Chicken Tortilla Soup

Name: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3/4 cup diced yellow onion, (optional -- See Note 1); 1 teaspoon minced (jarred) garlic; 1 can (10 oz.) red enchilada sauce ((we use mild Old El Paso)); 1 can (14.5 oz.) fire-roasted diced tomatoes with green chiles added in, (undrained); 1 can (16 oz.) chili beans in mild sauce; 1 can (15.25 oz.) black beans, (drained and rinsed); 1-1/2 cups frozen corn ((or 1 can drained corn)); 3 and 1/4 cups chicken stock (or broth) (Note 2); 3/4 teaspoon each: paprika, ground cumin; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons chili powder; Fine sea salt and pepper; 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese, (softened); 1 package (8 oz.) sharp Cheddar cheese, (freshly grated -- Note 3); 2 cups pre-shredded rotisserie chicken (Note 4); Toppings of choice: tortilla strips, sour cream, avocado, fresh lime, pico de gallo, and fresh cilantro (Note 5)

Chicken Tortilla Soup is simple, delicious, and ready in 20 minutes. It has black beans, chicken, crispy corn, cheese, and crunchy tortilla strips—perfect for a quick weeknight meal!

Try some of our other favorite soups with similar flavor profiles like this Salsa Verde Chicken Soup, Crockpot White Chicken Chili, or Chicken Taco Chili.

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients
How To Make Chicken Tortilla Soup
What To Serve With Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup FAQs
More Quick and Easy Soup Recipes
Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Believe it or not, this soup is ready in just 20 minutes without compromising flavor. It’s not just a quick fix; it’s a rich, flavor-packed meal you’d be proud to share. Even as someone who often spends hours cooking, there are times we crave a speedy yet wholesome dish, like during flu season, which inspired this soup. It’s a cheesier twist on my site’s popular Chicken Chili and Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup, using rotisserie chicken and altered spices, delivering a homemade feel in a fraction of the time.

Process shots-- images of the onion, garlic, enchilada sauce, tomatoes, corn, chili beans, and black beans being added to a pot

Ingredients

Olive Oil: Used to sauté the onion and garlic, providing a base flavor.
Diced Yellow Onion & Minced Garlic: These add aromatic depth to the soup.
Red Enchilada Sauce & Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes: These contribute a spicy, tangy base to the soup, enhancing its character.
Chili Beans, Black Beans & Corn: Add texture and heartiness to the soup, making it more filling.
Chicken Stock: This is the liquid base of the soup that brings all the flavors together.
Paprika, Ground Cumin, & Chili Powder: These seasonings give the soup its signature Mexican flavor profile.
Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess to the soup and balances the spicy ingredients.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Gives the soup a cheesy flavor and makes it richer.
Rotisserie Chicken: Adds protein and makes the soup hearty.

Shortcuts

Still skeptical about 20-minutes? Let’s break it down!

Pre-chopped Produce: Use store-bought pre-diced onions or frozen diced onions along with jarred minced garlic to eliminate chopping.
Rotisserie Chicken: Opt for pre-shredded rotisserie chicken or prep and shred chicken in advance for quick addition.
Chicken Stock: Use quality chicken stock, like Swanson’s®, to enhance flavor and reduce added seasonings. Chicken broth is an alternative but might require extra salt. Read more about chicken stock vs. chicken broth here.

Process shots of Chicken Tortilla Soup-- Images of chicken stock, seasonings, and cream cheese being added and cooked together

How To Make Chicken Tortilla Soup

Sauté: In heated olive oil, sauté diced onion. As it cooks, open cans and rinse black beans. Then, sauté garlic briefly.
Add Ingredients: Pour in enchilada sauce, beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and chicken stock directly from their cans.
Heat: Bring the soup to a boil, adding seasonings as it heats. Meanwhile, melt cream cheese and grate the other cheese.
Finish: Whisk the melted cream cheese into the boiling soup. Remove from heat, stir in the grated cheese until melted, add rotisserie chicken, and serve!

Process shots-- images of the cheese and chicken being added to the pot and mixed together

What To Serve With Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some suggestions:

Tortilla Chips: These can be crumbled on top or served on the side for added crunch.
Avocado Slices or Guacamole: Adds creaminess and a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
Sour Cream: Provides a creamy tanginess that complements the spiciness of the soup.
Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime enhances the soup’s flavors.
Fresh Cilantro: Can be sprinkled on top for a burst of fresh flavor.
Black Bean Quesadillas or Bean Tostadas: Perfect for dipping into the soup.
Italian Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
Spanish or Mexican Rice Recipe: Served on the side or even added to the soup for added heartiness.
Cornbread or Drop Biscuits: A warm side to dip into the soup.
Pinto Beans: Can be served on the side for additional protein and flavor.

Quick Tip

To make your own baked tortilla strips: Slice 2-3 stacked tortillas into 1/2-inch strips. Place on a parchment-lined sheet, toss with oil, salt, and pepper. Bake until golden, turning once, about 7-10 minutes.