There’s something comforting about a warm bowl of chicken tortilla soup—the kind that fills your kitchen with a cozy aroma and brings everyone to the table almost instantly. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping for a busy week, or craving a flavorful one-pot meal that doesn’t ask for much effort, this recipe always hits the spot.
What makes chicken tortilla soup even better is how flexible it is. You can toss everything into a crockpot, cook it lightning-fast in the Instant Pot, simmer it gently on the stove, or leave it bubbling in a slow cooker while you handle your day. No matter the method, you end up with a hearty soup bursting with tender chicken, sweet corn, tomatoes, warm spices, and a gentle kick of heat.
This guide walks you through every cooking method step by step, along with helpful tips to make your soup richer, deeper, and even more satisfying.
⭐ What Makes Chicken Tortilla Soup So Good?
There’s a reason this recipe is a favorite in homes everywhere. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- It’s ridiculously easy — just chop, drop, and cook.
- It’s flavorful — layers of spices, broth, and veggies build a deep, homestyle taste.
- It’s customizable — mild, spicy, creamy, chunky… you choose.
- It freezes beautifully — meal prep becomes a breeze.
- It gets better the next day — flavors settle and deepen overnight.
And of course, the crunchy tortilla strips on top? They take this soup from good to unforgettable.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy ingredients here. Everything is simple, budget-friendly, and easy to find.
Main Soup Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs (700g) boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) black beans (drained & rinsed)
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1–2 jalapeños (optional)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust later)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional but adds richness)
For Toppings
- Crunchy tortilla strips
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Avocado slices
- Green onions
- Extra jalapeños for heat lovers
🥘 How to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup (4 Ways)
You can make this soup however you like. Each method gives a slightly different texture—but the flavor stays amazing.
Table of Contents
1️⃣ Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup (Easiest Method) 🥣
If you want a set-it-and-forget-it recipe, the crockpot version is perfect. It lets the flavors blend slowly, giving you a deep, rich soup with almost zero work.
Steps
- Add the following to your crockpot:
- chicken
- tomatoes
- beans
- corn
- onion
- garlic
- spices
- broth
- tomato paste
- Stir everything lightly.
- Cover and cook:
- 6–7 hours on low, or
- 3–4 hours on high
- When the chicken is soft, remove it, shred it using two forks, and put it back into the crockpot.
- Add lime juice and stir.
- Taste and adjust salt, heat, or thickness.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
Why the Crockpot Version Works Well
Slow cooking breaks down the chicken fibers beautifully. The spices also blend together more naturally, giving you a deeper, homemade taste.
2️⃣ Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup (Fastest Method) ⚡
When you’re short on time but still want a full meal, the Instant Pot comes to the rescue.
Steps
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté Mode.
Add a little oil and cook the onion and garlic until fragrant. - Turn off sauté mode and add:
- chicken
- tomatoes
- corn
- beans
- spices
- broth
- tomato paste
- Seal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 12 minutes.
- Allow 10 minutes natural release, then quick release the rest.
- Shred the chicken and return it to the pot.
- Stir in lime juice.
- Serve hot with toppings.
Why the Instant Pot Is Great
It makes everything tender and flavorful in a fraction of the time. The pressure gently pushes spices deep into the chicken—giving you maximum flavor with minimum time.
3️⃣ Stove-Top Chicken Tortilla Soup (Classic Method) 🍲
If you’re in the mood for a little hands-on cooking, the stove-top method gives you full control over the process.
Steps
- Heat a pot and sauté onions and garlic until soft.
- Add tomatoes, corn, beans, broth, and spices.
- Place chicken in the mixture.
- Bring it to a boil, then lower to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken and return it to the pot.
- Add lime juice, adjust spices, and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Ladle soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips.
Why People Love This Version
Your kitchen smells amazing, and the flavors develop in a traditional, homemade way.
4️⃣ Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup (All-Day Method) ⏳
While a crockpot is technically a slow cooker, many people still refer to the standard slow-cook appliance in this category. The method is almost identical but works well for models that aren’t modern crockpots.
Steps
- Add all ingredients except lime and toppings to the slow cooker.
- Cook on:
- Low for 7–8 hours, or
- High for 4 hours
- Shred chicken, return it to the cooker.
- Add lime juice and stir before serving.
Why Slow Cooking Makes It Special
The vegetables soften into the broth, giving the soup a silky texture that’s impossible to rush.
🧡 Tips to Make Your Chicken Tortilla Soup Even Better
Here are small tricks that make a big difference:
🔥 Add depth with smoky elements
Use a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle peppers if you love a bold, smoky taste.
🍛 Want it thicker?
Stir in one of these:
- A spoon of tomato paste
- A handful of crushed tortilla chips
- A splash of heavy cream
🌶 Want more heat?
Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or even red pepper flakes.
🧀 Want it creamier?
Melt in cheese or swirl in sour cream after cooking.
🍗 Dark meat vs. Chicken breast
Thighs give more richness, while breasts keep the soup lighter.
🥄 How to Make Homemade Tortilla Strips
The crunchy topping makes all the difference.
Method
- Slice corn tortillas into thin strips.
- Fry in a little oil until golden, or:
- Air-fry or bake at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes.
Sprinkle with salt while they’re warm. That’s it!
🍽 How to Serve Chicken Tortilla Soup
This soup is a full meal on its own, but you can make it extra special with toppings:
- Crispy tortilla strips
- A dollop of sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
- Diced avocado
- Lime wedges
- Pickled jalapeños
- Green onions
Each bowl becomes unique depending on what you add.
🧊 How to Store or Freeze the Soup
Refrigerator
Store for up to 4 days.
The flavor actually improves overnight.
Freezer
Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Pro tip: Freeze the soup without toppings or tortillas to keep the texture perfect.
🍲 Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Shred it and add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Replace chicken with more beans or vegetables, and use vegetable broth.
Is this soup spicy?
Only mildly spicy. You can increase or decrease heat easily.
How can I make it keto?
Skip the tortilla strips and corn.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Chicken tortilla soup is one of those rare dishes that’s simple enough for weeknights but flavorful enough for gatherings. It fits every kitchen and every cooking style—crockpot, stove, Instant Pot, slow cooker, anything. Once you taste the warm broth, crunchy tortillas, and tender chicken together, it instantly becomes a recipe you want to make again and again.
If you enjoy meals that feel comforting, wholesome, and effortless, this soup belongs in your regular rotation.
