Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, this healthy chicken tortilla soup is everything you want on a busy weeknight. Loaded with tender chicken, hearty veggies, and a touch of spice, it’s easy to make, nourishing, and endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal-prep lunches!
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A Note from Kim
Soup Season Favorite
Healthy chicken tortilla soup is one of my go-to recipes during the colder months. We eat a lot of soup in the winter, favorites like chicken pot pie, red lentil, and healthy taco soup, but this one always stands out. Using rotisserie chicken keeps it quick and easy, yet it tastes like it’s been simmering all day, and my whole family loves it.
I also love that it’s packed with protein and nutrient-rich ingredients, so I feel good serving it. It’s hearty enough to be a full meal, but I often pair it with my Mexican cornbread or skillet cornbread for even more deliciousness. Once you try this soup, you’ll find yourself making it again and again for its bold flavors, comforting textures, and effortless prep.
With love (and lots of good eats), 
Made this soup today! Wow!!! It was everything I hoped for and is definitely on my menu list from now on! I love the kick. Thank you!
— Jennifer
Chicken Tortilla Soup Ingredients
One of the best things about this version of chicken tortilla soup is that it’s completely versatile. I’ve listed my favorite ingredients below, but feel free to substitute or omit any ingredient to suite your family’s taste preference.
You’ll find the measurements in the recipe card, below.
- Vegetables. A blend of onion, celery, garlic, tomatoes, and carrots make this chicken tortilla soup tasty and super satisfying. Other great veggie add-ins include fresh corn, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra color, texture, and flavor.
- Chicken broth. I recommend using a low-sodium chicken broth or chicken stock, so you can control the amount of salt in the soup.
- Cooked chicken. Use rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, chicken from the deli counter, whatever works best for you. The chicken can be diced or shredded. Personally, I love the convenience and flavor of shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Spices. To give this soup lots of flavor in a short amount of time I use plenty of bold spices. You can certainly experiment with your favorite seasonings, but my favorites for tortilla soup are garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, oregano and a bit of cayenne pepper. If you’re sensitive to spice, omit the cayenne pepper or consider chipotle powder instead.
- Toppings. As much as I love this healthy chicken tortilla soup as-is, it’s even better with lots of toppings. We love to add a bit of freshly squeezed lime juice, sliced avocado, jalapeños, fresh cilantro and you can’t forget the crispy tortilla strips!
How to Make Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup
This tortilla soup recipe is as easy as 1, 2, 3! It takes just about 30 minutes to cook, but most of that time is hands off while the soup simmers away! Here’s a quick rundown for how to make chicken tortilla soup:
Jump down to the recipe card for printable instructions.
Step 1: Sauté vegetables. Heat a little olive oil in large pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat on the stove top. Sauté the onion, celery and minced garlic cloves. Once those veggies get nice and soft, add in the tomatoes and cook until soft.
Step 2: Transfer. Once veggie mixture is soft, add it to a blender (or food processor or use an immersion blender) with water.
Step 3: Blend. Blend the veggies until smooth.
Step 4: Simmer & Serve. Return the soup to the pot and stir in broth, chicken, carrots, and spices. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until carrots are tender. Ladle into bowls and serve topped with your favorite garnishes.
Kim’s Recipe Tips
- Make it your own. Feel free to customize the amount of spices and other ingredients that you prefer. Try adding in black beans and/or corn for a boost of fiber and even more staying power!
- Adjust the spiciness. The combination of chili powder, cumin and cayenne pepper give the chicken tortilla soup a slightly spicy kick. If you’re sensitive to spice, simply leave out the cayenne pepper.
- Fresh ingredients. Using fresh ingredients makes such a difference. I love using fresh garden tomatoes when they’re in season, but canned diced tomatoes will work fine, if you’re in a pinch. If using canned tomatoes, I recommend fire-roasted tomatoes because they have way more flavor than regular canned tomatoes.
- Make it thicker. I love the consistency of this soup, but if you prefer a thicker soup, you can mix 3 tablespoons of soup broth with 2 tablespoons of flour, then add the paste to the soup while it’s simmering.
- Add creaminess. If you’re craving creamy tortilla soup, you can add some sour cream or cream cheese to the broth which will thicken it, as well as make the soup creamy. You also may want to check out a reader favorite recipe, my creamy chicken tortilla soup!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this recipe works great with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast. Season the chicken with salt & pepper, then sear it in a pot or skillet for 3–4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken, sauté the veggies, and continue with the recipe as written. When adding the blended mixture, spices, and carrots, return the chicken to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, stir it back into the soup, and serve.
Yes, sauté the veggies and blend first for the best flavor. Then, add the blended tomato mixture, broth, carrots, and seasonings to your crock pot. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the carrots are tender and the flavors are well developed. Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken in the last 30 minutes to 1 hour of cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
It has mild heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce or skip the cayenne pepper. You can always add heat later. To make it spicier you can add a small can of green chiles, more red pepper or hot sauce.
Toppings for Chicken Tortilla Soup
I typically like to keep this soup on the lighter side, so I usually don’t add cheese or sour cream, but feel free to add any favorite toppings you like. You really can’t go wrong! Just don’t forget the tortilla strips! Here are some of my favorite topping options:
- Shredded cheese. Add a sprinkle of some shredded Mexican or cheddar cheese on top. The cheese gets all melty and delicious! Yes, please!
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt gives adds a wonderful creaminess!
- Avocado or guacamole. A must for me when I eat Mexican-flavored dishes. By the way, my guacamole recipe is bomb!
- Tortilla chips or strips. One of my favorite toppings to add is crushed tortilla chips or strips. Adds the perfect crunch!
- Cilantro. I’m a huge fan of cilantro and add extra to almost all Mexican recipes that I make. So flavorful and yummy!
- Green or red onions. About a tablespoon of green onion or red onions would make a great option for an extra boost of flavor.
- Lime juice. A squeeze of a lime is the perfect tasty finish!
Tortilla Strips
You can find pre-made tortilla strips at most grocery stores. They will most likely be located near salad dressings, with the salad toppings. They have different flavor varieties and I usually keep a bag on hand to go with any soup I’m eating. However, if you’re looking for a super authentic version, then making your own tortilla strips is the way to go.
To make homemade tortilla strips, simply cut 4 or 5 store-bought corn tortillas into thin strips and fry them in some oil. Once they get crispy, place them on a paper towel to drain off any excess oil and toss with salt. For a lighter option, preheat the oven to 375°F. Cut corn tortillas into thin strips, spread them in an even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet pan, and spray generously with nonstick spray. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until lightly browned and crispy. Season immediately with salt and a squeeze of lime juice.
Storage & Freezing Recommendations
Weekly meal prep is a breeze with this soup recipe, and the leftovers taste just as good, if not better, the next day. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. Tortilla soup even freezes well. For freezing, let the soup cool and place it in freezer-safe containers or resealable gallon-sized freezer bags for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer the soup to the fridge and store overnight. When ready to serve, reheat it on medium heat on the stovetop. Enjoy with your favorite toppings.
More Easy Soup Recipes
If you try this easy chicken tortilla soup recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves this recipe as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more delicious recipes straight to your inbox.
Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil or a generous amount of cooking spray
- 1 cup chopped onion, about 1 small onion
- 2 cups diced celery, about 4 medium stalks
- 4 minced garlic cloves, about 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 4 medium chopped tomatoes, or 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 2 cups water
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 cups chopped or shredded rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups thinly sliced carrots, about 3 medium peeled
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, add less or omit, if desired
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- optional garnish: chopped avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, crumbled Cotija cheese, Greek yogurt, crumbled tortilla chips
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Instructions
- Heat oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup chopped onion and 2 cups diced celery; cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes and until veggies are soft.
- Add 4 minced garlic cloves; cook, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute. Add 4 medium chopped tomatoes; cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes and until tomatoes are soft. Set aside.
- Add onion/tomato mixture with 2 cups water (you will not need the water if using canned tomatoes) to high-speed blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- Transfer blended mixture back to the pot and add 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 3 cups chopped or shredded rotisserie chicken, 2 cups thinly sliced carrots, 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 to 30 minutes, or until carrots are tender.
- Top each serving with preferred toppings; such as lime juice, avocado, cilantro, cheese, Greek yogurt and/or tortilla chips
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
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This recipe was originally published August 2015. It was republished with new content January 2026.
Made this last night. I love that it’s so easy, tasty and healthier!
Hands down my favorite healthy soup recipe. The flavor is unreal.
This soup tastes like something from a restaurant. I love how simple it is, and my whole family cleaned their bowls.
Great recipe!
When using canned tomatoes…. do you use 1 or 2 – 28oz cans? Very excited to try this recipe!!
Just one 28 ounce can or two 14.5 ounce cans. Enjoy!
I was shocked at how good this is for being “healthier”. Definitely adding this to my regular dinner rotation.
I made this exactly as written and it turned out perfect. Definitely a keeper.
Perfect weeknight dinner! I served it with tortilla strips and everyone loved it.
This soup is so flavorful and fresh-tasting. I’ve already shared the recipe with friends.
Made this for meal prep and it reheats beautifully. Even better the next day!
I’ve tried so many tortilla soup recipes, and this one is my favorite. It’s healthy but still full of bold flavor.
Great recipe for a healthy reset meal. Still feels like comfort food.
This was excellent! Great flavors, easy to put together. I put the whole thing in a crockpot, which made it very easy. Thanks so much!
Such a tasty meal!
I made a few altercations so it wasn’t too spicy and had a bit more substance.
1. Didn’t use a full tsp of cumin or chili powder
2. Added zucchini in the blended portion and some small pieces with the carrots
3. Added white beans
4. Added lime juice – this is just what it needed.
My husband was looking for a low-cal chicken tortilla soup, and I decided we should try this one. We liked it a lot -thick and hearty – but I felt like it was missing something. My taste buds told me to try lime juice. Sure enough, that brightened the flavors beautifully.
Now in coming back to copy down the recipe, I see you suggested lime juice. It really tipped the scales from good to great. Bravo!
One thing I did differently was replace the cayenne with a chipotle pepper, which I pureed with the tomatoes. Just a fun suggestion for people who might prefer its flavor to cayenne.
This is one of those recipes I come back to again and again. So comforting and flavorful.
Perfect for soup season! It’s hearty without being heavy, and the spices are spot on.
I’ve made this twice already and it’s officially a favorite. Easy, healthy, and delicious.
This soup is so fresh and flavorful. I added extra cilantro and lime—so good.
This soup was soooo good!
Absolutely delicious! I added a little extra spice and it was perfect for chilly evenings.
Made this between the holidays and it was a nice break from heavier meals. So good!
Loved how easy this was to throw together. It tasted even better than expected.
I made this soup last night, it was easy and delicious! My two young children loved it, which is all I need to hear to add this to our rotation. Thanks for another delicious recipe, Kim
The flavor of this soup is 10/10!!!!
Excellent recipe! I really enjoyed this soup! Thanks you for sharing!
So happy to hear it! Thanks for your comment!
Do the tomatoes need to be skinned?
No, they don’t. Enjoy!
Such a cozy meal for busy nights. My husband went back for seconds.
This has become my go-to soup when I want something warm and nourishing. So easy to customize too.
This soup checks all the boxes, healthy, filling, and packed with flavor. Loved it!
I appreciate how simple the ingredients are. It tastes amazing and makes great leftovers.
This soup is on repeat at our house! It’s so flavorful without feeling heavy, and I love that it’s healthy too.
I made this after a long day and it came together so fast. Comfort food without the guilt.
Kim
This was excellent! It was my meal for three days and my husband said it was top notch!
That makes me so happy to hear that you enjoyed! Thanks so much for your comment!
I’ve been making this soup recipe for years and I decided it was time I leave a comment. My whole family loves it, even my picky kids. We make it exactly as written and it has the best flavor. I also love that it’s lower in calories and fat!
Quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful. Even my picky eater asked for seconds.
I just made this last night. It was delicious. I think the blending of the tomatoes and aromatics are what give it an edge. I am adding it to my keep pile.
It’s one of my favorites too! So glad you enjoyed!
How many servings does this recipe make?
seven 1.5 cup servings
This soup is so comforting without being heavy. I topped it with avocado and a squeeze of lime, so perfect!
I made this on a cold night and it was exactly what we needed. The spices are perfectly balanced and it’s so filling.
I love that this recipe is healthy but still tastes indulgent. The broth is so good.
Made this soup today!! Wow!!! It was everything I hoped for and is definitely on my menu list from now on! I love the kick. Thank you!
Yay! That makes me SO happy! So glad you enjoyed and thanks for taking time to comment.
This is my second time making this soup and I absolutely love it! It’s a rainy day today and I was craving it! I added corn because someone mentioned it in the comments, it adds a little something!
Yay! I love hearing this and I’ll definitely be trying the corn next time I make it!
Such a cozy, satisfying soup. I love that it’s lighter but still feels hearty.
Such a great lighter tortilla soup! I didn’t miss the extra calories at all. The toppings really make it special.
I made this Chicken Tortilla Soup and it is absolutely my new favorite. I also added black beans and corn. It was so good. Today I made a Vegetable Soup using the same recipe. Thank you so much for the recipe.
Yum! This was amazing, Kim. So much delicious flavor and I love that it was healthier!
OMG this was amazing! I LOVED this Tortilla Soup! I do “Simply Filling” with Weight Watchers and this was perfect!
Super yummy. I added some hot chilli and a pinch of lime at the end. Love this soup.
Thanks so much for your feedback! I’m so glad you loved it as much as I do!