Shredded Chicken Tortilla Soup

Highlighted under: Warm Planning

I absolutely love making Shredded Chicken Tortilla Soup, especially on chilly evenings. The warm, zesty flavors combined with tender shredded chicken create a comforting hug in a bowl. As the broth simmers, it fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas that make everyone eager for dinner. This soup is not just quick to prepare but also versatile—perfect for customizing with your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, or crispy tortilla strips. I can guarantee it will be a family favorite before you even have a chance to serve it.

Created by

Questa Beaumont

Last updated on 2026-02-24T07:17:36.631Z

When I first made Shredded Chicken Tortilla Soup, I was amazed by how quickly all the flavors came together. Using ingredients I already had in my pantry, I turned a simple chicken broth into a vibrant, tasty dish. I remember adding a squeeze of lime just before serving, which brought an unexpected brightness that elevated the entire soup.

One trick I discovered is to roast my vegetables before adding them to the broth. It enhances the depth of flavor and adds a lovely caramelized note, making the soup even more satisfying. Trust me; this small step makes a noticeable difference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, savory flavor that warms the soul
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings
  • Quick and easy for weeknight dinners

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a delicious soup:

For the Soup

  • 1 pound shredded cooked chicken
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For Toppings

  • Tortilla strips
  • Avocado slices
  • Shredded cheese
  • Lime wedges
  • Fresh cilantro

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Sauté the Base

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté until they soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add Broth and Spices

Pour in the chicken broth and add the can of diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Incorporate Chicken

Once the broth is boiling, add the shredded chicken. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips, avocado slices, cheese, a squeeze of lime, and fresh cilantro as desired.

Your Shredded Chicken Tortilla Soup is ready to serve!

Secondary image

Pro Tips

  • For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeño to the sautéed vegetables. You can also substitute black beans or corn for a heartier soup.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use raw chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can add raw chicken directly to the broth and cook it through before shredding it.

→ How do I store leftover soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

→ Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, this soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Shredded Chicken Tortilla Soup

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Questa Beaumont

Recipe Type: Warm Planning

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Soup

  1. 1 pound shredded cooked chicken
  2. 4 cups chicken broth
  3. 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
  4. 1 medium onion, diced
  5. 1 bell pepper, diced
  6. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  7. 1 tablespoon chili powder
  8. 1 teaspoon cumin
  9. Salt and pepper to taste
  10. 1 tablespoon olive oil

For Toppings

  1. Tortilla strips
  2. Avocado slices
  3. Shredded cheese
  4. Lime wedges
  5. Fresh cilantro

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté until they soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 02

Pour in the chicken broth and add the can of diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 03

Once the broth is boiling, add the shredded chicken. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 04

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips, avocado slices, cheese, a squeeze of lime, and fresh cilantro as desired.

Extra Tips

  1. For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeño to the sautéed vegetables. You can also substitute black beans or corn for a heartier soup.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 640mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 30g