d like more heat.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes! You can cook fresh chicken breasts or thighs, shred them, and add them in at the same step. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked through before combining with the other ingredients.
What are the best toppings for this Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe?
Popular toppings include crunchy tortilla strips, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime. These add flavor, freshness, and texture that take the soup to the next level.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Adding extra beans or veggies like zucchini and bell peppers can keep it hearty and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is an absolute winner for anyone who loves bold flavors with minimal fuss. It’s quick to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and endlessly satisfying. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes for cozy nights or feeding a crowd with something both simple and irresistibly delicious.
Print
Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is a comforting and flavorful blend of tender rotisserie chicken, refried beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, corn, black beans, and chicken broth. Simmered to perfection with taco seasoning, it delivers a delicious Mexican-inspired meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 rotisserie chicken, skin removed and meat chopped
Soup Base
- 2 (16-oz) cans refried beans
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning
- 2 (14.5-oz) cans petite diced tomatoes and green chiles
- 1½ cups frozen corn kernels
- 1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Remove and discard the skin from the rotisserie chicken. Pull the meat away from the bones, discard the bones, and chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the chopped chicken, refried beans, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chiles, frozen corn, black beans, and chicken broth. Stir thoroughly to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Cook Soup: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup becomes too thick during simmering, add a little water or additional chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Stir well before serving.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
- You can add tortilla strips and shredded cheese as toppings when serving for added texture and taste.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to your spice preference.
- If you prefer a smoother soup, blend a portion of the soup before adding the chicken for a creamier texture.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes well for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
