Easy 20-Minute Chicken Tortilla Soup: A Flavorful Weeknight Favorite

Craving a warm, hearty, and incredibly flavorful meal that comes together in a flash? Look no further than this **Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe**! In just 20 minutes, you can create a culinary masterpiece bursting with tender shredded chicken, robust beans, sweet fire-roasted corn, and a rich, smoky broth. Topped with melty Cheddar cheese and crunchy tortilla strips, this soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a comforting experience, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend lunch.

From the Author’s Kitchen

Why We Love This Soup (and What to Dunk!)

It’s no secret that my family, including myself, has a profound love for soups. Throughout the years, I’ve shared countless soup recipes, and as soon as the weather turns chilly, a steaming bowl of soup becomes my ultimate comfort food. My children are equally enthusiastic; they adore soup, especially when there’s something delicious to dunk into it. Sometimes, it’s a quick no-knead bread I prepare from scratch, while on busier evenings, store-bought rolls save the day.

However, with this particular Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe, we embrace a different kind of dipping pleasure. The kids are thrilled with **tortilla chips** for scooping up every last bit of the rich broth, and my husband and I prefer a generous sprinkle of crispy **tortilla strips** on top. This meal is consistently a massive hit in our home, and honestly, my entire family is absolutely obsessed with this recipe. It’s not just the flavor that makes it a winner, but also how incredibly quick it is to prepare, making it perfect for those hectic nights when a more elaborate soup simply isn’t an option.

This recipe truly embodies convenience without compromising on taste, delivering a vibrant and satisfying meal every single time. It’s truly a celebration of warm, hearty flavors that bring everyone to the table.

Essential Ingredients for Your Chicken Tortilla Soup

Creating an exceptional chicken tortilla soup begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so irresistible. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips for each:

Why This Chicken Tortilla Soup Will Become Your Go-To Recipe

Beyond its incredibly fast preparation time, this Chicken Tortilla Soup offers a multitude of benefits that make it an ideal choice for any meal. It’s a remarkably versatile dish, easily adaptable to various dietary preferences or what you have on hand. The combination of chicken, beans, and vegetables makes it a wholesome and filling option, while the vibrant spices awaken your palate. It’s also a fantastic way to utilize leftover cooked chicken, transforming it into something fresh and exciting. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for delicious meal prep options, this soup delivers on taste, convenience, and nourishment.

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Rated 4.91 out of 5 stars by 31 votes.

Quick & Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

By
Chelsea Lords

This Chicken Tortilla Soup comes together in a remarkable 20 minutes! It’s packed with succulent chicken, hearty beans, fire-roasted corn, and creamy melted cheese, finished with crisp tortilla strips for a truly quick and satisfying meal.

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Total Time:

20 minutes

Servings:

6 servings

Equipment

• Large pot (5.5-quart or larger; cast iron will heat quicker and retain heat better)
• Whisk

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3/4 cup diced yellow onion (optional—see note 1 for time-saving tips)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (jarred is perfectly fine)
• 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce (mild works best for broader appeal, e.g., Old El Paso)
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with green chiles added, undrained)
• 1 (16-ounce) can chili beans in mild sauce (do not drain)
• 1 (15.25-ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed thoroughly)
• 1-1/2 cups frozen corn (fire-roasted corn is highly recommended for extra flavor)
• 3-1/4 cups chicken stock (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
• 3/4 teaspoon paprika
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (full-fat, softened to room temperature for smooth blending)
• 1 (8-ounce) package sharp Cheddar cheese (freshly shredded from a block is best, see note 2)
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken is a convenient option, see note 3)
• Toppings as desired (see note 4 for suggestions)

Step-by-Step Instructions

• In a large, heavy-bottomed pot (like a Dutch oven) over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes translucent, releasing its sweet aroma.
• Increase the heat to high. Introduce the minced garlic, red enchilada sauce, undrained fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained chili beans, drained and rinsed black beans, frozen corn, and chicken stock to the pot. As the mixture begins to simmer and come to a boil, stir in the paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the spices and flavors.
• While the soup heats, microwave the softened cream cheese for about 1 minute until it is very soft and pliable. Once the soup reaches a rolling boil, vigorously whisk in the softened cream cheese until it is completely smooth and fully incorporated into the broth, creating a creamy texture. Remove the pot from the heat and switch to a sturdy wooden spoon. Add the shredded Cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, stirring continuously until each addition is fully melted and smooth. Finally, stir in the shredded cooked chicken until it is heated through.
• Ladle the hot and creamy soup into individual bowls. Garnish generously with your favorite toppings such as crispy tortilla strips, a dollop of sour cream, slices of fresh avocado, a squeeze of lime juice, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Notes & Expert Tips

Note 1: Quick Prep for Aromatics: To significantly reduce prep time, consider using pre-diced fresh onion from the produce section, frozen chopped onion, or jarred minced garlic. These convenient options integrate seamlessly into the recipe. If you or your family members are not fond of onion, it can be omitted entirely without dramatically impacting the overall flavor profile, though it does add a foundational sweetness.

Note 2: The Best Cheese for Melting: For the smoothest, creamiest, and most consistent melt, always shred cheese from a block yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents like cellulose, which can prevent them from melting as evenly and can sometimes give the soup a slightly grainy texture. Freshly shredded cheese will integrate beautifully into the hot soup, creating that irresistible gooey goodness.

Note 3: Chicken Options: Using pre-shredded rotisserie chicken is the absolute quickest and easiest option for this recipe, adding immediate flavor and tender texture. Alternatively, any leftover cooked chicken (baked, boiled, or grilled) can be shredded and used. If you’re starting with raw chicken, simply boil or bake two chicken breasts until cooked through, then shred them before adding to the soup.

Note 4: Customizable Toppings: The beauty of chicken tortilla soup lies in its customizable toppings! Feel free to add whatever your heart desires. Popular choices include: extra shredded Cheddar, crispy tortilla strips or crumbled tortilla chips, a cooling dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, creamy avocado slices or a spoonful of guacamole, fresh lime wedges for a zesty squeeze, a vibrant pico de gallo, and fresh cilantro for an herbaceous finish. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite combination!

Storage & Freezing: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop; avoid boiling to prevent the dairy from curdling. For longer preservation, cool the soup completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stove.

Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)

Serving: 1serving |
Calories: 634kcal |
Carbohydrates: 48g |
Protein: 51g |
Fat: 28g |
Saturated Fat: 12g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 8g |
Cholesterol: 134mg |
Sodium: 1748mg |
Potassium: 875mg |
Fiber: 12g |
Sugar: 10g |
Vitamin A: 1392IU |
Vitamin C: 7mg |
Calcium: 429mg |
Iron: 6mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

Enjoyed this recipe? Leave a comment below!

Chicken Tortilla Soup FAQs

Ultimate Toppings for Your Chicken Tortilla Soup

No bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup is complete without a vibrant array of toppings! These additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also add layers of flavor and texture, making each spoonful an exciting experience. Here are some of our favorite recommendations:

1. Crispy Tortilla Chips or Strips: Essential for that signature crunch! You can crumble chips directly into the soup for a textural contrast or serve them on the side for dipping. Homemade baked tortilla strips (see quick tip above) are also a fantastic option.
2. Creamy Avocado Slices or Fresh Guacamole: The rich, buttery texture of avocado provides a wonderful counterpoint to the warm, spicy broth, adding a luxurious creaminess and a touch of healthy fat.
3. Cool Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt (for a healthier twist) helps to cool down any heat and adds a tangy creaminess that beautifully balances the robust flavors of the soup.
4. Fresh Lime Wedges, Cilantro, and/or Green Onions: These fresh garnishes are non-negotiable for an authentic Mexican soup experience. A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the entire dish, while chopped fresh cilantro and thinly sliced green onions add a burst of herbaceous freshness and a mild oniony bite.
5. Extra Shredded Cheese: For cheese lovers, an additional sprinkle of freshly shredded Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend adds even more gooey, savory goodness as it melts into the hot soup.

Perfect Pairings: What To Serve On The Side

While Chicken Tortilla Soup is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with a complementary side dish can elevate your dining experience. Here are some excellent choices that round out this delicious Mexican-inspired meal:

1. Flavorful Mexican Rice: A classic and hearty side dish that perfectly complements the soup’s flavors. Its fluffy texture and savory seasoning make it an ideal accompaniment.
2. Warm Cornbread or Fluffy Drop Biscuits: A warm, tender slice of cornbread or a light, airy drop biscuit is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich soup broth, adding a comforting and satisfying element to your meal.
3. Refreshing Mexican Salad: For a lighter and fresher contrast, serve your soup alongside a crisp Mexican salad. A vibrant salad tossed with the best creamy cilantro-lime dressing provides a refreshing balance to the warm, hearty soup.
4. Black Bean & Corn Salsa: A simple salsa made with black beans, corn, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice offers a fresh, tangy, and crunchy side that mirrors some of the soup’s flavors.

This easy 20-minute Chicken Tortilla Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a versatile, comforting, and incredibly flavorful meal solution for any busy cook. Enjoy creating this family favorite!