When it comes to comfort food with a spicy twist, the best chicken tortilla soup recipe checks all the boxes. It’s hearty, zesty, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re craving a Tex-Mex classic or something creamy and wholesome like a chicken dumpling soup recipe or chicken pot pie soup recipe, these tortilla soup variations are about to become your go-to dinner favorites.
In this post, brought to you by Daily Yum Foods in partnership with Capable Techies, we’ll explore 5 of the best chicken tortilla soup recipes with step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and delicious customizations.
📌 Table of Contents
Why Chicken Tortilla Soup Is a Must-Try
Classic Best Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup with Cheese
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup (Dump & Go!)
Chicken Tortilla Soup with Black Beans & Corn
Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup (Low-Cal)
Bonus: Chicken Dumpling Soup & Pot Pie Soup Recipe Ideas
FAQs
Conclusion
🥣 Why Chicken Tortilla Soup Is a Must-Try
- Chicken tortilla soup brings together bold spices, tender shredded chicken, and crunchy tortilla strips, all swimming in a rich tomato-chicken broth. It’s:
| Benefits | Description |
|---|---|
| Nutritious & Filling | Packed with protein, fiber, and veggies |
| Customizable | Spice it up or tone it down |
| Meal Prep Friendly | Freezes and reheats like a dream |
| Family-Approved | Even picky eaters love the flavor combo |
If you’ve never tried it before, now is the perfect time to explore these delicious soup recipes.
🌶️ 1. Classic Best Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
- This version sticks to the basics and delivers unbeatable flavor with minimal fuss.
✅ Ingredients:
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 can diced tomatoes (with green chilies)
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can corn
1 can black beans
4 cups chicken broth
1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, salt & pepper
Tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, lime for topping
🔪 Instructions:
Sauté onion and garlic in oil until translucent.
Add tomatoes, corn, beans, spices, and broth.
Bring to a simmer; add shredded chicken.
Cook for 10–15 minutes.
Serve hot topped with tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and a squeeze of lime.
📝 Tip: Use fresh cilantro and lime for a flavor boost.
🧀 2. Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup with Cheese
- Looking for a richer variation? This cheesy, creamy version is indulgent and perfect for cozy nights.
✅ Ingredients:
2 cups shredded chicken
1/2 cup heavy cream or sour cream
1/2 cup shredded cheddar
1 can diced tomatoes
1 small onion
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cumin
4 cups chicken broth
Tortilla strips, jalapeño slices (optional)
🔪 Instructions:
Sauté onions and bell pepper in a pot.
Add tomatoes, chicken, and spices.
Stir in cream and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add cheese and stir until melted.
Serve with toppings of choice.
| Nutritional Highlight | Approx. per bowl |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 24g |
| Carbs | 18g |
🧄 Add garlic powder or cayenne for more depth!
🕒 3. Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup (Dump & Go!)
- Short on time? This version is set-it-and-forget-it — great for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
✅ Ingredients:
2 raw chicken breasts
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can corn
1 can black beans
1 cup chopped onion
4 cups chicken broth
1 packet taco seasoning
Optional: 1 chopped jalapeño
🔪 Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Shred chicken with two forks inside the cooker.
Serve with toppings like sour cream, tortilla chips, or shredded cheese.
| Equipment Needed | Best For |
|---|---|
| Slow Cooker | Hands-off cooking |
| Instant Pot | Faster version |
⏱️ Time-saving tip: Prep the ingredients into freezer bags for future use.
🌽 4. Chicken Tortilla Soup with Black Beans & Corn
- This version amps up the fiber with black beans and sweet corn, making it extra hearty and colorful.
✅ Ingredients:
2 cups cooked chicken
1 can black beans
1 can corn
1 onion
1 bell pepper
1 can diced tomatoes
4 cups broth
1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, salt
🔪 Instructions:
Sauté onion and pepper in olive oil.
Add beans, corn, tomatoes, broth, and chicken.
Simmer for 20 minutes.
Garnish with crushed tortilla chips and sliced avocado.
🌱 Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with extra beans or tofu.
🥑 5. Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup (Low-Cal)
- Want to keep it light without sacrificing flavor? This healthy version is low-cal, dairy-free, and loaded with fresh ingredients.
✅ Ingredients:
1 chicken breast, poached and shredded
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 zucchini, diced
1 red bell pepper
1/2 onion
3 cups low-sodium broth
Garlic, cumin, chili powder
Lime, avocado, cilantro for garnish
🔪 Instructions:
Sauté fresh veggies in a pot.
Add broth, tomatoes, and spices.
Simmer for 15 minutes.
Add shredded chicken and cook 5 more mins.
Serve with lime juice and fresh herbs.
| Nutritional Focus | Details |
|---|---|
| Low-calorie | ~200 kcal per bowl |
| High protein | ~22g per serving |
| Gluten-free | Naturally gluten-free |
🥘 Bonus: Other Cozy Soup Recipe Favorites
- Love chicken-based soups? These two are absolute classics that deserve an honorable mention:
🍜 Chicken Dumpling Soup Recipe
- Fluffy dumplings and rich broth — the ultimate comfort food for rainy days.
🥧 Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe
- All the goodness of chicken pot pie without the crust — creamy, savory, and family-friendly!
❓ FAQs on Chicken Tortilla Soup
1. Can I make chicken tortilla soup ahead of time?
- Yes! It stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.
2. How can I make it spicier?
- Add jalapeños, chipotle in adobo, or red chili flakes for more heat.
3. What kind of chicken is best?
- Shredded rotisserie chicken is quick and flavorful, but any cooked chicken works.
4. Can I use tortilla chips instead of strips?
- Yes! Crushed tortilla chips are a great shortcut for crunch and texture.
5. Is this soup gluten-free?
- Yes, just make sure your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
6. How do I thicken chicken tortilla soup?
- Add more beans, blend a portion of the soup, or stir in some cornmeal.
✅ Conclusion
From creamy to spicy, slow-cooked to light and healthy — there’s a best chicken tortilla soup recipe here for everyone. These five flavorful versions are proof that soup doesn’t have to be boring. It’s nourishing, affordable, and packed with bold ingredients your family will crave week after week.
Don’t forget to try our chicken dumpling soup recipe and chicken pot pie soup recipe for even more comfort in a bowl. Whether it’s Daily Yum Foods–inspired or your own spin, a great soup starts with simple ingredients and a little love.
Ready to cook? Grab your pot, prep your toppings, and enjoy soup night the delicious way!
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