I make this soup when I want comfort food that pretends to be virtuous—and does a pretty good job of lying. It’s basically chicken, bright lime, crunchy tortilla strips, and enough cumin to make your kitchen smell like a southwestern road trip. It’s fast, forgiving, and perfect for nights when unpacking the emotional baggage of the day requires a spoon and something warm.

My husband once tried helping by “finely” chopping an onion and ended up with a knife, a kitchen towel, and a County Fair-sized cry. He insisted the tears were from the onion’s fierce personality. Meanwhile, the kids discovered the red hot sauce and, bless them, declared themselves vampire-proof. We ate soup, he patched his ego, and we still have one mystery tortilla chip lodged in the couch.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Just drop your email here and I'll send it right away! Plus you'll get new recipes every week. Yes please!

🍗

MORE OF OUR FAVORITE…

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

– It tastes like restaurant food but doesn’t require a Yelp review or awkward tipping math.
– Make it with rotisserie chicken and you’ve officially invented “minimal adulting.”
– It’s forgiving—burn it a little and call it smoky. Drop stuff in and pretend it was on purpose.
– Freezable, reheatable, and proudly acceptable as a midnight snack.

Time-Saving Hacks

– Use rotisserie chicken because tearing meat > babysitting raw poultry.
– Swap canned fire-roasted tomatoes for fresh if you’re tired, not a time traveler.
– Tortilla chips: crush in the bag instead of dirtying a bowl. I won’t tell if you don’t.
– Make a double batch and freeze half—future you will high-five present you.
– Use an immersion blender for a slightly creamy texture without hauling out the blender that needs a soap opera of parts.

Serving Ideas

– Top with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Or smother in cheese and call it “extra.”
– Serve with warm corn tortillas or tortilla chips if your oven’s feeling lazy too.
– Add a cold beer or a glass of wine if your kids provided today’s entertainment.
– For kids: keep toppings separate—chaos minimized, burrito potential maximized.
– Want to impress? Fry strips of thinly sliced tortillas for homemade crunchy garnish. Or don’t. I won’t judge either way.

What to Serve It With

– Simple green salad dressed with lime and olive oil—so you can pretend you’re healthy.
– Rice or quinoa on the side to make it extra filling for picky eaters.
– Warm tortillas or cornbread if you’re going full cozy.
– A platter of toppings (cheese, radish slices, cilantro, more lime) so everyone can self-sabotage beautifully.

Tips & Mistakes

– Tip: Toast your cumin and chili powder in the pot for 30 seconds before adding liquid for a deeper flavor.
– Mistake to avoid: Don’t drown it in salt—rotisserie chicken and canned goods bring their own sodium drama. Taste as you go.
– Pro move: Shred chicken with two forks for texture that’s better than it should be for the effort.
– Fail I made once: Dropped an entire lime’s worth of seeds into the pot. Spend five minutes fishing them out unless you want surprise citrus crunch.

Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.
– Keeps 3–4 days in an airtight container.
– Freeze in single portions for easy future dinners; defrost overnight in the fridge.
– Reheat gently on the stove so the tortilla bits don’t melt into one sad chip blob—add fresh chips when serving.

Variations and Substitutions

– Vegetarian: swap the chicken for black beans and sweet potato cubes. Still soul-warming.
– Spicier: add chopped jalapeño or a dash of chipotle in adobo. Your sinuses will applaud.
– Lighter: use low-sodium broth and less cheese. This still counts as comfort food.
– Quick swap: canned chicken in a pinch (judge as you will), or skip meat and jazz it up with beans.

Frequently Asked Questions

I can’t have gluten… will this still work?

Yep. Use tamari or coconut aminos. You’ll survive and still brag about it online.

Do I have to peel the pineapple first?

Unless you enjoy chewing bark… yes, peel it. Your teeth will thank you.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Sure. Just drain it well or enjoy syrup soup. Still tasty, though.

How sweet is this? Can I tone it down?

Absolutely. Cut the sugar—or don’t, and embrace the sugar rush.

What if I skip the sesame oil?

Then you’ll miss the nutty vibe, but relax—it’s still food. You’ll live.

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup