Chicken Tortilla Soup - delicious Canadian chicken recipe
Easy

Chicken Tortilla Soup

(660)
40 min6360 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|March 15, 2024

Chicken Tortilla Soup — a fast, flavourful weeknight dinner that proves homemade beats takeout every time. On the table in under 30 minutes.

soups-stewsweeknightquick

Ingredients

Servings:
6

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Build Layers of Flavour

Sear the chicken first to develop a fond (those brown bits on the bottom of the pot). Deglaze with broth and scrape it all up — that's where 80% of your soup's depth comes from.

Bring to Room Temperature

Take chicken out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking. Cold chicken straight from the fridge cooks unevenly — the outside overcooks while the centre stays underdone.

Add Acid at the End

A squeeze of lemon juice or splash of vinegar added right before serving brightens the entire bowl. It doesn't make it sour — it makes everything else taste more like itself.

About This Recipe

Chicken Tortilla Soup is not just another weeknight meal; it's a warm embrace in a bowl that resonates with the heart of Canadian comfort food. This dish showcases the vibrant flavours of tender chicken, robust vegetables, and a hint of spice, all brought together in a rich, satisfying broth. It's perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something quick yet hearty, making it a beloved choice for families across the country. The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility; you can adjust the spice levels and toppings to suit every palate, ensuring a delightful experience for everyone at the table.

As the soup simmers, the rich aroma wafts through your kitchen, beckoning everyone to gather around. The combination of juicy chicken thighs or breasts, fresh veggies, and crispy tortilla strips creates a delightful texture contrast that keeps you coming back for another bowl. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, this Chicken Tortilla Soup reflects the warmth and creativity of Canadian home cooking, proving that nothing beats homemade when it comes to comfort food.

Tips for the Best Chicken Tortilla Soup

To ensure your Chicken Tortilla Soup is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). This will keep your chicken juicy and prevent it from drying out. When sautéing your vegetables, don’t rush the process; allow them to soften and release their flavours before adding the broth. To enhance the depth of flavour, consider adding a teaspoon of chili powder or cumin during the cooking process for an extra kick.

What to Serve With It

For an authentic Canadian twist, serve your Chicken Tortilla Soup with a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheddar cheese on top, along with a dollop of sour cream and a squeeze of fresh lime. Pair it with warm, crusty bread or homemade cornbread for a satisfying meal. You can also offer a side of guacamole and tortilla chips for a delightful crunch, making it a full-fledged feast that everyone will love.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Chicken Tortilla Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent it from drying out. If you want to freeze the soup, it’s best to do so without the toppings; it will hold up in the freezer for about 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned earlier for the best results.

Nutrition Per Serving

360
Calories
35g
Protein
18g
Fat
39g
Carbs
Fiber6g
Sugar10g
Sodium488mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?+

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it beforehand for even cooking. If time is short, you can cook the chicken directly in the soup, but this may increase the overall cooking time.

What vegetables can I add to my Chicken Tortilla Soup?+

Feel free to get creative! Bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or even black beans are great additions that will enhance the soup's flavour and texture. Just ensure they are cut into small, even pieces for consistent cooking.

How spicy is this soup?+

The spice level is adjustable to your taste! The primary spice in the recipe adds a mild kick, but you can increase the heat by adding jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper, depending on your preference.

Is this soup gluten-free?+

Yes, but you'll need to ensure that the tortillas you use are gluten-free. Corn tortillas are a fantastic option that not only keeps the soup gluten-free but also adds a lovely texture.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?+

Certainly! You can prepare the soup a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it when you're ready to serve. The flavours will meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious!

Reviews

4.8 / 5 (660 reviews)
David L.
Apr 17, 2025

Made this twice already this month. So delicious!

Chris R.
Aug 16, 2025

My family loved this recipe. Will definitely make again!

Tyler I.
Jul 10, 2025

Great recipe! Even my picky kids loved it.

Rachel P.
Apr 10, 2025

Followed the recipe exactly and it was perfect.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:
15 min
Cook:
25 min
Total:
40 min
Servings:
6
Difficulty:
Easy

Pro Tips

  • 1Prep all your ingredients before you start cooking — weeknight speed depends on having everything ready to go.
  • 2A hot pan is essential for good searing. If the chicken doesn't sizzle when it hits the pan, your pan isn't hot enough yet.
  • 3Chicken thighs are more forgiving than breast for weeknight cooking — they stay juicy even if you get distracted for a few minutes.

Variations

  • Swap chicken for shrimp for a lighter, faster version of most weeknight recipes.
  • Meal prep the seasoned chicken the night before — the marinade develops and you save 10 minutes at dinnertime.
  • Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a lower-carb option.

soups-stews

Chicken Tortilla Soup

This is THE Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe you have been looking for.

by ChickenRecipes.ca

Chicken Tortilla Soup - delicious Canadian chicken recipe
Chef Marco Deluca

Chef Marco Deluca

Head Chef & Recipe Developer

Marco is a Red Seal certified chef with over 15 years of professional kitchen experience across Canada. After training at George Brown College in Toronto and working in acclaimed restaurants from Vancouver to Montreal, he founded ChickenRecipes.ca to share his expertise with home cooks. Marco specializes in making restaurant-quality chicken dishes accessible for everyday Canadian kitchens.

Red Seal Certified ChefGeorge Brown College Culinary Arts Graduate15+ years professional kitchen experience

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