This Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a simple favorite that’s packed with healthy ingredients and loads of flavor!
This recipe was originally posted here at the BHK in 2015. I decided it was worthy of a reshare, so I updated the photos and text. Enjoy!
So guys, I posted this recipe for this Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup way, way back when the BHK was just a baby.
Back then, most of you probably never even heard of The Beach House Kitchen. I think my biggest fans were Tom, our boys, my sisters and a few close friends.
When I’m looking for an easy peasy soup recipe that’s loaded with flavor, this is no doubt the first soup that comes to mind. I mean who doesn’t enjoy Mexican food, right? So I always know it’ll be a winner with friends and family.
Another reason it’s a favorite is because it’s healthy. I mean just glance at the ingredient list. White meat chicken, tomatoes, corn, beans, onions, red pepper, a smidge of shredded cheese AND it’s not thickened with any milk or cream, just corn tortillas.
And it’s topped with some homemade crunchy tortilla strips that take minutes to make for an added little bonus.
I call that winning at dinner folks, don’t you?
This is one soup that’s hearty enough to enjoy as your main dish too. Enjoy!
Hope you can pop back to the blog this Thursday folks. I’ll be sharing a Cheddar Bacon Jalapeño Muffin that’s the perfect complement to a bowl of this delicious soup!
A Few Cook’s Notes for Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup
This soup is delicious with the chicken and without. To make it extra easy, I opt for store-bought shredded rotisserie chicken.
I use canned corn for this recipe during the winter season and fresh corn schucked right off the cob during the summer.
I like to use Monterey Jack cheese, but to keep the recipe even healthier you can just omit the cheese. I have also used cheddar cheese for this recipe.
The crunchy tortilla strip are optional, but highly encouraged. They take minutes to make and you’ll probably have extra in the package.
Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 cup red onion, chopped
- 3/4 cup red pepper, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 5 1/2-inch corn tortillas, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 15-oz. can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 15-oz. can corn, drained
- 1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 3/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded, plus extra for sprinkling
- tortilla strips, for garnish
- salt and pepper, to taste
Crunchy Tortilla Strips Garnish
- 3 corn tortillas, cut into 2-inch thin strips
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
Instructions
- Heat oil in large saute pan over medium high heat. Add the onions, peppers and garlic. Saute 5 minutes. Stir in tortilla pieces and continue to cook for 3 minutes or until tortillas are softened. Add tomatoes, chicken stock, chili powder, cumin, cayenne and salt. Bring to a boil. Remove from the heat. Let cool for 5 minutes, then puree SMALL portions at a time in a blender until smooth. DO NOT overfill the blender or you'll be sprayed with hot soup. Return pureed soup to the pot.
- Add the chicken, corn and the black beans. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 5-10 minutes until thickened. Lower heat and add in shredded cheese. Stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with extra cheese and tortilla strips.
Crunchy Tortilla Strips Garnish
- To make the tortilla strips spray a baking sheet with no-stick cooking spray. Lay the tortilla strips onto the sheet in a single layer. Combine chili powder and salt. Lightly spray tortilla pieces with no-stick cooking spray. Lightly sprinkle tortilla pieces with salt mixture. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned.
This sure looks delicious and just what I need on these chilly fall days. I’ve made tortilla soup before, but I’ve never added corn tortilla pieces to the soup as a thickener. Will be trying your recipe soon and I can’t wait!
It’s so good Kathy! A family and friend favorite here!
Chicken tortilla soup is one of my faves and yours looks delicious, Mary Ann! Glad you reminded us of this one ;) This time of year I’m craving all the comfort food so this is right up my alley! I wanna jump in that pop of deliciousness! Pinned :) Happy Monday!
Hope you give it a try Dawn! You’d love it!
Looks absolutely perfect and I can never have enough easy soup recipes. It’s a long winter here :)
Add this one to your list Jennifer and you won’t be disappointed!
Tortilla soup is one of my favorites, especially when the weather is chilly. I’m adding this to my must try list! It looks wonderful!
Yay! Hope you enjoy it Kelsie!
I absolutely call this soup winning at dinner!! I’m thrilled you decided to update this, because I’m always looking for a new healthy, delicious soup to add to the rotation!! This looks just fabulous, Mare!!! Most definitely making this soon!! Pinned!
Back then I’m not quite sure any saw it Chey! Needed to bring it back!
Mary Ann, this soup is totally up my alley! I absolutely love how cozy, inviting and delicious it looks!! I would load it up with extra crispy tortillas on top! YUM!
Hope you give it a try Haylie!
Delicious!
I love the sound of this – warming, comfort food – always a good idea!
Very worthy of a reshare!
Thanks Alex!
Definitely worth a reshare, this is the type of soup I love to eat. Great ingredients, and a bit of heat and crunch. Pinned for later!
It’s always my go-to when I’ve got company coming. It’s a hit every time!
I love this recipe, Mary Ann! It’s perfect in every way – from all the veggies, to the tortilla thickeners, and there’s nothing better (or more economical TBH) than a rotisserie chicken, shredded into something super delish! I’m a big fan of this rrecipe! I may not be able to wait for those delicious sounding muffins, though. It may be on my tomorrow for dinner table!
Hope you give it a try Laura and enjoy it as much as we do!
Loaded, spicy and full of flavour. What’s not to love about this soup!? I’ll take two big bowls please!!
You got it Katherine!
I’m so glad you re-shared this one, Mary Ann! We love chicken tortilla soup and yours looks perfect!!
I had to Marissa! It’s too good not to!
One of my all-time favorites! Thanks for re-sharing! This is going on the menu pronto!!
Woohoo! Hope you enjoy it Annie!
I love that you thickened this soup with the tortillas instead of milk or cream! Brilliant! Can’t wait to try this one!
You’re going to love it Leanne!
What a great soup for the cooler weather, full of flavors and so much more! Delicious!
So flavorful Kevin. It’s a house favorite here!
LOVE this recipe . . . thank you so MUCH! It’s my Super Bowl favorite and I’m making it again today February 13, 2022! Rams vrs Bengals in LA, which is where I live!!!!
Hi Phyllis! I’m soooo happy you enjoy this recipe! So easy, isn’t it? Enjoy the game!
Years ago I would treat myself to tortilla soup at Nordstrom’s in Vancouver, Wa. Before I moved to New England I asked for and received almost this exact recipe from the Mexican woman who cooked it for Nordstrom. Using corn tortillas as a base is brilliant. The aroma and flavor are amazing.
It is such a great way to thicken the soup Elaine. I learned this trick a long time ago. Enjoy!