We love having Tex Mex and Mexican nights around here. Corn dip, instant pot chicken tacos, beef enchilada casserole, you name it.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup is one of my favorites and something I always order when I visit Mexico. The great thing about travel is creating versions of those recipes when I get home for my friends and family (and for you) to enjoy!

This chicken tortilla soup recipe is easy to make. As with a classic tortilla soup recipe, tortilla strips are fried crisp and add the perfect crunch. I top this soup with lime and cilantro, and the freshness to finish it off with a fresh flavor.

Add your own favorite toppings, a bit of cotija cheese, guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream are all great additions! I like to create a little topping bar when I serve this soup so everyone can add what they love.

What Is Tortilla Soup?

Tortilla soup is a Mexican-inspired soup made with a tomato (or chicken) base. It usually has ingredients like corn, beans, and often other additions like jalapenos and cilantro. It is simmered, then topped with crispy tortilla strips and whatever you’d like to add.

Tortilla soup is most commonly made with chicken but you can also find it made with lamb, beef, and fish. Cooking the protein in the soup adds a ton of flavor!

How To Make Tortilla Soup

It’s easy! Chicken tortilla soup takes just 30 minutes to cook. Prep your veggies first to save extra time. Make the tortilla strips while the soup is simmering (or you can purchase Tortilla Strips online or at the grocery).

You can also make the tortilla strips a few days in advance. They only need to pan fry for a minute or so on each side. Once they’re crisp, salt them and save them for later.

For the Chicken Tortilla Soup:

  • Saute jalapeno and onion until fragrant (remove the jalapeno seeds to make it less spicy)
  • Add everything else and simmer
  • Remove the chicken and shred it with a couple of forks
  • Add the chicken back in
  • Serve it with tortilla strips and desired toppings

This recipe is crazy easy!

What To Serve With Tortilla Soup

Here’s where it gets fun! Tortilla soup is so versatile that nearly anything can be served with it!

A bright tangy cabbage slaw or a Fresh Corn Salad will complement the rich flavors of tortilla soup as well as a side of cheesy quesadillas.

For soup toppings, try some sliced black olives, green chiles, shredded cheddar or crumbled cotija cheese, or cubes of avocados. This is definitely a recipe that will find it’s way to your table year round!

More Recipes You’ll Love

  • Taco Soup – So quick and flavorful!
  • Easy Chicken Fajitas
  • Easy Chicken Taco Soup
  • Easy Fish Tacos – Favorite!
  • Instant Pot Chicken Tacos (Pressure Cooker)
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup – Set it and forget it!

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

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