This Chicken Tortilla Soup is a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner made with tender chicken, beans, corn, and warm Tex-Mex spices. Ready in about 30 minutes and made in one pot, it’s the perfect easy soup for busy nights, meal prep, and cozy family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- One-pot, easy cleanup
- Family-friendly with customizable spice level
- Budget-friendly pantry ingredients
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
For Topping
- Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, and paprika; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes.
- Add black beans, corn, and cooked chicken.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot with tortilla strips and desired toppings.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Tips & Variations
- Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Spicy: Add jalapeño or cayenne pepper.
- Creamy version: Stir in ¼ cup cream or cream cheese at the end.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on stovetop or microwave until hot.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with extra tortilla chips on the side
- Pair with a simple avocado or green salad
- Add guacamole or sliced avocado
- Finish with fresh lime juice for brightness
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 12g
Conclusion
This Chicken Tortilla Soup (Weeknight Ready) is everything a busy-night dinner should be fast, flavorful, and comforting. With simple ingredients and big Tex-Mex flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll keep in regular rotation. Save it, print it, and share it with anyone who loves easy soup nights.
FAQ – Chicken Tortilla Soup
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, freeze without toppings for up to 3 months.
How do I make this ahead of time?
Prepare the soup fully and store in the fridge; reheat when ready to serve.
Can I use raw chicken?
Yes add diced raw chicken with the broth and simmer until fully cooked.
What tortillas work best?
Corn tortillas or tortilla chips give the best crunch.
How do I thicken the soup?
Simmer longer or blend a small portion of the soup.