If you’re looking for a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that comes together quickly, Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup is the perfect solution. This hearty Tex-Mex inspired soup combines tender shredded chicken, crushed tomatoes, black beans, corn, smoky spices, and a touch of cream for a rich and satisfying bowl. It’s bold, cozy, and incredibly simple to make—even for beginners.
Whether you need a fast weeknight meal, a crowd-pleasing family dinner, or a cozy soup for cooler weather, this creamy chicken tortilla soup delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make it perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup
This isn’t just any soup—it’s a one-pot wonder that’s:
- Ready in under 40 minutes
- Packed with Tex-Mex flavors
- Creamy without being too heavy
- High in protein and fiber
- Perfect for meal prep
- Customizable with toppings
It’s the kind of recipe that tastes like it simmered all day—but comes together in less than an hour.
Ingredients for Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Here’s everything you need to make this creamy tortilla soup recipe:
Soup Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 can (12 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (14 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup heavy cream or whipping cream
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Crispy tortilla strips
- Diced avocado
- Sour cream
- Tex-Mex style shredded cheese
Each ingredient plays a key role in building flavor, texture, and heartiness.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup
This one-pot recipe is beginner-friendly and easy to follow.
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add chopped yellow onion and cook for about 4–5 minutes until softened and translucent.
This step builds the flavor foundation.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in:
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 10 oz Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
- 1 cup chicken broth
Stir to combine.
The Rotel adds mild heat and authentic Tex-Mex flavor.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
Stir in:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tbsp chili powder
Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes so the spices bloom and deepen in flavor.
Tip: Toasting spices in liquid enhances their aroma and richness.
Step 4: Add Beans and Corn
Stir in:
- Drained corn
- Rinsed black beans
Simmer another 5 minutes.
These ingredients add texture, fiber, and heartiness.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Cream
Reduce heat slightly and stir in:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup heavy cream
Simmer gently for 5–10 minutes.
Important: Do not boil once the cream is added—keep it at a gentle simmer to prevent curdling.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
Ladle into bowls and top with:
- Tortilla strips
- Avocado
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Chicken Tortilla Soup
Want restaurant-quality results? Follow these tips:
1. Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience
Store-bought rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
2. Adjust Spice Level
For more heat:
- Add cayenne pepper
- Include jalapeños
- Use spicy Rotel
For less heat:
- Use plain diced tomatoes
- Reduce chili powder
3. Make It Thicker
If you prefer thicker soup:
- Simmer uncovered longer
- Blend 1 cup of soup and return it to the pot
- Add a small cornstarch slurry
4. Don’t Skip the Toppings
Toppings add contrast:
- Crunch from tortilla strips
- Creaminess from avocado
- Tang from sour cream
- Melted richness from cheese
They elevate the entire dish.
Variations of Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup
This recipe is easy to customize.
Make It Dairy-Free
- Skip heavy cream
- Add coconut milk instead
- Or leave it broth-based
Make It Slow Cooker-Friendly
Add all ingredients except cream and chicken to the slow cooker.
Cook:
- 6–7 hours on low
- 3–4 hours on high
Add chicken and cream in the final 30 minutes.
Make It Instant Pot
- Sauté onions using sauté function
- Add remaining ingredients except cream
- Pressure cook 8 minutes
- Stir in cream at the end
What to Serve with Chicken Tortilla Soup
Pair this creamy Tex-Mex soup with:
- Cornbread
- Quesadillas
- Mexican rice
- Simple green salad
- Garlic bread
It also stands perfectly on its own as a complete meal.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Freezer
For best results:
- Freeze before adding cream
- Add cream when reheating
Freeze up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat over low heat.
Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Nutritional Benefits
This easy chicken tortilla soup offers:
- Lean protein from chicken
- Fiber from black beans
- Vitamins from tomatoes
- Healthy fats from avocado (if added)
It’s balanced, filling, and nourishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you make easy chicken tortilla soup creamy?
To make it creamy, stir in heavy cream or whipping cream after simmering the soup base. Keep the heat low to prevent curdling.
2. Can I make chicken tortilla soup without cream?
Yes! For a broth-based version:
- Omit the cream
- Add extra chicken broth
- Or blend part of the soup for natural thickness
3. What is the best chicken to use for tortilla soup?
The best options are:
- Rotisserie chicken
- Leftover roasted chicken
- Poached chicken breast
- Slow-cooked shredded chicken
Any cooked chicken works well.
4. How do I thicken chicken tortilla soup?
To thicken:
- Simmer uncovered longer
- Blend a portion of the soup
- Add a cornstarch slurry
- Mash some beans
Each method creates a richer texture.
5. Is chicken tortilla soup spicy?
It can be mildly spicy due to Rotel and chili powder. Adjust heat by choosing mild or hot diced tomatoes and controlling seasoning levels.
6. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as flavors deepen. Just store properly and reheat gently.
Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families
Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup is perfect for:
- Weeknight dinners
- Meal prep lunches
- Potluck gatherings
- Cozy fall or winter meals
- Game day food
It’s affordable, filling, and easy to double for larger groups.
Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Comfort Soup
This Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup is everything you want in a cozy meal—rich, creamy, slightly smoky, and bursting with Tex-Mex flavor. It’s beginner-friendly, made in one pot, and endlessly customizable.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something warm and comforting, this recipe delivers every time.
Now it’s your turn!
– Grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and make this easy chicken tortilla soup tonight.
If you loved this recipe, save it, share it, and come back for more delicious comfort food inspiration!
