Chicken Tortilla Soup (Cozy, Flavorful & Easy Weeknight Recipe!)

If you love bold, cozy Mexican-inspired flavors, this Chicken Tortilla Soup is the perfect comforting weeknight meal. It’s loaded with tender shredded chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, sweet corn, smoky spices, and black beans — all simmered in a rich, zesty broth that warms you from the inside out.

This soup also pairs beautifully with many of your other Mexican favorites. Try serving it alongside Authentic Mexican Enchiladas or spice things up with a side of Guacamole Dip for a fun appetizer twist. If you want to round out the meal, pair it with Mexican Rice or add a creamy element like White Queso Dip.

For busy nights, keep things extra simple with Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken, or enjoy it with a lighter dish like Cajun Shrimp Lettuce Wraps.

Why You’ll Love This

• Cozy, flavorful soup with tender chicken and warm spices

• Hearty and satisfying with classic tortilla soup flavor

• Easy one-pot meal made with simple ingredients

• Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or chilly evenings

Recipe Card

Servings: 6 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

Soup Base

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 jalapeño, seeded & minced (optional for heat)

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp oregano

• ½ tsp salt (more to taste)

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (or diced tomatoes with green chiles)

• 6 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup frozen or canned corn

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained & rinsed

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)

• Juice of 1 lime

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Tortilla Strips (optional but delicious!)

• 6 small corn tortillas, sliced into thin strips

• 1–2 tbsp oil

• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Make the Tortilla Strips (Optional)

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).

2. Toss tortilla strips with oil and salt.

3. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, stirring halfway, until crispy and golden.

2. Cook the Soup

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add onion, jalapeño, and bell pepper. Sauté 4–5 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add diced tomatoes, Rotel, chicken broth, corn, black beans, and shredded chicken.

5. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat, and cook 20 minutes to blend flavors.

6. Stir in lime juice and cilantro.

Toppings (Highly Recommended!)

• Crispy tortilla strips

• Avocado slices

• Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack

• Sour cream

• Extra cilantro

• Lime wedges

• Jalapeño slices

FAQ

1. Can I make this soup in the slow cooker?

Yes! Add everything except the lime and cilantro to the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Stir in lime and cilantro right before serving.

2. What’s the best chicken to use?

Rotisserie chicken is fast, tender, and perfect for this recipe. You can also use leftover baked chicken or shredded chicken thighs for extra richness.

3. Can I make it creamy?

Yes — stir in ½ cup heavy cream, ½ cup sour cream, or 4 oz softened cream cheese at the end of cooking for a creamy variation.

4. Can I freeze Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Absolutely! This soup freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months. Freeze it without the tortilla strips and add fresh toppings when serving.

5. How can I make it spicier?

Add extra jalapeño, a pinch of cayenne, chipotle peppers in adobo, or use hot Rotel for more kick.

6. Can I substitute beans or leave them out?

Yes — black beans are traditional, but pinto beans work great too. You can omit them entirely for a lighter soup.

Conclusion

This Chicken Tortilla Soup is everything we love about cozy, homemade Mexican comfort food — warm, hearty, full of zesty flavor, and topped with all your favorite fixings. Whether you pair it with Authentic Mexican Tamales, serve it alongside Authentic Street Tacos, or enjoy it on its own with plenty of toppings, it’s a satisfying meal that delivers every time. Perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or anytime you're craving something truly comforting and full of flavor.