Easy 5-Ingredient Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup is only 5 simple ingredients + dried seasonings and it’s ready for dinner in just 30 minutes! Everything simmers in one pot, on the stove top, for an easy dinner idea with all your favorite toppings. This easy soup recipe is a great way to use up a rotisserie chicken. 

For more versions of tortilla soup be sure and make my Chicken Tortilla Vegetable Soup or this Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup.

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

This easy chicken tortilla soup is one of my favorites to make because it’s only 5 main ingredients + dried seasonings, and it’s ready for the dinner table in just 30 minutes!

The refried beans are the ‘secret ingredient’ and they give so much flavor to the soup and make it creamier almost like a chili. Don’t forget all the toppings! I love setting out bowls of different toppings and then everyone can create their own yummy bowl of chicken tortilla soup just how they want it. 

How To Make Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup On The Stovetop (Printable Recipe Card)

In a soup pot, over medium-high heat, add all the ingredients and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low or medium-low and allow it to simmer for 15-20 minutes. 

Serve immediately with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, tortilla strips or tortilla chips, shredded cheese, jalapeño slices, and avocado chunks. 

How To Store Leftover Chicken Tortilla Soup

Place leftovers inside an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual potions in the microwave until heated through, or for larger portions, heat leftovers in a saucepan on the stove top. 

Substitutions & Variation Ideas

• Chili Beans : I recommend using the chili beans because of the added little bit of chili sauce and flavor, however, you can use any canned bean you prefer; such as black beans, pinto beans, or white beans.
• Make It Spicy : Use a can of medium or hot chili beans. Add a can of diced green chiles into the soup pot. Add a can of chopped jalapeños for even more heat. Use some cayenne red pepper in with the other dried seasonings. Add dashes of hot sauce to the soup. Or spice up the soup with the toppings such as sliced jalapeños or chopped cilantro. You can also use a can of Rotel diced tomatoes which is much spicier than regular canned diced tomatoes. 
• Petite Diced Tomatoes : Use canned diced tomatoes instead of petite diced tomatoes, you can also use Rotel (mild, medium, or hot), or use tomato sauce if you prefer no chunks. 

Tips For Success

• Toppings : The toppings make this easy soup recipe so delicious so be sure and set out an assortment of toppings for serving. My family loves tortilla strips (either store-bought or homemade tortilla strips) or tortilla chips, chunks of fresh avocado, sour cream, and shredded cheese. However there are so many options so load up your bowl of soup with all your favorites. 
• Simmer Time : Don’t try to rush the simmer time because it allows time for all the flavors to come together, the soup to thicken slightly, and it tastes much better after the simmer time. Keep it on low heat, or medium-low heat, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes for best results. 
• Adjust Seasonings Accordingly : This soup varies greatly depending on what ingredients are used. If you’re using canned chicken and full salted chicken broth, it may be too salt, so you. may want to use low-sodium broth instead. If the chicken you are using is not seasoned you may want to add additional seasonings to the soup. If you are watching your sodium intake then be sure and use low-sodium canned products. I would make the recipe, taste at the end, and see if you need to add just a touch more salt. I use kosher salt when cooking. 
• Rotisserie Chicken : I love grabbing a rotisserie chicken whenever I make this soup. Not only is it to easy with little prep, the chicken is already nicely seasoned so I don’t have to worry about adding extras to the soup. 
• Chicken Tip : If you have some fresh or frozen chicken breasts to use up (or chicken thighs) throw them in the slow cooker along with some chicken broth, cook on low heat for 5-6 hours. Shred with two forks and use the tender shredded chicken in this recipe. 

More Easy Soup Recipes

• Quick & Easy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
• 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup
• Easy Vegetable Beef Soup
• Easy Hash Brown Potato Soup
• Easy One Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
• Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup