Name: Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp chili powder; 2 tsp kosher salt; 8 cups chicken stock; 2 (14.5 oz) cans fire roasted tomatoes; 2 chicken breasts; 1 (14.5 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed; Avocado slices; Chopped cilantro; Shredded cheddar cheese; Crumbled tortilla chips; Sliced jalapeños; Sour cream or Greek yogurt

If you’re craving a bowl that warms your soul and brings a burst of vibrant flavors with every spoonful, you have to try this Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients, tender chicken, and just the right amount of spice, all simmered together to create a comforting, nutritious meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying dish to share, this soup strikes the perfect balance between healthy and indulgent, making it a go-to favorite you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various raw ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. In the center-left is a white plate with a piece of pink chicken. Above it are two small white bowls, one with minced garlic and another with ground black pepper. To the right of the bowls is a white bowl filled with brown beans. In the center is a whole green bell pepper. Next to it, slightly to the lower right, is a brown onion. To the right of the onion is a can of crushed tomatoes with a colorful label. Below the onion is a small blue bowl containing white salt. Below that is a small green bowl with red chili powder. To the far right is a clear measuring cup filled with light brown liquid. All items are evenly spaced, with the white marbled surface visible throughout. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential, each adding a unique layer of taste, texture, or color that makes the Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe truly shine. From the smoky fire-roasted tomatoes to the creamy avocado slices, every element works in harmony for a delightful eating experience.

Olive oil: This heart-healthy oil starts the soup base off with a gentle sauté, giving fantastic flavor depth.
Yellow onion: Adds a sweet and savory foundation when caramelized just right.
Green bell pepper: Brings a fresh crunch and subtle sweetness, brightening up the soup.
Garlic cloves: Minced garlic infuses the broth with a wonderful, aromatic zest.
Ground cumin: Provides that earthy, warm spice that is essential for authentic flavor.
Chili powder: Gives the soup a gentle kick of heat without overpowering it.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each ingredient truly pop.
Chicken stock: The rich base that ties the entire soup together while keeping it light.
Fire-roasted tomatoes: These bring smoky sweetness and a vibrant reddish hue.
Chicken breasts: Lean protein that becomes tender and satisfying once shredded into the soup.
Pinto beans: Add hearty texture and extra fiber for a filling meal.
Avocado slices: Creamy, dreamy garnish that cools the spice and adds healthy fats.
Chopped cilantro: Bright, herbal freshness to finish off each bowl.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts slightly into the hot soup, adding gooey indulgence.
Crumbled tortilla chips: Provide a crunchy contrast that keeps the soup fun to eat.
Sliced jalapeños: For those who love an extra punch of spicy heat.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and tang to balance the bold flavors perfectly.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating olive oil in a large dutch oven or stock pot over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and green bell pepper, cooking them until the onion becomes translucent and the pepper softens, which takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Next, throw in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until you catch that irresistible garlicky aroma filling your kitchen.

Step 2: Add the Spices

Sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, and kosher salt. Stir everything together and let it toast lightly for a minute or two. This step is key because it allows the spices to bloom, releasing their rich, warm flavors that will define the soup’s profile.

Step 3: Simmer with Chicken and Tomatoes

Pour in your chicken stock and the fire-roasted tomatoes straight from the can, then nestle the chicken breasts into the pot. Bring this beautiful mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This slow simmer infuses the broth with depth and soul.

Step 4: Shred Chicken and Add Beans

Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and shred them finely using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to your soup and stir in the pinto beans, letting everything mingle for an additional 5 minutes on low heat. The flavors marry beautifully here while the soup thickens just enough to be perfectly comforting.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and let the fun begin with toppings. Fresh avocado slices, chopped cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled tortilla chips, and sliced jalapeños add fantastic texture and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt brings it all home with creamy perfection.

How to Serve Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

The image shows a cooking process in four parts arranged in a collage: the top left shows a close-up of chopped green peppers and onions sautéing with a light brown seasoning in a white pot; the top right shows broth being poured into the same pot with vegetables visible at the bottom; the bottom left shows a hand pouring tomato sauce from a can into a pot filled with a yellow-orange soup base on a white marbled surface; the bottom right shows two cooked chicken pieces placed on a black cutting board alongside a steaming pot of red-orange soup with green pepper chunks visible, all set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Toppings are not just decoration here, they’re the soul of the Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe. Creamy avocado slices mellow the heat, while chopped cilantro adds bursts of freshness. The shredded cheddar melts into the hot soup, creating irresistible pockets of cheese, and crumbled tortilla chips introduce a satisfying crunch. If you enjoy some heat, sliced jalapeños provide just the right amount of spice. Finish with a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt to cool and complement all those vibrant flavors.

Side Dishes

This soup stands strong on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides. Warm corn tortillas, a crisp green salad with lime dressing, or a side of Mexican street corn can round out your meal. These options add complementary textures and flavors without stealing the spotlight from your soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve this soup in mini hollowed-out bell peppers or deep bowls nestled inside colorful chip baskets. Alternatively, layering toppings in small individual bowls lets guests customize their own bowls, making it a fun, interactive dining experience. Presentation is just as delightful as the taste when enjoying this Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe with friends or family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your soup, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, so your leftovers may taste even better the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Allow it to cool completely before transferring into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy your Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe anytime you want without starting from scratch.

Reheating

When you’re ready to dig in again, thaw your soup overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Add fresh toppings after reheating to maintain their texture and brightness.

FAQs

Can I use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked shredded chicken like rotisserie meat is a fantastic time-saver and still delivers all the delicious flavors in this Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe.

Is this soup spicy?

The base of the soup has a mild, warm spice from the chili powder and cumin, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more or fewer jalapeños or chili powder depending on your preference.

What can I substitute if I don’t have pinto beans?

Great substitutes include black beans or kidney beans, which provide similar texture and nutritional benefits without changing the flavor too much.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

While this recipe shines with chicken, you can swap chicken stock for vegetable broth and omit the chicken for a vegetarian twist that’s just as hearty when loaded with beans and veggies.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes! With naturally gluten-free ingredients like chicken, beans, and veggies, this Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is safe for gluten-free diets. Just double-check your broth and tortilla chips to be sure they’re certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, packed with wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors that never get old. I promise, once you try it, it will quickly become a family favorite that you reach for again and again. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and dive into this bowl of delicious warmth!

Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need