Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

This soup builds a smoky, cumin-spiced base with fire-roasted tomatoes before shredded rotisserie chicken, black beans, and corn simmer together for a fast, hearty dinner. Using pre-cooked chicken keeps the whole thing on the table in about 30 minutes. A pile of crispy tortilla strips and fresh toppings at the end turns each bowl into a build-your-own bar.

Shredded rotisserie chicken, black beans, and corn simmer in a smoky tomato broth for a fast, hearty tortilla soup.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Fast: ready in about 30 minutes (5 min prep, 25 min cook)
• Simple: 20 everyday ingredients
• Feeds the family: 4 servings
• Light: about 320 calories per serving

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies ((like Rotel))
• 1 can (14 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup frozen or canned corn
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lime
• Crispy tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
• Shredded cheese
• Sliced avocado
• Fresh cilantro
• Jalapeño slices
• Sour cream

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, add the diced onion, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened, then add the garlic, cumin, chili powder, and paprika, cooking for 1 more minute, stirring frequently.
2. Stir in the diced tomatoes with and without chilies, the black beans, corn, and chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Once simmering, stir in the shredded chicken and let it heat through for about 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Squeeze in the fresh lime juice, season with salt and pepper to taste, and simmer for 2 more minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes — tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.

Cooking Tips

• Use fire-roasted tomatoes for extra smoky depth in the broth.
• Simmer the soup a few extra minutes if you want the flavors to meld further.
• Add the lime juice near the end so its brightness doesn't cook off.

Substitutions

• Pinto beans can replace black beans.
• Any cooked, shredded chicken can replace rotisserie chicken.
• Fresh corn can be used in place of frozen or canned when in season.

Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding fresh toppings after reheating.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and shredded cheese.
• Add a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro.
• Serve with extra lime wedges on the side.

Nutrition (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320 kcal

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