How To Make Chicken Tortilla Soup (In Under 30 Minutes!) Quick & Easy Recipe

How To Make Chicken Tortilla Soup (In Under 30 Minutes!) Quick & Easy Recipe is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Mr. Make It Happen on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 48 min | Total: 1 hr 8 min

Cost: $43.44 total, $10.86 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 whole Rotisserie Chicken (Meat only, shredded into bite‑size pieces)
  • 1 cup Black Beans (Canned, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup Kidney Beans (Canned, drained and rinsed)
  • 0.5 cup Corn Kernels (Frozen or canned, thawed)
  • 1 can Fire‑Roasted Diced Tomatoes (14.5‑oz can, undrained)
  • 2 peppers Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce (Finely chopped; add 1 tbsp adobo sauce for extra flavor)
  • 4 pieces Corn Tortillas (Cut into thin strips for frying)
  • 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil (For sautéing onion; additional oil for frying tortillas)
  • 1 medium Red Onion (Diced)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (Mince finely)
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Ancho Chili Powder
  • 0.5 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 0.25 tsp Ground Cumin (Pinch)
  • 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base (Low‑sodium version)
  • 1 packet Sazón Seasoning Packet
  • 1 tsp All‑Purpose Seasoning (AP) (Blend of salt, pepper, garlic & onion powder)
  • 4 cup Chicken Broth (Low‑sodium, store‑bought or homemade)
  • 0.5 cup Shredded Fontina Cheese (Optional topping)
  • 0.25 cup Sour Cream (Optional topping)
  • 1 whole Avocado (Diced)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro (Chopped)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Prep Ingredients

    Dice the red onion, mince the garlic cloves, shred the rotisserie chicken meat, and set all aside. Drain and rinse the canned beans.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Sauté Onion

    Heat the Dutch oven over medium heat, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil, then add the diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Add Garlic

    Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Toast Spices

    Stir in the Better Than Bouillon, smoked paprika, ancho chili powder, dried oregano, and a pinch of cumin. Toast for about 1 minute until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Create Flavor Paste

    Add the Sazón packet and the all‑purpose seasoning. Mix until the mixture forms a cohesive paste.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Add Broth and Simmer

    Pour in the chicken broth, stir well, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Add Beans and Tomatoes

    Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, and the entire can of fire‑roasted diced tomatoes (with juices). Cover and let simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT20M

  8. Thicken Soup with Chipotle Blend

    Using a measuring cup, scoop about 1 cup of the simmering soup into a bowl. Add the chopped chipotle peppers and 1 tbsp adobo sauce, then blend with the immersion blender until smooth. Return the blended mixture to the pot.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Finish Soup with Chicken and Corn

    Add the shredded chicken and 1/2 cup corn kernels to the pot. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the corn is tender.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Fry Tortilla Strips

    Heat enough vegetable oil in a skillet to a depth of about 1/2 inch. Heat to 350°F, then add the tortilla strips in batches. Fry for 1–2 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  11. Plate and Garnish

    Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, shredded Fontina cheese, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and a handful of fried tortilla strips.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
15g
Fiber
6g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, High‑Protein, Low‑Sodium (if low‑sodium broth used)

Allergens: Dairy, Corn

Last updated: April 12, 2026

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How To Make Chicken Tortilla Soup (In Under 30 Minutes!) Quick & Easy Recipe

Recipe by Mr. Make It Happen

A hearty, smoky chicken tortilla soup perfect for cold winter days. Made with rotisserie chicken, black and kidney beans, fire‑roasted tomatoes, chipotle peppers, and crunchy tortilla strips. Garnished with avocado, cilantro, sour cream, and shredded Fontina cheese.

EasyMexicanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
15m
Prep
43m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 8m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$43.44
Total cost
$10.86
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sautéing the onion without browning to develop sweetness.
  • Toasting the spices in a dry pot to awaken flavor.
  • Blending the chipotle‑bean mixture to thicken the soup.
  • Frying tortilla strips to a crisp at the correct temperature.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; use a splatter guard and keep a lid nearby.
  • Chipotle peppers are very spicy; wash hands after handling and avoid touching eyes.
  • When using an immersion blender, keep the blade tip submerged to prevent splashing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Tortilla Soup in Mexican cuisine?

A

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a classic Mexican comfort dish that blends the flavors of traditional tortilla soup with added chicken for heartiness. It originated as a way to use leftover rotisserie or roasted chicken, combining beans, corn, and smoky chipotle for a warming winter meal.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken Tortilla Soup in Mexican cuisine?

A

In northern Mexico, the soup often features poblano peppers and a richer broth, while in central regions it may include tomatillos for a tangier base. Some versions add lime juice and serve with queso fresco instead of Fontina.

cultural
Q

How is Chicken Tortilla Soup traditionally served in Mexico?

A

Traditionally, the soup is ladled into a bowl, topped with crispy tortilla strips, a drizzle of crema, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. It is often accompanied by a side of warm corn tortillas.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Tortilla Soup traditionally associated with in Mexican culture?

A

Chicken Tortilla Soup is popular during colder months, family gatherings, and festive occasions like Día de los Muertos or holiday feasts, where its warm, comforting flavors are especially appreciated.

cultural
Q

What makes Chicken Tortilla Soup special or unique in Mexican cuisine?

A

The soup’s unique combination of smoky chipotle, fire‑roasted tomatoes, and crunchy tortilla strips creates a layered texture and depth of flavor that distinguishes it from other Mexican soups like pozole or caldo de pollo.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Tortilla Soup?

A

Common mistakes include burning the garlic, over‑cooking the onion, and adding the chipotle blend too early, which can cause a gritty texture. Also, frying tortilla strips too long makes them soggy; crisp them just before serving.

technical
Q

Why does this Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe use an immersion blender to thicken the soup instead of a roux?

A

The immersion blender allows the beans and tomatoes to blend directly in the pot, creating a smooth, thick texture without adding extra flour or butter, keeping the soup gluten‑free and lighter while preserving the smoky flavor.

technical
Q

Can I make Chicken Tortilla Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the soup can be prepared a day ahead. Cool it quickly, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and reheat gently on the stove. Keep tortilla strips separate and fry them fresh before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Chicken Tortilla Soup?

A

The broth should be a deep reddish‑orange color, slightly thickened from the blended beans, with visible chunks of chicken, corn, and beans. The tortilla strips should be golden‑brown and crisp, providing a contrasting crunch.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen specializes in approachable, step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials that focus on quick, flavorful meals for everyday cooks, often featuring practical shortcuts and pantry‑friendly ingredients.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?

A

Mr. Make It Happen emphasizes using store‑bought shortcuts like rotisserie chicken and pre‑made seasoning blends while still delivering authentic flavor, whereas many Mexican cooking channels focus on making everything from scratch.

channel

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