Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

This easy chicken tortilla soup recipe is quick, simple, and overflowing with tasty Tex Mex inspired flavors.

A spoonful of chicken tortilla soup.

We all need an easy and delicious dinner in our back pocket that our whole family is guaranteed to love. So let me introduce you to my easy chicken tortilla soup recipe. When I say easy, I mean it. All you have to do is dump the ingredients in a large saucepot, leave it to simmer, and dinner will be ready to eat in under an hour. That’s what I call a simple and easy dinner!

Now, don’t fret by the somewhat long list of ingredients listed below. I promise it’s the easiest weeknight dinner you’ll make for your family this week. It just wouldn’t be a chicken tortilla soup without delicious taco seasoning and tasty flavors like chili powder, enchilada sauce, green chilies, ground cumin, and cilantro, in a rich tomato sauce.

This soup is comfort food at its finest. Plus, did I mention it’s also a dairy-free and gluten-free chicken tortilla soup recipe?

Another similar (and just as easy and delicious) soup recipe is my taco soup. I call it the world’s easiest supper, but this chicken tortilla soup recipe gives it a run for its money.

Recipe Ingredients

  • Water
  • Chicken (here is how I shred my chicken). 
  • Chopped green chilies
  • Enchilada sauce
  • Crushed or diced tomatoes
  • Chicken broth
  • Corn
  • Onions
  • Chili powder
  • Minced garlic
  • Ground cumin
  • Cilantro
  • Corn tortillas

How to Make an Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Add water to saucepot.

For this recipe, we’re essentially going to dump all of the ingredients in one large saucepot.

Start with the water.

Add chicken broth to saucepot.

Then add the chicken broth.

Add tomatoes to saucepot.

Crushed or diced tomatoes.

Add enchilada sauce to saucepot.

Enchilada sauce.

Add green chilies to saucepot.

Chopped green chilies.

Add herbs and spices to saucepot.

Then add the herbs and spices: chili powder, minced garlic, ground cumin, and cilantro.

Add corn to saucepot.

Next is the chopped onion and corn.

Add chicken to saucepot.

Finally, add the shredded chicken to the saucepot (I’m using rotisserie chicken).

Stir chicken tortilla soup in saucepot.

Give everything a good stir.

Place the saucepot on medium or medium-high heat and bring just to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

Add tortilla strips to saucepot.

After 30 minutes, add your corn tortilla strips, stir again, and cook for another 10 minutes.

I’ve found the easiest way to cut my tortillas into strips is to just stack a few of them up and have at them with my pizza cutter.

We’re using corn tortillas here which some of y’all may remember I don’t particularly care for, but they are very good in this! This and the King Ranch casserole are the only times I go near the things, bless their little vegetable hearts.

Cooked chicken tortilla soup.

Just like that, it’s done and ready to serve!

Top your chicken tortilla soup with sour cream, cilantro, and a lime wedge.

Keep it plain and simple or top with your favorite taco toppings, like sour cream, a squeeze of lime juice, corn chips, and fresh cilantro.

Enjoy!

Storage

  • Store soup leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
  • You can also store leftovers in a freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat either in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Recipe Notes

  • Don’t fret too much about the ingredients. Just use what you have on hand and make this soup fit your pantry. For example, I’m using frozen corn because it is what I had but canned is just fine. I also use crushed tomatoes often because my husband is not so much a fan of tomato pieces in his soups and stews.
  • The same goes for the chicken. It can be rotisserie chicken, chicken thighs, or shredded chicken breast. As long as it’s shredded and cooked chicken, the choice is yours.
  • If you prefer crispy tortilla strips on top of your chicken soup instead of nice and soft inside, here’s a tip! Cut the strips as instructed and then heat them in an oiled pan over medium-high heat until golden brown. Then add them when you add your other toppings.
  • I mention in the recipe card to add salt and pepper according to your taste. You might find you don’t need any additional flavoring, thanks to the salty chicken stock.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this chicken tortilla soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! It will last up to a week when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can I make my chicken soup in the slow cooker?

If you prefer, you can definitely add all the soup ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. I’d add the tortilla strips in the last hour.

What do you serve with chicken tortilla soup?

Filled with vegetables, corn tortilla strips, and shredded chicken, this soup is a main dish in itself. But if you want to make it last longer, I recommend serving it with a fresh corn salad or a side of quesadillas.

You can also go wild with your soup toppings. Here are some additional options to the ones mentioned above:

  • Cubed or sliced avocado
  • Black olives
  • Green chiles or jalapenos
  • Shredded cheese
  • Crushed tortilla chips
Chicken tortilla soup

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

This easy chicken tortilla soup recipe is quick, simple, and overflowing with tasty Mexican-inspired flavors.
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken, soup, tortilla
Servings: 4
Calories: 377kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 can chicken broth 14 ounces, or 1 1/2 cups of water and two bouillon cubes
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 29 ounces
  • 1 can enchilada sauce 11 ounces
  • 1 can chopped green chilies 4 ounces
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic heaping
  • 2-3 cups chicken cooked and shredded (can use more if you like)
  • 2 cups frozen corn or 2 cans corn, drained
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 4-5 six-inch corn tortillas
  • Optional toppings: cheese, sour cream, etc.

Instructions

  • Dump everything except the toppings and corn tortillas in a large saucepot. Place over medium to medium-high heat and bring just to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
    2 cups water, 1 can chicken broth, 1 can crushed tomatoes, 1 can enchilada sauce, 1 can chopped green chilies, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon dried cilantro, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 2-3 cups chicken, 2 cups frozen corn, 1 small onion, salt and pepper to taste
  • Using a pizza cutter or a knife, cut each tortilla into thin strips. Place in the soup and cook for another 10 minutes before serving.
    4-5 six-inch corn tortillas
  • Serve soup with desired toppings. It's great if made a day or two ahead of time to make get-togethers easier!
    Optional toppings: cheese, sour cream, etc.

Nutrition

Calories: 377kcal
Tried this recipe?Mention @southernplate or tag #southernplate!

You may also like these easy chicken dinner recipes:

Crock Pot Chicken Tetrazzini

Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe

Fuss Free Fried Chicken

Crock Pot Cashew Chicken

Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken

Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe

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135 Comments

  1. Another one having breakfast for supper tonight – biscuits, gravy, bacon & eggs. Also, some of my fig preserves. Hubby having surgery tomorrow afternoon so no eating after midnight. This is what he requested so I will try to please.

  2. Mmm this looks good! You don’t say how many tortillas to put in the soup, I’m guessing about 4. Also I didn’t know you could buy dried cilantro, what does it taste like? I adore cilantro, it makes everything yummy. Love coriander too, which is cilantro seed! They taste quite different. Anyway, I’m sure I’ll make this soup soon but tonight my dude is going out with some friends so I’ll be home alone. Dinner alone means macaroni and cheese. Should I be ashamed that I’m 25 years old and still eat macaroni and cheese at every opportunity? My parents never made it when I was a kid but I figured out how to cook a box of Kraft mac and cheese when I was 6! Now I prefer to make it from scratch but still buy the Kraft stuff 🙂 Even “bad” mac and cheese is pretty good as far as I’m concerned.

  3. thinking of having breakfast for supper, eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy…LOL! It is 95% out today so may wait for a good fall day if one ever comes here in Louisiana this year I will definately be trying this, I have heard of it but never tried it. Also didn’t know McCormick does cilantro, will definately see if I can find it as I don’t really like messing with fresh…LOL!

  4. The Tortilla soup looks yummy.
    At my house tonight, we’re have fried pork cutlets with milk gravy, mashed potatoes, corn and green beans.

  5. Were having chili with cornbread tonight. I realize its still a little warm, but I’m also not a very good planner – even if I plan I usually change my mind. Were about to move, so I’m cooking according to what we have in stock. I call it operation empty the freezer ( I know, how original ).

  6. Yum…will definitely be part of the plan for next week! As for tonight, spiral ham, baked macaroni and cheese, green beans and biscuits. Oh, yeah, I also have the 7-Up pound cake in the oven! ; )

  7. Thanks Christy, now I have audio.

    For dinner tonight we are having leftovers of your cheesy chicken and corn casserole. We have had just about every casserole you have posted and I have canned 17 quarts of green beans by using your instructions. I”ve made your apple butter and peanut butter brownies and even used your peanut butter icing on a birthday cake (for me). My family can’t get enough of my cooking and baking now. I’ve been out of work since March and now all I do is cook and bake. I think they are going to be sorry if I ever find a job. Wish I could find a job staying home and doing this which is what I love. It’s going to be a lean Christmas this year but everyone is sure going to love the bread and jelly they will be getting from me since it will all be homemade. I love you and your site and you have brought me back to what I love most which is taking care of my family and making a real home for them. Before it was mostly takeout but not anymore. I plan on buying your cookbook so I’m stocking my pantry. Keep up the good work. I think you are my new best friend since all my extended family has passed.

    1. Kathie, you are doing the most important “job” there is…taking care of your family and making home a warm, loving place for them! Everyone will love your gifts as they are from your hands and heart! Blessings to you!

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