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Enjoy the flavors of a taco in this easy chicken tortilla soup – preps in minutes and simmers all day for a comforting and easy dinner!
Grandma’s Recipe
My grandma Luna loved making chicken tortilla soup and my mom continued the tradition making it a long-time family favorite. Although my grandma’s soup used more fresh ingredients, we’ve simplified it over the years so that it can come together in minutes.
Now, we make this soup all fall long and even the kids will throw it together because it’s that easy. We love to serve it with Cornbread or Cornbread muffins – or even fresh Homemade Tortillas.
This chicken soup recipe tastes like Chicken Tacos in a bowl – the same delicious flavors and even more simple to make!
WHY WE LOVE IT:
- So easy – so yummy! This easy soup recipe takes 15 minutes to prep and the flavor is incredible.
- Crockpot or stove. Simmer all day in the slow cooker or make it in minutes on the stove.
- Toppings galore. Top with your favorite fixings like tortilla strips, sour cream, tomatoes, avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and more.
Ingredients
PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES
COOK TIME: 4 HOURS
- 6 cups chicken stock or chicken broth – Both work great!
- 2 cups Shredded Cooked Chicken – Cook the chicken breasts or boneless skinless chicken thighs and shred or cube. You can also buy a rotisserie chicken and shred it.
- 1-2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes – or canned fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can of corn
- 1 (15.25-ounce) can of black beans – or use pinto beans or kidney beans
- 1 (4-ounce) can of diced green chiles – Mild or hot work, but we typically do mild.
- ½ cup chopped onion (optional) – You can mince the onions or use onion powder. For a different flavor, try chopped bell peppers.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic – Use 2 garlic cloves and learn How to Mince Garlic.
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoons chili powder – Add cayenne pepper for more spice.
- toppings – more shredded cheese, sour cream, queso fresco, diced avocado, chopped green onions, cilantro and limes
How to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup
- COMBINE. In a slow cooker, combine 6 cups chicken stock, 2 cups Shredded Cooked Chicken, 1-2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, 1 (14.5-ounce) can of corn, 1 (15.25-ounce) can of black beans, 1 (4-ounce) can of diced green chiles, ½ cup chopped onion, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 1½ teaspoons salt, ¾ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, and ¼ teaspoons chili powder. Stir to combine.
- COOK. Cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- GARNISH. Add cheese, tortilla strips, and other favorite toppings right before serving.
Stovetop Directions
- Combine all chicken tortilla soup ingredients (minus the cheese and toppings) into a large pot, and cook on medium-high heat to bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Dish into bowls. Add cheese just before serving, and top with your favorite toppings!
Complete The Meal
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Chicken Tortilla Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken stock, or chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1-2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15.25-ounce) can black beans, drained
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
- ½ cup chopped onion, optional
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ¾ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
Toppings (Optional)
- corn tortilla strips (store-bought or homemade), sour cream, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped avocado, cilantro
Instructions
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Add cheese, tortilla strips, and other favorite toppings right before serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Place this chicken tortilla soup recipe in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Let the tortilla soup recipe cool first, then freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for 3-4 months.
I’ve made this several times. Always tastes great!
So easy for a busy day. Super yummy for leftovers too!
Best chicken tortilla soup ever!!!!My whole family loves this soup! My daughter wants me to always make this for her!
That makes me so happy to hear! Thank you so much!
Wonderful recipe! My family loves it as do I. Easy to make & not time consuming. I have even changed some of the ingredients due to likes or what is in my pantry & it’s still delicious. Bon Appetit’
Thank you! That’s what I love about cooking, you can always change a recipe 🙂
Very yummy!
I am so glad you think so 🙂 Thank you for letting me know!
This Looks like the perfect mini hot tub for a slice of homemade bread to dive into. hehe. 🙂 This looks absolutely amazing. 🙂
mY HUSBAND CAN ONLY HAVE 1500 MG OF SODIUM A DAY. DO YOU HAVE ANY RECEIPES THAT ARE LOW IN SODIUM?
THANKS,
nANCY pRESLEY
I don’t have masa to thick this soup. You MENTIONED flour. Do you add the flour directly to the SOUP or make a slury with water? How much flour and or water do you add? Thanks
I would just add it in step 2 🙂
This looks delicious! I was curious if the serving size Is 1 CuP, or 1.5cup for the nutritional value info. Thanks!
It is about 1 cup-1.5 cups. Lol..that probably doesn’t help.
Excellent!
Thank you so much!