I created this quick chicken tortilla soup recipe on one of those chaotic weeknights when my kids were hangry, homework was piling up, and I’d forgotten to thaw anything for dinner. Rummaging through my pantry like a desperate treasure hunter, I spotted some canned tomatoes, beans, and chicken broth.
Twenty minutes later, we were all gathered around the table slurping up the most amazing tortilla soup. My 9-year-old Lily declared it “better than taco night,” which in our house is the ultimate compliment.
Since then, this 15 minute chicken tortilla soup has become our family’s SOS meal. I’ve made it for sick neighbors, rushed weeknights, and even served it at my sister’s casual birthday gathering where everyone asked for the recipe. Who knew my moment of kitchen panic would turn into our most-requested meal?
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Ready Before Netflix Loads
This authentic chicken tortilla soup takes just 15 minutes from start to finish. You can have it simmering while helping with homework or catching up on emails.
Pantry Hero
Most ingredients are shelf-stable staples. No last-minute grocery store runs needed! This soup rescues dinner when you think there’s “nothing to eat.”
Customizable For Everyone
Set up a toppings bar and let everyone create their perfect bowl. Creamy chicken tortilla soup for avocado lovers, spicy for the heat seekers, and mild for sensitive palates.
One-Pot Wonder
The entire soup cooks in a single pot. Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your evening. Who doesn’t love fewer dishes?
Secretly Nutritious
Packed with protein, fiber, and veggies, this healthy tortilla soup satisfies hunger while providing real nutrition. My kids devour it without realizing how good it is for them.
Freezer Friendly
Double the batch and freeze portions for future meals. Future-you will be so grateful for this easy tortilla soup recipe waiting in the freezer.
Budget Friendly
At less than $2 per serving, this best chicken tortilla soup stretches your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
Ingredients for the 15 Minute Chicken Tortilla Soup
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Diced avocado
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
Cooking Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Can opener
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Cooking Instructions for the 15 Minute Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Sauté The Aromatics
Heat olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Toss in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Build The Flavor Base
Add diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and cumin. Stir everything together and let it cook for 1 minute to wake up those spices and create a rich base.
Add Liquids And Simmer
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together. The kitchen will start smelling amazing!
Stir In Remaining Ingredients
Add shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and cayenne if using. Simmer for another 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through. The soup will start taking on its gorgeous color.
Finish With Fresh Elements
Turn off heat and stir in lime juice. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding salt and pepper as needed. The lime brightens all the flavors and ties everything together.
Serve And Garnish
Ladle soup into bowls and let everyone add their preferred toppings. The contrast of hot soup with cool toppings makes every bite exciting. Don’t skip the tortilla chips!
Notes
Spice Adjustment: Cut cayenne in half for milder soup or double for extra kick.
Use What You Have: No rotisserie chicken? Use leftover grilled chicken or quick-cook chicken tenders.
Bean Variety: Black beans can be swapped for pinto or kidney beans.
Veggie Boost: Add a diced bell pepper or zucchini with the onions.
Shortcut Option: Use pre-diced frozen onions to save more time.
Make-Ahead Tip: Soup base can be made 3 days ahead; add chicken when reheating.
Macronutrients per serving
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Fat: 11g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Sugar: 4g
Pro Tips For Perfect Soup
Rotisserie Chicken Magic
Use both white and dark meat for the best flavor balance. Dark meat stays juicier in the soup.
Flavor Boost
Add a tablespoon of adobo sauce from canned chipotles for a smoky flavor that elevates the entire soup.
Thickness Control
For creamy tortilla soup texture without cream, blend 1 cup of the soup and return it to the pot.
Topping Prep
Prepare all toppings while the soup simmers so everything’s ready when the soup is done.
Chip Hack
Crush tortilla chips in the bag before opening to create perfect soup-sized pieces.
Freezer Storage
Freeze soup flat in ziplock bags for quick thawing and space-saving storage.
Soup Success Q&A
What can I serve with this soup?
A simple side salad with lime vinaigrette or warm cornbread makes the meal complete without adding much prep time.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function for aromatics, then pressure cook for 3 minutes with quick release for Instant Pot creamy chicken tortilla soup.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate without toppings for up to 4 days. The flavor actually improves overnight as ingredients mingle.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Swap chicken for an extra can of beans and use vegetable broth for a filling vegetarian version.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, just verify your taco seasoning is gluten-free and use certified gluten-free tortilla chips for topping.
How can I thicken the soup?
Mash some beans against the side of the pot while cooking or add crushed tortilla chips directly to the soup.
