Rotisserie Chicken Tortilla Soup
Rotisserie Chicken Tortilla Soup is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 4. 260 calories per serving. Recipe by MOMables - Laura Fuentes on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 40 min
Cost: $9.90 total, $2.48 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 whole Onion (peeled and diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (peeled and grated)
- 1 whole Jalapeno (seeded, sliced, minced)
- 1 tsp Chili Powder (ground)
- 1 tsp Cumin (ground)
- 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes (canned)
- 15 oz Corn (canned, rinsed and drained)
- 15 oz Black Beans (canned, rinsed and drained)
- 32 oz Chicken Broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup Water (optional to reach desired volume)
- 2 cups Rotisserie Chicken (shredded, half of a whole chicken)
- 1 whole Lime (juiced)
- 0.25 bunch Cilantro (chopped fine)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
Preheat Pot and Add Oil
Place the Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, letting it heat for about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Sauté Onion
Add the diced onion to the hot oil and sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium
Add Garlic and Jalapeno
Grate the garlic directly into the pot, then add the minced jalapeno. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium
Toast Spices
Sprinkle 1 tsp chili powder and 1 tsp cumin over the aromatics. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium
Add Tomatoes, Corn, Beans, and Liquids
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, rinsed corn, rinsed black beans, 32 oz chicken broth, and 1 cup water. Mix well.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Incorporate Shredded Chicken
Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the soup and stir to combine.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium
Bring to Boil and Simmer
Increase heat to bring the soup to a rolling boil, then cover, reduce to low, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: medium-high to boil then low
Finish with Lime and Cilantro
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the juice of one lime and the chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 260
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 6g
- Fiber
- 6g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Low-Fat
Allergens: None
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste
- Instead of Jalapeno: Serrano pepper, chipotle in adobo
- Instead of Chili Powder: Paprika, cayenne pepper (use less)
- Instead of Cumin: Ground coriander
- Instead of Crushed Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes, tomato sauce (thin)
- Instead of Corn: Frozen corn, fresh corn kernels
- Instead of Black Beans: Pinto beans, kidney beans
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth, water with bouillon
- Instead of Rotisserie Chicken: Cooked chicken breast, canned chicken
- Instead of Lime: Lemon juice
- Instead of Cilantro: Parsley
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
Equipment Needed
- Dutch Oven or Soup Pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Microplane Grater
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle
- Measuring Cups
- Can Opener
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sauté the onion until softened (Step 2).
- Toast the chili powder and cumin to release aroma (Step 4).
- Simmer the soup covered for 15 minutes to meld flavors (Step 7).
- Add lime juice and cilantro right before serving for freshness (Step 8).
Chef Tips from the Video
- Top each bowl with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
- A drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika adds extra depth.
- Add diced avocado or shredded cheese for richness if desired.
- Use the leftover rotisserie chicken for tacos or salads later in the week.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thick.
Stir in additional water or broth, a few tablespoons at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Soup is too thin.
Continue simmering uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.
Flavor is bland.
Add a pinch more salt, extra chili powder, or a splash more lime juice.
Soup is too spicy.
Stir in a little more broth or a dollop of sour cream/yogurt to mellow the heat.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized bags for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate promptly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Chop onion, garlic, jalapeno, and cilantro ahead of time and store in sealed containers.
- Shred rotisserie chicken and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Soup can be fully prepared a day ahead; reheat gently on the stove.
- Add lime juice and cilantro only when ready to serve for maximum freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Tortilla Soup in Mexican cuisine?
Chicken Tortilla Soup, or Sopa de Tortilla, is a traditional Mexican comfort dish that originated as a way to use leftover tortillas and chicken, turning them into a flavorful broth with chilies, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. It is commonly served in homes and restaurants as a starter or main course, especially during cooler weather.
What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken Tortilla Soup in Mexican cuisine?
In central Mexico, the soup often includes fried tortilla strips, avocado, and queso fresco, while coastal versions may add seafood or a splash of lime. Some regions prefer a smoky flavor from chipotle peppers, and others garnish with radish slices or pickled onions.
How is Chicken Tortilla Soup traditionally served in Mexico?
It is traditionally served hot in a shallow bowl, topped with crispy tortilla strips, a drizzle of crema, diced avocado, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and a wedge of lime on the side. The toppings are added at the table so each diner can customize their bowl.
On what occasions is Chicken Tortilla Soup commonly enjoyed in Mexican culture?
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a popular everyday meal but is also served at family gatherings, holidays like Día de los Muertos, and casual celebrations because it is hearty, easy to make in large batches, and can be paired with other Mexican dishes.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Chicken Tortilla Soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include fresh chicken, corn tortillas (fried into strips), tomatillos or crushed tomatoes, poblano or jalapeno chilies, chicken broth, and fresh cilantro. Substitutes like canned corn, black beans, or rotisserie chicken work well for speed, and you can use store‑bought tortilla chips instead of homemade strips.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Common mistakes include overcooking the chicken so it becomes dry, not toasting the spices which reduces flavor, and adding too much water which dilutes the broth. Also, adding lime juice too early can cause the cilantro to wilt.
Why does this Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Rotisserie chicken is already cooked, seasoned, and shredded, which saves time and adds extra flavor from the roasting process. It also ensures the chicken is moist and reduces the risk of undercooking.
Can I make Chicken Tortilla Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the soup up to the simmering stage, let it cool, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove and add fresh lime juice and cilantro just before serving.
What does the YouTube channel MOMables - Laura Fuentes specialize in?
The YouTube channel MOMables - Laura Fuentes specializes in quick, family‑friendly Latin American and Mexican-inspired recipes, often using pantry staples and time‑saving shortcuts for busy home cooks.
What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel MOMables - Laura Fuentes?
MOMables - Laura Fuentes focuses on approachable, flavorful meals that can be made in under 30 minutes, emphasizing fresh herbs, bold spices, and practical tips like using rotisserie chicken or frozen vegetables to streamline the cooking process.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
