This Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is packed with healthy vegetables and tender bites of chicken. This is one healthy soup recipe that doesn't skimp on flavor. Simmer on the stove all day or slow cook in the crockpot, either way, this is the perfect bowl of soup to cozy up to for those cooler fall nights.
Who's excited that soup season is finally here? I love all the summer salads and fresh veggie dishes, but once the nights turn cooler, I'm ready for a big bowl of comforting soup. I love making soup for so many reasons.
First, it's easy. A bunch of fragrant flavorful healthy ingredients in a pot simmering all day filling my house up with anticipation of the meal to come. By the time dinner comes around, everyone is ready to dig in and eat. Second, soup is usually budget-friendly. It doesn't take a lot of of of meat- chicken or beef, to make a soup. And, that's good for my wallet when I'm feeding a crowd. And, third, soup is super customizable to fit your tastes or dietary needs.
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP
CHOP & SAUTE VEGETABLES
In a large dutch oven heat olive oil over medium heat. Saute onion and jalapeno (seeds removed if you like your soup less spicy) until soft and fragrant. Add garlic and saute for another minute or two stirring intermittently.
ADD CHICKEN BREASTS AND SEASONINGS
Add the tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, green chilies, low sodium chicken broth, seasonings. Add the chicken; press to submerge. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 45 minutes. Using tongs remove the chicken breasts, move to a work surface, and cool for 5 minutes.
SHRED THE CHICKEN
Shred the chicken or chop it into bite-size pieces. Return chicken to soup and continue to simmer.
ADD BEANS & CORN
Add the drained black beans and corn to the pot and continue to simmer. Taste the soup and adjust salt if needed.
SERVE AND ENJOY!
Divide the soup among bowls. Toppings are limitless - tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, queso fresco, cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, pico de gallo, to name a few!
Warm and flavorful with just the right amount of smokiness and heat...this soup is perfection.
HOMEMADE TORTILLA STIPS
You can find my recipe for Baked Healthier Homemade Tortilla Strips here. If this is your first time making your own tortilla strips and chips, you're in for a treat! They turn out perfect every time and are a healthier crunchy snack.
Chicken Tortilla Soup Toppings
Serve this healthy chicken tortilla soup up as is or add as many toppings as you like. Either way, this soup recipe is sure to have your family asking for a second bowl.
- Tortillia Chips
- Sour Cream
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Spanish Rice
- Cheese Dip
- Pico de Gallo
- Cilantro
- Jalapenos
- Cotija Cheese
- Lime Wedges
SOUP TOPPINGS BOARD
Soup toppings board...Is that a thing? Yep, I think it is! What a fun way to display all those yummy toppings whether you're hosting friends or you want to wow your family for the night.
And, how gorgeous are these soup crocks? So Pretty!
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP QUICKLY
Cook soup on medium heat for 10-20 minutes. Remove chicken and chop into smaller chunks and return to soup. Returning chicken to soup and cooking on medium heat chicken is also a great option when you are pressed for time.
CAN I UES A ROTISSERIE CHICKEN FOR TORTILLA SOUP?
Maybe you don't like to cook, or are busy and don't have all day to cook a pot of soup. Buying and shredding a rotisserie chicken is a great idea for soup making. For this chicken tortilla soup recipe, I'd recommend buying a lightly seasoned or Mojo seasoned rotisserie chicken.
HOW TO STORE AND FREEZE SOUP
There's something about eating leftover soup. The flavors intensify, and it's just always better the next day. You can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Soup also freezes really well! Just put it into an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag and keep it in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To reheat, place in a pan on the stovetop and cook on medium-low until heated through, being careful not to scorch the bottom. Or, microwave individual servings for 50 seconds at a time until it reaches the desired temperature.
📖 Recipe
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 large yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 jalapenos chopped (seeded for less heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sauteing vegetables
- 1 (28oz) can diced fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 (15oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (4oz) can chopped green chilies
- 1 (15oz) can black beans drained
- 1 (15oz) can whole kernel corn drained
- 2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups low sodium chicken stock
Instructions
- In a large dutch oven heat olive oil over medium heat. Saute chopped onion and diced jalapenos (seeds removed for less heat) until soft and fragrant. Add garlic and saute another minute or two stirring intermittenly.
- Add the tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, green chilies, chicken broth, and seasonings. Next, add chicken breast; press to submerge. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 45 minutes.
- Using tongs remove chicken breasts, move to a work surface, and cool for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, add the drained black beans and corn to your pot, stir and continue to simmer. Shred or chop chicken into bite size pieces. Return chicken to soup and continue to simmer for 10 additional minutes. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Divide soup among bowls. And, dont forget the limitless toppings - avocados, cinlantro, queso fresco, cheddar cheese, sour cream, gree onions, pico de gallo...just to name a few! And, dont forget to check out this recipe for healthier baked tortillias trips here.
Notes
- Substitute raw chicken for pulled rotisserie chicken. After sauteing vegetables add cooked rotisserie chicken and remaining ingredients to your pot. Cook on medium heat for 20 minutes and enjoy!
- Toss everything in the crockpot and simmer on high for 4 hours or low for at least 6 hours. Using tongs remove chicken, cool for 5 minutes, and shred. Return to the slow cooker, stir and you're ready to enjoy.
- Divide soup into individual or family size freezer bags and freeze for up to two months. Reducing Food Waste + Meal Prep = WIN WIN in my book!
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
The nutritional information provided here is approximate and calculated using an online nutritional calculator. We strive to give you accurate information, but many factors can cause this data to vary widely. For more information, please read our full Nutritional Disclaimer.
Daphne says
Thank you for another recipe to try! I look forward to it and it is soooo easy!
Jessica says
You're welcome!
Jessie says
This was an incredible soup and so warming! I'll be making it again soon!
Jessica says
I'm so happy you loved the recipe!
Amanda Marie says
I love this soup, so filling!
Jessica says
Happy to hear you loved it!
Emily Flint says
I absolutely LOVE tortilla soup and your recipe is so yummy! Give me crunchy tortilla strips every day of the week!
Jessica says
Thank you!
Lindsay says
This looks so delicious. I think I can figure out a keto work around and try to make this one. Looks great for those cold nights!
Jessica says
That's so awesome! Enjoy!
Marita says
I never heard of a soup like this and now I definitely want to give t a try. It looks amazing x
Jessica says
So Good!
Arica says
I love chicken tortilla soup! This recipe is great. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Jessica says
Me too! So yummy!
Kalin says
love your pictures!! this soup sounds amazing and like it'd be perfect for cool winter days!
Jessica says
Thank you!!
Julia Randall says
This looks so delicious for a cold winter night! And the homemade tortilla strips sound amazing!
Jessica says
So Good! Thanks!
Nahyun says
Holy moly this is mouthwatering! And you made it seem so easy to make so that’s perfect!
Jessica says
Thanks so much!!
Rachael says
I can't wait to make this! I love all the soul-warming spices in this recipe. And all those delicious ways to top it!
Jessica says
Thanks, Rachel! Enjoy!
Katrina Adams says
This looks delicious!!
Jessica says
Thanks so much!
Carrie Pankratz says
This looks delicious! I am going to try it with a Rotisserie chicken. I think it would even be something that I can use my leftover Thanksgiving turkey to make. Thank you for the recipe.
Jessica says
Absolutely! I'd love to hear how it works out with left over turkey. I'm sure it'll be amazing!
Michelle says
This looks delicious, and so colorful! Adding to my list to try.
Jessica says
Thanks, Michelle!
Brian says
Great recipe. Very colorful pictures. This just added to my shopping list.
Jessica says
Thanks, Brian! Enjoy!
Mihaela|https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says
This soup reminds me of Cozumel. What times, what fun and what FOOD! I can feel the combination of aromas, mmmmmm??
Jessica says
So happy you liked the recipe!
Emily Flint says
I LOVE tortilla soup and I can't wait to make yours, it sounds pretty easy. And I love your presentation, what a fun way to serve this soup!
Jessica says
Thanks, Emily!!
Melinda says
Looks fantastic! Love the ingredient photo. So vibrant and full of my favorite flavors.
Jessica says
Thanks, Melinda!
Cindy Mom, the Lunch Lady says
I haven't made tortilla soup in forever! I love the way you have all the toppings in the center for everyone to choose what they want. Such a delicious recipe!
Jessica says
Yay! So happy you liked this recipe!
Alyssa Hixenbaugh says
I have always loved chicken tortilla soup but I haven't made it myself! I can't wait to try this healthy version! Thanks for the recipe. ?
Jessica says
Yay! I hope you love it as much as we do!
Gabriela Herrera says
Totally gonna veganize this with some jackfruit or tvp. Looks so scrumptious.
Jessica says
That sounds amazing!! Thanks so much!
Demi says
Oh wow! I am definitely going to try this at home. This weekend will be great! This is just perfect. Thank you.
Jessica says
Thanks, Demi! Enjoy!
Jenny says
My kids will love this. And next week, the weathers getting a little bit chilly, so perfect timing for soup for dinner.
Jessica says
Thanks, Jenny! 2 out of 3 kiddos at my house approve!?
jeannie says
this is like a feast for me! and the ingredients are so colorful 🙂 such a treat for the whole family.
Jessica says
Yay! So happy you like it!