Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Soup

There is nothing quite as satisfying as a bowl of this chicken tortilla soup topped with fresh cilantro, some sliced avocado, and crunchy, salty tortilla chips. And this chicken tortilla soup recipe is the very best, if you don’t mind my saying so. There is a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth quality from the cheeses and cream cheese in the soup – making every bite so satisfying! And you can add whatever toppings you like best with a squeeze of lime over the top for even more flavor. But what really sets this soup apart is that I add sliced corn tortillas to the soup to help thicken it slightly. Most chicken tortilla soup recipes only use tortilla chips sprinkled on before serving rather than in the actual soup itself, but that’s just not enough for me. In my version, the corn tortillas soften and break down into the broth, adding wonderful toasty corn tortilla flavor to every spoonful. For more delicious chicken soup recipes, check out my Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup, Chicken Avocado Lime Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles and Dumplings, and Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup!

Why We Love This Recipe

You can easily adjust the heat level with more or less chili powder or chipotle chili, or add different vegetables according to what’s in season or what you have on hand. The rich, brothy chicken base paired with tender chicken, hearty black beans, and crunchy tortilla strips or tortilla chips on top create a delightful texture contrast. It’s a wholesome meal that includes proteins, vegetables, and dairy, all simmered into a delicious soup form that can be enjoyed by everyone from kids to adults.

What You’ll Need

Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – The protein component of the soup, chicken provides a hearty base. You can also use cooked, shredded chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation, or substitute the raw chicken with turkey or tofu for a different protein option. Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the soup. Olive Oil – Used for sautéing the vegetables, adding a slight richness. Yellow Onion and Red Bell Pepper – These vegetables add a sweet, sharp depth to the soup’s base. Yellow or green bell pepper can be used instead of red. Jalapeno Pepper – For a lot of flavor and just a little heat. Garlic – Adds a pungent kick that’s fundamental to the layered flavors of the soup. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch. Diced Green Chilies – Introduce a mild, tangy spice that’s distinctive in many Southwestern dishes. Spices (Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Chipotle Chili Powder, Dried Oregano) – Each spice contributes to the complex, smoky flavor profile that makes this soup so irresistible. Chicken Broth – Forms the liquid base of the soup, bringing all the ingredients together. Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian soup base. Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes and Red Enchilada Sauce – These add a slight acidity and richness, enhancing the soup’s body. Black Beans and Frozen Sweet Corn – Provide texture and fiber, making the soup more filling and nutritious. Corn Tortillas – When added to the soup, they thicken it slightly and add a subtle corn flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Cream Cheese, Pepper Jack Cheese, and Cheddar Cheese – Cheese contributes creaminess and a velvety texture, along with a nice flavor that goes well with the spicy elements.

How to Make Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Tips for Success

Use fresh vegetables, high-quality chicken broth, and properly stored spices, as the quality of ingredients can make a significant difference in the flavor of your chicken tortilla soup. Opting for fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular diced tomatoes can add a deeper, smokier flavor that enhances the overall taste. Take the time to properly sauté the onions, peppers, and garlic until they’re just starting to brown. This caramelization adds richness and depth to the base of the soup. Similarly, allow the spices to cook briefly with the sautéed vegetables to unlock their full aroma and flavor before adding the liquids. Allow the soup to simmer gently rather than boiling rapidly once all the ingredients are added. This slower cooking process helps the flavors meld beautifully and tenderizes the chicken, making it easy to shred. It also ensures that the tortilla strips integrate into the broth, thickening the soup slightly and adding texture. If the soup is too thick after adding the tortilla strips and cheeses, adjust the consistency by adding a bit more broth. If it’s too thin, allow it to simmer a bit longer uncovered to reduce and thicken. Don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe to your taste preferences. Adjust the level of spice, the amount of lime juice, or the variety of cheeses based on what you and your family enjoy. Chicken tortilla soup is very forgiving and can be modified in many ways to suit different dietary needs and flavor profiles.

Substitutions and Variations

Swap out black beans for pinto beans or kidney beans if you prefer or have those on hand. Fresh corn can be used instead of frozen when it’s in season for a sweeter, more robust flavor. Adjust the type and amount of chili powders depending on your heat preference. Add more smoked paprika for a deeper smoke flavor, or throw in some jalapeno peppers or a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Experiment with different types of cheese for topping; Monterey Jack cheese, Cotija, or even a splash of queso fresco can offer new flavors and textures.

More delicious soup recipes to try soon

Slow Cooker Tuscan White Bean Soup Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup Creamy Irish Leek and Potato Soup Easy Minestrone Soup Split Pea Soup Cheeseburger Soup With Bacon Cheesy Taco Soup Zuppa Toscana Soup

You could serve it along with a side of fire-roasted corn for an authentically Mexican meal. Of course, you don’t have to pair it with anything at all and can simply enjoy it like it because it is a pretty complete and filling meal already!