Chicken tortilla soup is one of my absolute favorite recipes! This homemade chicken tortilla soup is filling enough to make a whole meal but also works well as an appetizer or side, too. It’s filled with chicken, corn chilis, black beans, and so much more. I top it with homemade tortilla strips for a tasty low-calorie meal!
This healthy chicken tortilla soup recipe is hearty and filling, all for under 300 calories per bowl. I kept things balanced by adding chicken and beans for protein and fiber, and rice for carbohydrates. Full of fresh and healthy ingredients, this soup makes a great well-balanced meal.
What’s in This Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe?
- Tortilla Strips: It’s so easy to make homemade tortilla strips. All you need are corn tortillas, olive oil, and kosher salt.
- Chicken: I like bone-in, skinless chicken thighs, but leg quarters will also work. For an even healthier option, use bone-in, skinless chicken breasts.
- Red Enchilada Sauce: Adds a slightly spicy authentic Mexican flavor.
- White Rice: Helps bulk up this soup.
- Canned Corn: Adds a pop of sweetness.
- Canned Black Beans: Adds creaminess and extra protein.
- Red Chili Pepper: Adds extra spice to the soup.
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds extra saltiness and creaminess.
- Lime Juice: Balances the soup with freshness and tang.
- Cilantro: Adds a pop of color and freshness!
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How to Store and Reheat
Store healthy chicken enchilada soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. I recommend storing the tortilla chips separately at room temperature so they don’t get soggy. Let the soup thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Notes and Tips
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for the richest flavor.
- Use your favorite jarred enchilada sauce to save on time!
- I used canned, but you can use frozen or fresh corn.
- Add an extra chili if you like things spicy!
Top Reader Review
“Love the flavors in this. The whole family loved it too!” -Katie
Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Ingredients
For the Tortilla Strips
- 2 (8-inch) corn tortillas burrito-sized
- 1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Soup
- 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 10 ounces red enchilada sauce 1 can
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 10 cups water
- ¼ cup dry white rice
- 8.5 ounces canned corn 1 can, drained and rinsed
- 15.25 ounces canned black beans 1 can, drained and rinsed
- 1 red chili pepper chopped
- 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice from 2 limes
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
For the Tortilla Strips
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the tortillas into thin strips.2 (8-inch) corn tortillas
- In a small bowl, mix the tortilla strips, olive oil, and salt. Mix well until tortillas are evenly coated.1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 2 (8-inch) corn tortillas
- Arrange the tortilla strips onto the baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool while you make the soup.
For the Soup
- Fill a large pot with 10 cups of water. Add the chicken, enchilada sauce, salt, and black pepper, and bring to a boil.4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs, 10 ounces red enchilada sauce, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 10 cups water, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Simmer for 1 hour.
- Add the dry rice, stir, and let it cook for 20 minutes.¼ cup dry white rice
- Add the corn, beans, lime juice, cheddar cheese, and red chili peppers, and simmer for 10 minutes.8.5 ounces canned corn, 15.25 ounces canned black beans, 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese, ¼ cup fresh lime juice, 1 red chili pepper
- Garnish with the tortilla strips, sprinkle with some fresh cilantro, and serve!¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Chicken Tortilla Soup is one of my all time favorites!
ME TOO! Always up for it!
So happy that we’re entering soup season again, yay!! This is one of my favorites!
SAME
This was so yummy! My family really enjoyed it!
So happy to hear that 🙂 🙂
Love the flavors in this. The whole family loved it too!
So glad!
This was sooo delicious!! Everyone loved it!! Thanks for sharing!
hooray!
RECIPE LOOKS GREAT, BUT I WOULD USE BONE IN CHICKEN THIGHS.
That would work fine! Hope you love the recipe.