Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup (Healthy, Cozy, and Ready in 30 Minutes)

If you love cozy soups that are hearty but still light and full of fresh flavor, this Chicken Tortilla Soup is about to become your new go-to weeknight meal. It’s packed with tender shredded chicken, tomatoes, corn, and warm spices — all simmered in a rich broth with the perfect kick of jalapeño and garlic.

The best part?
Everything cooks in one pot and is ready in about 30 minutes. This is the kind of recipe you’ll make again and again because it’s simple, comforting, and tastes like it came from a restaurant.


Ingredients

  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño, deseeded and membranes removed, chopped
  • 3 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (10 oz) can tomatoes with green chiles
  • 1 can corn, drained
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 chicken breasts (raw, whole)
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Optional toppings (highly recommended!):

  • Crispy tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
  • Avocado slices
  • Lime wedges
  • Shredded cheese or cotija
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. Sauté aromatics
    Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, jalapeño, and minced garlic, and cook for 6–8 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
  2. Build the base
    Add the crushed tomatoes, tomatoes with green chiles, corn, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
  3. Add chicken and seasoning
    Place the chicken breasts directly into the pot. Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently.
  4. Simmer
    Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  5. Shred and return
    Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and add it back into the soup. Stir in chopped cilantro.
  6. Serve
    Ladle soup into bowls and finish with your favorite toppings — tortilla strips, lime, avocado, sour cream, cheese… go wild.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tortilla Soup

  • One-pot & minimal cleanup
  • High in protein and naturally gluten free
  • ✅ Easy to customize with toppings
  • ✅ Great for meal prep — tastes amazing the next day

It’s cozy comfort food that still feels fresh and bright — the perfect balance.


Meal Prep + Storage

  • Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days
  • Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months
  • Reheat on the stovetop or microwave

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