The BEST Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (2024)

This Chicken Tortilla Soupis hearty and delicious.My recipe is a quick and easy family favorite! Slow cooker, Instant Pot, and stovetop instructions included.

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a tasty soup that makes a satisfying and spicy meal my family loves! It is filled with chicken, beans, and corn in my homemade enchilada sauce and topped with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and fresh cilantro. And it couldn’t be easier or more versatile with the three cooking methods given.

The BEST Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (1)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make by any of three methods – Pick the method you wish for the time you have to cook, and know the soup will be delicious whichever method you use!

Easy to make – So simple to make with simple and delicious ingredients. There’s no need to pre-cook the chicken; cook it with the rest of the soup ingredients. The blender enchilada sauce is ready in about 5 minutes, and the soup is a snap to make!

Loaded with flavor – This is a tasty favorite: from the juicy chicken to the spicy enchilada sauce to the crispy tortilla strips and cool and creamy sour cream or avocado!

Table of Contents

  • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • Optional Toppings
  • How to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • Slow Cooker (Crock Pot) Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • Stovetop Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • Recipe Tips
  • How to Serve Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • Storage Tips
  • More Favorite Soup Recipes
  • Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, and Stove Top)
The BEST Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (2)

Ingredients

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

  • chicken – use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • blender enchilada sauce – you can also use my homemade enchilada saucerecipe or your favorite store-bought
  • crushed tomatoes
  • onion –diced
  • garlic– chopped
  • chicken stock or brothor store-bought
  • cumin and chili powder
  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • Srirachaor Favorite Hot Sauce– optional
  • whole kernel corn, frozen or fresh – optional – You can use canned corn (drained) if you prefer to use it. I’ve updated my recipe to include the corn and beans to make it even heartier! You’ll love this addition, too, but it is entirely optional.
  • black beans – optional – rinsed and drained

Optional Toppings

  • tortillas – Crisp these easily in your skillet and serve in strips
  • fresh cilantro– chopped
  • avocado – cut in slices just before serving so it does not turn brown
  • lime slices – these pair deliciously with the cilantro and avocado, so I love to add them sometimes for flavor. Give the lime slice a squeeze over the soup before you enjoy it!
  • sour cream
  • Monterey jack cheese – shredded

How to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup

This is one of the easiest slow cooker chicken recipes, fast to make in the Instant Pot and simple to make on your stovetop! Here is how to make with each of those cooking methods.

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Slow Cooker (Crock Pot) Chicken Tortilla Soup

To make it in the slow cooker, add all of theingredients to your 6-quart slow cooker and set the timer for 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low. Then, when ready to serve, shred your chicken using two forks, garnish, and serve!

Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

To make it in the Instant Pot, you add all of the ingredients to the Instant Pot and cook on the soup setting for 10 minutes. Then, use the natural release for 5 minutes, shredthe chicken, garnish,and serve.

Stovetop Chicken Tortilla Soup

You’ll use a 6 qt Dutch oven or large soup pot to cook on the stovetop. Cut your chicken into 3/4-inch pieces so that it will cook more quickly and set aside. Then, you cook your onions, garlic, and spices until the onions are tender, and then add the chicken and remaining ingredients. Cook until the chicken is tender and cooked through – about 30 minutes. Then garnish and serve.

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Recipe Tips

Make enchilada sauce ahead. My simple homemade enchilada sauce used in this recipe is made in the blender in a few minutes. But if you wish to have it ready, it keeps well in the refrigerator. We like to have it on hand for some of my tasty enchiladas or more of this favorite soup!

Slice avocados just before serving. This prevents them from browning.

Make the tortilla strips ahead. They take just a couple of minutes to fry, but they are perfect to make ahead. Great for snacking and other Mexican recipes, or even a salad! Make them and give them a good sprinkle of salt, let them cool completely, and seal them in an airtight container for a few days.

Adjust spice to suit your tastes. You can add more of your favorite hot sauce or some of your favorite peppers, such as sliced jalapenos.

Use leftover or rotisserie chicken. If you have leftover or rotisserie chicken, shred it and toss it in if you’re in a hurry to get dinner on the table!

Make the soup ahead. The flavors and spices taste even better after spending time together in this soup. Make it, let it cool completely, place it in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat, garnish, and serve

How to Serve Chicken Tortilla Soup

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  1. Top with tortilla strips. First, add a small bit of butter or olive oil to a medium skillet set over medium heat. Then, place a tortilla in the skillet and toast until lightly crisp; flip and repeat. Cut tortillas into strips or serve crumbled on top of each bowl.
  2. Garnish. Choose your favorite optional toppings and enjoy! I like to serve the garnishes in a buffet style so everyone can top their soup.
  3. Serve with extra tortilla strips and extra toppings. It is great with chips and salsa, guacamole and queso. Enjoy!

Storage Tips

To store. Allow the soup to cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To freeze. Place completely cooled soup without the garnishes in airtight, freezer-safe containers. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to serve.

To serve. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add optional garnishes and serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called chicken tortilla soup?

It’s a much-loved Mexican soup topped generously with crispy tortillas and serves as a simple comfort food.

What are some sides to serve with chicken tortilla soup?

It’s a filling and satisfying soup to serve as a meal, but you can serve it with more tortillas or tortilla chips, salsa, queso, guacamole, or pico de Gallo.

Looking for more delicious and spicy dinner ideas? You’ll love my Chicken Enchiladas, Steak Fajitas, and Cilantro Lime Rice!

More Favorite Soup Recipes

Vegetable Soup

Classic Chili

Zuppa Toscana

Grandmother’s Potato Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup

If you tried thisChicken Tortilla Soup Recipeor any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟star ratingand let me know how it went in thecommentsbelow. Thanks for visiting!

The BEST Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (10)

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Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, and Stove Top)

Robyn Stone

5 from 17 votes

This Chicken Tortilla Soupis hearty and delicious.Slow cooker, Instant Pot, and stovetop instructions for a quick and easy family favorite!

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 1/2 cups homemade enchilada sauce , or 1 (10-ounce) can, store-bought
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 cups chicken stock or broth, or store-bought
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha, optional
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen whole kernel corn , optional
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans , optional, rinsed and drained

Garnish (optional)

  • tortillas
  • cilantro, chopped
  • avocado
  • sour cream
  • monterey jack cheese, shredded
  • lime slices

Instructions

Slow Cooker (Crock Pot) Instructions: (4 hours)

  • Place chicken on the bottom of slow cooker insert. Pour enchilada sauce and crushed tomatoes over the chicken. Add remaining ingredients, except garnish ingredients, and stir together with a spoon. Cover the slow cooker insert and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, depending on your slow cooker.

  • When slow cooker has finished cooking, shred chicken with two forks while still inside the slow cooker insert and serve with optional toppings.

  • Add tortillas to a medium skillet set over medium heat and toast until lightly crisp. Cut tortillas into strips or serve crumbled on top of each bowl of soup along with other toppings, as desired.

Instant Pot Instructions: (15 minutes)

  • Add chicken, enchilada sauce, tomatoes, onion, garlic, chicken stock, spices, black beans, and corn to the instant pot. Seal the lid and select the soup setting. Set the timer for 10 minutes. Then, when cooking has completed, use the natural release for 5 minutes. Test for doneness by pricking chicken with a sharp knife for the juices to run clear. Shred the chicken using two forks and stir the soup to combine well.

  • Add tortillas to a medium skillet set over medium heat and toast until lightly crisp. Cut tortillas into strips or serve crumbled on top of each bowl of soup along with other toppings, as desired.

Stovetop Instructions: (30 minutes)

  • Cut the chicken into 3/4-inch pieces and set aside. Add the onion, garlic, and spices to a 6-quart Dutch oven or heavy stockpot set over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently until the onion is tender and the spices are fragrant, about 3 minutes. Stir in the chicken, enchilada sauce, crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, and the corn. Cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 30 minutes.

  • Add tortillas to a medium skillet set over medium heat and toast until lightly crisp. Cut tortillas into strips or serve crumbled on top of each bowl of soup along with other toppings, as desired.

Notes

Enchilada Sauce
I love to use my easy, less than 5-minute, gluten-free blender enchilada sauce recipe. You can also use my homemade enchilada sauce that is cooked on the stovetop if you prefer. Both are delicious!

Storage and Freezer Instructions

To store. Allow the soup to cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To freeze. Place completely cooled soup without the garnishes in airtight, freezer-safe containers. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to serve.

To serve. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add optional garnishes and serve.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 106kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 401mg | Potassium: 349mg | Vitamin A: 100IU | Vitamin C: 2.7mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 0.6mg

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

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Enjoy!
Robyn xo

From Add a Pinch recipe archives, originally published October 2012.

Categorized as:All Recipes, By Cooking Style, Camping, Chicken Recipes, Cooking, Dinner Recipes, Game Day Recipes, Halloween Recipes, Holiday and Occasion Recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Lunch, Make-ahead Recipes, Recipes, Slow Cooker Recipes, , Soup and Stew Recipes, Videos

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About Robyn

Robyn Stone is a cookbook author, wife, mom, and passionate home cook. Her tested and trusted recipes give readers the confidence to cook recipes the whole family will love. Robyn has been featured on Food Network, People, Southern Living, and more.

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The BEST Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why does my chicken tortilla soup taste bland? ›

Using too little seasoning

Reaching for something spicy without much distinct flavor, like cayenne, will result in a bland and spicy broth. Earthy spices like cumin and coriander are aromatic but not spicy. Chili powder is a blend that skews more flavorful than spicy, especially if you craft your own.

What does chicken tortilla soup contain? ›

Chicken tortilla soup is a Mexican-inspired soup that has a tomato and chicken broth base. It is spiced with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and has a little kick from the jalapeño. It also has hearty ingredients like beans, corn, and of course the shredded chicken.

What makes a bowl of soup more flavorful? ›

Vinegar – A spoonful of vinegar is a quick fix when you find yourself with a bowl of dull, flat-tasting soup. Just a small amount of acid will brighten up the flavors. 2. Soy Sauce – Soy sauce is another item that's ideal for brightening up and adding depth of flavor to an otherwise dull soup.

How to make soup more delicious? ›

7 Easy Ways to Make Any Soup Better
  1. Brown or Sear the Meat.
  2. Roast the the Veggies.
  3. Mix up the Texture.
  4. Use Homemade Stock Whenever Possible.
  5. Put Your Cheese Rinds to Work.
  6. Perk up a Bland Soup With Simple Pantry Staples.
  7. Add Fresh Herbs or Dairy When Serving.
  8. Recipes Pictured.

How do you fix tasteless chicken soup? ›

Try adding some acidity. A splash of lemon juice or a tablespoon of white wine vinegar can brighten the flavors of the soup.

How do you add depth of flavor to chicken soup? ›

A splash of vinegar or wine can add depth and complexity to the flavors of your chicken noodle soup. Try adding a small amount of apple cider vinegar or a dry white wine for a delightful tangy note.

What goes good with chicken tortilla soup? ›

Chicken and tortilla soup goes well with corn tortillas, a simple side salad made from lettuce tomatoes and avocadoes. This soup is hearty enough to be a meal. If you are looking for a drink to match perhaps a glass of tamarind juice. Perhaps you can add a glass of California's sauvignon blanc to the experience.

What to eat on the side of chicken tortilla soup? ›

You can enjoy tortilla soup with many things, like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Mexican rice, chips with guacamole, roasted corn, black beans, and Mexican cornbread are also good choices.

How do you thicken tortilla soup? ›

Yes, you can use flour to thicken chicken tortilla soup. To do so, create a slurry by combining equal parts flour and cold water. Whisk the slurry into the soup gradually, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes until the desired thickness is achieved.

What not to put in soup? ›

The Worst Things to Put in Your Soup
  1. By Sara Butler. If there's one good thing about fall and winter, it's soup. ...
  2. Heavy Cream. Heavy cream creates an inviting texture for soups but that's where its positive contributions end. ...
  3. Juice. ...
  4. Turkey Bacon. ...
  5. Cheese. ...
  6. Croutons.

What is the most important ingredient in soup? ›

For clear, brothy soups, stock is your most important ingredient. If you want to make a good soup, you need to use an excellently flavored stock — otherwise, the entire pot could be tasteless.

What is the secret to soup? ›

7 Tips for Successful Soup Making
  • Use a Sturdy Pot. It is worth investing in a heavy pot with a thick bottom to use for making soup. ...
  • Sauté the Aromatics. ...
  • Start with Good Broth. ...
  • Cut Vegetables to the Right Size. ...
  • Stagger the Addition of Vegetables. ...
  • Keep Liquid at a Simmer. ...
  • Season Just Before Serving.
Oct 9, 2022

What can I add to my chicken soup to give it flavor? ›

If you're going for a classic chicken noodle vibe, an onion or two (skin-on for extra rich color), a few coarsely chopped carrots, a couple celery stalks (also coarsely chopped), and a bisected head of garlic will do the trick, especially if you include a tablespoon of peppercorns and few sprigs of dill.

Can you put Worcestershire sauce in soup? ›

Soups and Chilis

Worcestershire sauce in soup? Trust me on this one. Just a little goes a long way; it helps cut through the richness in chilis and thick soups.

Why do you put lemon juice in chicken soup? ›

use a bit of lemon juice in mine to brighten up the. flavor, and it adds such a welcome element.

How do I fix bland tasting soup? ›

Foods that have a great deal of acidity, like lemon juice, vinegar, white wine, and tomato puree, can help liven up the flavor of bland-tasting bone and other broths. "The acidity of these ingredients works to complement and enhance the broth's flavors, not mask it.

How do you fix bland taco soup? ›

Maybe experiment with a little enchilada sauce. Or mess with the seasoning. Maybe rather than a seasoning packet, use a mix of seasonings and adjust a bit depending on your taste. I use a mix of cilantro, cumin, onion, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Why does my soup taste flavorless? ›

If a soup is tasting bland in the bowl, consider adding acid rather than salt. A squeeze of lemon or lime, or a dash of yogurt or sour cream can add brightness to the bowl. Start with the basics. Ensure you've added enough salt and black pepper.

Why does my chicken broth taste bland? ›

If your broth tastes thin and bland, you may want to cook and let it evaporate for longer. That helps concentrate its flavors and gives you a better-tasting soup broth. Be sure to remove the lid to let the steam escape.

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