This chicken tortilla soup is hearty, full of flavor, and tastes like it simmered all day… but it actually comes together in about 30 minutes.

It’s one of those recipes that feels like you put in way more effort than you did — and those are always the best kind.

You’ve got shredded chicken, corn, black beans, tomatoes, warm spices, and that fresh finish from lime and cilantro. And the crispy tortilla strips on top? They take it to another level.

This is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, meal prep, or just when you want something cozy without overthinking it.

🎥 Watch How to Make It

Ingredients

1–2 tbsp lime juice

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

1–2 jalapeños, diced

4–5 cups chicken broth (or water + chicken bouillon)

1 can diced tomatoes

1 lb chicken breast

1 can corn, drained

1 can black beans, drained

1½ tsp chili powder

1½ tsp cumin

1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

⅓ cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

Step 1: Build the base

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add chopped onion, garlic, and jalapeño and sauté until soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Add everything in

Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, chicken breast, corn, black beans, chili powder, cumin, and salt.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 3: Shred the chicken

Remove the chicken, shred it using two forks, then add it back into the pot.

Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 4: Finish it

Turn off the heat and stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice.

Optional Toppings (Highly Recommend)

• Crispy tortilla strips
• Diced avocado
• Extra cilantro
• Lime wedges

Pro Tips

• You can use rotisserie chicken to make this even faster
• No chicken broth? Use Knorr chicken bouillon + water — works perfectly
• Can’t find corn tortillas? Flour tortillas fry up just as good
• This soup tastes even better the next day

FAQ

Can I make chicken tortilla soup ahead of time?
Yes — it actually tastes better the next day once the flavors develop.

Can I freeze chicken tortilla soup?
Yes, just freeze without toppings. Add fresh toppings when serving.

Is this recipe spicy?
Not really — remove the seeds from the jalapeño to keep it mild.

Print Recipe

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Total Time35 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion chopped
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 1 –2 jalapeños diced
• 4 –5 cups chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 lb chicken breast
• 1 can corn drained
• 1 can black beans drained
• 1½ tsp chili powder
• 1½ tsp cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• ⅓ cup cilantro
• 1 –2 tbsp lime juice

Instructions

• Sauté onion, garlic, and jalapeño in olive oil until soft.
• Add broth, tomatoes, chicken, corn, beans, and spices.
• Simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked.
• Remove and shred chicken, then return to pot.
• Simmer 5 more minutes.
• Stir in cilantro and lime juice.
• Serve with toppings.