This Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe has been crafted to perfection. It's easy to make using a slow cooker Crockpot or an Instant Pot and pressure cooker. This soul-warming dish combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, the best homemade spice blend, and crispy tortilla strips into a bowl of comfort. This soup offers convenience without compromising on taste.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Convenience: This recipe offers convenience by allowing for hands-off cooking. Once you've added the ingredients, you can set it and forget it, freeing up time for other tasks or activities.
- Time-Saving: If you make the soup using an Instant Pot or slow cooker you can significantly reduce the cooking time compared to traditional stovetop methods.
- Tender Meat: This dish results in tender chicken as the prolonged cooking time allows the flavors to meld together while keeping the meat moist and juicy.
- Enhanced Flavor: Slow cooking or pressure cooking allows the flavors of the ingredients to develop and intensify over time, resulting in a richer and more flavorful soup.
- One-Pot Meal: Who doesn't love a one pot meal? This method minimizes cleanup and simplifies the cooking process.
- Perfect for Batch Cooking and Meal Prep: Soup is awesome for meal prep and when made in large batches it can be stored and reheated for future meals.
What Type of Chicken to Use
Here are some options.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: This is a popular choice because it's lean and easy to shred once cooked. Chicken breasts cook relatively quickly and are readily available at most grocery stores.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs have a bit more fat and flavor compared to chicken breasts. They also tend to be more forgiving when cooked for longer periods, making them a great option for slow cooking methods like the Crockpot.
- Rotisserie Chicken: Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a convenient option if you're short on time or looking to add extra flavor to your soup. Simply shred the meat and add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through.
- Leftover Chicken: Leftover cooked chicken from a previous meal, such as grilled, roasted, or baked chicken, can be shredded and added to the soup. This is a great way to repurpose leftovers and reduce food waste.
How to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Saute onions and garlic in the pot.
- Add the chicken breasts, broth, Better than Bouillon, taco seasoning, and tomato paste to the pot.
- Close and seal.
- Pressure cook.
- Remove the chicken and shred. Return the chicken to the pot.
- Stir and serve.
Cook Time and How Long to Cook
If you are making the dish in a Crockpot slow cooker you will need to cook it on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
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If you're using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot you will cook the dish for 10 minutes.
Substitutions and Add-Ins Ideas
- Corn: Add fresh or frozen corn kernels for sweetness and texture.
- Avocado: Top each bowl with diced avocado for creaminess and a boost of healthy fats.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness and flavor. Garnish each serving with chopped cilantro leaves.
- Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving brightens up the flavors of the soup.
- Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or crumbled queso fresco on top for added richness.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances out the spices.
- Hot Sauce: For an extra kick of heat, serve with your favorite hot sauce or salsa on the side.
- Tortilla Strips: Serve with extra crispy tortilla strips on top for added crunch.
- Rice or Quinoa: Add cooked rice or quinoa to make the soup more hearty and filling.
- Bell peppers
- Zucchini
- Spinach
- Broccoli
How to Store
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge tightly covered and sealed for 3-4 days.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Transfer the desired amount of soup to a saucepan or pot. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the soup reaches a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until heated through. Be careful not to boil the soup vigorously, as this can cause the ingredients to break down and lose texture.
- Microwave: Pour the desired amount of soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl loosely with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. Be cautious when handling hot soup from the microwave.
- Instant Pot: If you initially cooked the soup in an Instant Pot, you can use the "Saute" function to reheat it. Simply pour the soup back into the Instant Pot insert and select the "Saute" function. Stir occasionally until the soup reaches your desired temperature.
- Crockpot: For soup that was originally cooked in a Crockpot, you can reheat it directly in the Crockpot insert. Place the insert back into the Crockpot base and set it to the "Low" or "Warm" setting. Allow the soup to heat gradually, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature.
Freezer Tips
You can freeze the soup tightly covered and sealed for 3-4 months. After that some quality may fade. Defrost in the fridge overnight.
More Soup Recipes
Chicken Florentine Soup
Lasagna Soup
Slow Cooker Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie
Autumn Butternut Squash Soup
Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Slow Cooker Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
Slow Cooker Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Soup
Roasted Poblano Soup
Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 3 garlic cloves Minced.
- 1 pound skinless chicken breasts
- ⅓ cup tomato paste
- 32 oz chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Flavor Optional for additional flavor.
- 1 cup frozen whole kernel corn You can also use fresh or canned.
- 1 14.5oz canned black beans Drained.
- 1 14.5oz canned diced tomatoes and chilis Drained; I used Rotel
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice Adjust to suit your taste.
- tortilla strips
Homemade Taco Seasoning (You can use a store-bought package if you wish.)
- 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for spicy
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Slow Cooker/Crockpot
- Add all of the ingredients (except for the tortilla strips) to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 10 hours.
- Open the pot and shred the chicken using 2 forks. Return the chicken to the pot.
- Serve with tortilla strips.
Instant Pot
- Place the Instant Pot on the saute function. Add the onions and garlic to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, Better than Bouillon, taco seasoning, and tomato paste to the Instant Pot.
- Close the pot and seal. Place the Instant Pot on Manual > High Pressure Cooking for 10 minutes.
- Allow the steam to naturally release for 10 minutes instead of performing a quick release.
- Remove the lid. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred using a knife and fork.
- Return the chicken to the pot. Place the Instant Pot on the saute function.
- Add the corn, beans, Rotel, and lime juice. Stir to combine. Allow the soup to cook for 3-4 minutes until the corn and beans have softened some.
- Serve with tortilla strips.
Video
Notes
- Additional topping ideas: sliced avocado, reduced-fat sour cream, plain, non-fat Greek yogurt (protein sour cream replacement), guacamole, jalapenos.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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Jakub Husek says
So happy I clicked on your site! We just got a new Instant Pot so I am looking for ways to use it. Thanks for your recipes!
staysnatched says
You're welcome. I hope you try out and enjoy my recipes!
Marianne says
Can you use frozen chicken? How long cook?
staysnatched says
12 minutes for frozen chicken
Marianne says
Thank you
Marcela says
I love tortillas. I've made them on the various ways, I didn't know there are chicken tortillas soup. Looks, very tasty and yummy, maybe I'll try it out someday.
Kapila says
This looks promising.. asking my husband to get the instant pot..after all he is the one who would want to have this tortilla recipe ????????
Stephanie says
I never thought of making a chicken tortilla soup, this looks absolutely delicious! We have a set of round glass containers and rectangular glass containers that we use all the time as well. We are really working on cutting down plastic in our house and those are a big helper.
Dorothy at Shockinglydelish says
I got an Instant Pot for Christmas, but I didn't know how much I would use it. I LOVE it, and I am making much healthier meals for my family. This soup is going on the list!
Shell says
Yummy! This recipe sounds absolutely wonderful and delicious!!! I’m sure my boys would love eating this!
April says
This is the perfect meal for a cold night. It also looks delicious and so easy to make!
April
Kristyn says
Sounds like something perfect to have in this cold weather. Will have to try this out.
ExploreBeautyXO says
I make this dish in my Crock Pot but it takes much longer of course! I'd love to get an Instant Pot and try this!
Jake Ferrer says
Wow! This instant pot soup looks so delicious! It is perfect for winter days.
Lisa says
This was excellent! The only change I made was that I didn't use Taco Seasoning (didn't have any) so just used the cumin. It didn't need the chili powder IMO. Plus I added a can of pinto beans. It was better than my regular tortilla soup recipe. Also, I normally use a can of white hominy but didn't have on hand so used the corn. It wa awesome!. I shared with my daughter who also just got a new Instant Pot on Prime day just like mommy! Thank you!
Nicole says
I made this last night. It was super easy and very tasty. I added a bit of Masa Harina to thicken it up a bit as I like heavier soups.
Angie says
This recipe was fantastic! I doubled the recipe and used chicken tenderloins instead of breasts, 1.5 lbs.
I also used one can of rotel and one can of diced tomatoes because my kids don't like spice. It had great flavor without too much heat for them. I will be making this often!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I hope you try more recipes from my site!
Shaun says
Just wanted to say that this is a regular in our household since we discovered it last year. No modifications, we make it just how you have it. Perfection!
staysnatched says
That's so wonderful to hear! Glad you enjoy it.
Dia says
Nice quick, simple, and yummy recipe!
staysnatched says
Yay! Glad you enjoyed it!
Ellen C says
A stupid question - do I still pressure cook the ingredients without the chicken if using rotisserie chicken?
staysnatched says
Hi yes, but you will have to adjust the cook time, since it's longer for the chicken. I would start with a few minutes and adjust if necessary.
Erika says
This recipe is so flavorful & easy! Chicken tortilla soup is one of my favorite soups. I made it on my stovetop in a soup pot because I don’t have an Instant Pot. The temps will be cooling down this coming week and I can’t wait to enjoy this soup for lunches. Thank you again, Brandi, for another delicious recipe!
staysnatched says
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Keri says
It’s finally soup weather, so I made this today for lunch. SO GOOD I added a half cup of heavy cream at the end because it was going to go bad and needed to be used. So now it was creamy tortilla soup and I am obsessed.
So good. 10/10. I should have doubled it, because there are no leftovers. Definitely will be using this throughout this winter!
staysnatched says
I love that idea! I need to try that!
Kayla says
Another amazing recipe Brandi! So quick to put together and, as usual, delicious. Thanks girl!
staysnatched says
You're so welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Wanda says
Made this tonight and it was yummy!!! Definitely going to be in the dinner rotation. Thanks for sharing.
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Erika says
This was soooooo good! Especially with the tortilla chips! I was surprised how juicy the chicken was. Will definitely be making again.
staysnatched says
Nice and flavorful chicken for sure!
SMH says
The combination of the juicy chicken and the tortilla strips make the soup soooooo good! A must have for the cold winter days.
staysnatched says
This is perfect for winter!
Brandi B says
Brandi I am obsessed with this recipe!! Chicken tortilla soup is one of my favourites and this is the BEST recipe I have tried...hands down! I made it stove top in a cast iron pot as there is something about it simmering away that adds an extra warmth to my day. I used chipotle pepper instead of red pepper as I like the extra smokiness. Thank you!!
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad you're obsessed.
Shauna says
This soup is so good! I made it last week, with an intention to freeze some but ate it all week. About to make some more today.
staysnatched says
haha I can see that happening.
LaShauna Wint says
Love! I’ve made this a few times now and getting ready to make some more.
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Keda says
Quick, and flavorful! The whole family enjoyed this tonight . Definitely will be in the dinner rotation.
Thanks for sharing !
staysnatched says
I'm glad to hear it will be in the rotation.
Melissa Piermarini says
Another hit from Brandi! I was nervous to try a soup in the instant pot because I wasn’t sure if the flavor would still have time to develop like it does in a slow cooker, but I trust Brandi to deliver and she did. This is easy to make and has tons of flavor. I loved making my own taco seasoning from Brandi’s instructions. It makes it taste so much fresher than using the packaged stuff. Thank you, Brandi, for another 5 star recipe.
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Kasey says
You knocked it out of the park with this recipe, Brandi! I’m a true believer now! If Brandi makes it, you know it’s going to taste great!
staysnatched says
Awesome! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Cassandra P says
This recipe was amazing! And so quick to make. I love chicken tortilla but I didn’t spend hours making it. I love that this taste great and I’m not standing over a hot stove for a awhile.
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Angela Crawford says
Another banger!!! This soup is perfectly delicious. I added cauliflower and pureed it to give it creamy feel. The soup was so good I didn't even need to add additional toppings. Don't play yourself. Make this soup.
staysnatched says
I'm so glad to hear it was a banger!
Jen says
This soup was delicious.
Perfect for a chilly summer evening at the beach. Recipe was easy to follow and create!
staysnatched says
I'm glad to hear it was easy.
Ashley says
Such a delicious yet easy recipe! Perfect for busy nights and meal prep!
staysnatched says
Yes! Love to hear it!
LMack says
Thoroughly enjoyed making this recipe. We don’t eat corn, so I doubled the beans. I have a question about the amount of taco seasoning. Is your intention for all of the ingredients to be in the pot OR to mix them and use a portion. In my case I mixed them and added 2 tablespoons of the mix.
I also added an arrowroot slurry to help thicken it a bit.
I topped it with grain-free tortilla chips, avocado and diced red onion.
staysnatched says
I don't understand your question. What mix are you adding? If you're referring to the spices, it doesn't matter how you add them, as long as you add them to the soup. I use every serving noted in the recipe. The ingredients listed are for this recipe specifically.
John says
I first tried this at the outback on s acadian been wanting to make it. Glad i can make it myself now
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad to hear it!