Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (with Hominy) (2024)

By Marjory Pilley Published · Updated

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This fast and easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe with hominy, black beans, and corn takes 30 minutes to make in one pot. Just add your favorite toppings, like avocado, cilantro, or cheese, and you have a fiesta-worthy meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (with Hominy) (1)

This is easily the best chicken tortilla soup recipe around; at least, that's what our meal assembly store customers told us when they made it or shrimp tortilla soup! It's delicious and healthy.

Plus, it's the perfect combination of fresh and convenience ingredients. Using leftover lemon pepper chicken or rotisserie chicken and pantry items shaves off precious prep time. It has hominy, too, which is a nod to the authentic flavors you would find in a traditional Mexican soup.

Are you making this for a casual weekend dinner? You'll have plenty of time to make side dishes likeeasy guacamole dipand homemadelow-carb tortilla chips!

If you've swooned over white chicken chili with cream cheese, think of this as its zesty cousin. Unlike the creamy base of the chili, tortilla soup with chicken boasts a thick, tomato-rich broth brimming with Mexican spices.

Jump to:
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Directions with Pictures
  • Toppings
  • Top Tips
  • FAQ
  • Storage and Make-Ahead
  • More Southwestern Recipes
  • 📋 Recipe

Ingredient Notes

Here's what you'll need to make Southwestern chicken tortilla soup:

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (with Hominy) (2)
  • Cooked chicken, diced or shredded - Be sure that the seasonings used on the chicken make sense. Slow cooker 3-ingredient salsa chicken works great. Grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken are also fantastic.
    • Frozen cubed chicken does not need to be defrosted first!
    • This soup CAN be made with fresh chicken. See the FAQ section below.
  • Whole corn kernels - Fresh corn really makes this soup pop with flavor. It takes about 2 minutes to microwave corn on the cob. You'll only need 1 large ear of corn. Frozen corn does not need to be defrosted first.
  • Chicken broth or vegetable broth - Use a low-salt brand since canned items in this recipe also contain salt.
  • White hominy- You'll find this ingredient in the canned goods aisle.

I bet you'll want toppings! Check out the idea list below.

Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions.

Directions with Pictures

Here's how to make tortilla soup with chicken in one pot on the stovetop in under 30 minutes. Have all the ingredients prepped before you begin and the soup will quickly come together.

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (with Hominy) (3)

Step 1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stock pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes to soften. Next add minced garlic, chili powder, and oregano. Stir and cook for about 1 minute more.

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (with Hominy) (4)

Step 2. Add diced or shredded chicken and everything else (except the toppings) to the pot and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 - 15 minutes. The flavors will continue to meld and mingle, so you don't have to remove the soup immediately.

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (with Hominy) (5)

Step 3. Ladle into bowls and top with tortilla strips or crushed tortillas and toppings of your choice. A splash of fresh lime juice is a must!

Toppings

Take a bowl of chicken tortilla soup to the next level by preparing a topping bar and include ingredients like these:

  • Shredded cheeses such as Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Cheddar or Cotija
  • Lime wedges - this is a must at our house!
  • Avocado cubes or slices
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole - use our one avocado guacamole recipe for a small batch!
  • Finely diced red onion
  • Green onion, sliced thin
  • Salsa
Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (with Hominy) (6)

Top Tips

  • You don't need to defrost frozen ingredients, like corn, hominy, or chicken!
  • When there are various diets in your house, prepare and cook tortilla soup and cook the chicken separately. Serve it on the side, along with all the other toppings. Now, everyone is happy! This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan without the chicken.
  • Buy twice the ingredients and follow the make-ahead tips to make extra chicken tortilla soup for the freezer.

FAQ

How do you thicken chicken tortilla soup?

This soup is hearty. If you want to thicken it, puree about ¼ cup of the hominy or corn to naturally thicken the soup, as we did for creamycorn and crab soup. It works beautifully and keeps the soup gluten-free.

What is hominy?

Hominy has a chewy texture and a mild, slightly earthy flavor, distinct from regular corn, with a hint of nuttiness. It's created by soaking corn kernels until the outer hull and germ are removed, causing them to swell and soften. Read more about What Kind of Corn is Hominy at The Spruce.

Can you make this with uncooked chicken?

Yes! Simply add boneless chicken breasts pounded to an even thickness to the soup along with all the other ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. It usually takes 10-15 minutes. Lift it out and shred or cube and return to the soup.

We use this poaching technique to make lemon chicken soup with cauliflower rice.

Bonus: It's still a 30-minute recipe!

Storage and Make-Ahead

Storage

Store leftover chicken tortilla soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 days or the freezer for 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

Make-Ahead and Freeze

This is the exact recipe we used at our Make Ahead Meal Kitchens. Add all the prepped ingredients, including cooked chicken to a freezer bag. Of course, save any topping for serving day.

Remove excess air from the plastic bag and store it flat so it will defrost quickly. When you're ready to make chicken tortilla soup, defrost the bag overnight in the refrigerator. Pour the contents into a large pot, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

More Southwestern Recipes

  • Easy Corn and Black Bean Salsa Recipe
  • Stacked Burrito Pie Casserole {Freezer-Friendly}
  • Cowboy Chicken Recipe

Did you make this recipe?
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📋 Recipe

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (with Hominy) (10)

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe with Hominy

This fast and easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe with hominy, black beans, and corn takes 30 minutes to make in one pot.

5 from 4 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Author: Marjory Pilley

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 cup onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 Tablespoon fresh
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken broth, low salt or vegetable broth
  • 15 ounces black beans rinsed and drained
  • 15 ounces hominy rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
  • 4 ounces mild green chiles diced
  • 2 cups cooked chicken cubed or shredded
  • 16 tortilla chips
  • Optional toppings: squeeze of lime juice, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, cilantro

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes to soften.

  • Next add minced garlic, chili powder, and oregano. Stir and cook for about 1 minute more.

  • Add everything else (except for any toppings) to the pot and bring the soup to a boil. Note: Frozen ingredients do not need to be defrosted first.

  • Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 - 15 minutes. The flavors will continue to meld and mingle, so you don't have to take it off right away.

  • Ladle into bowls and top with crushed tortillas and your favorite toppings, and enjoy. A squeeze of fresh lime juice is so good!

Notes

You'll find step-by-step pictures, serving ideas, and more above!

Topping Ideas:

Take a bowl of chicken tortilla soup to the next level by preparing a topping bar and include ingredients like these:

  • Shredded cheeses such as Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Cheddar or Cotija
  • Lime wedges - this is a must at our house!
  • Avocado cubes or slices
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole - use ourone avocado guacamole recipefor a small batch!
  • Finely diced red onion
  • Green onion, sliced thin
  • Salsa

Low-Carb Suggestions:This soup is full of wholesome ingredients. It's high in carbs and high in fiber. You reduce the carb count a bit by using less hominy and corn and using low-carb tortilla chips.

Storage:

Store leftover chicken tortilla soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 days or the freezer for 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

Make-Ahead and Freeze:

This is the exact recipe we used at our Make Ahead Meal Kitchens. Add all the prepped ingredients, including cooked chicken to a freezer bag. Of course, save any topping for serving day.

Remove excess air from the plastic bag and store it flat so it will defrost quickly. When you're ready to make chicken tortilla soup, defrost the bag overnight in the refrigerator. Pour the contents into a large pot, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

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Nutrition

Calories: 468kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 597mg | Potassium: 1409mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 674IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 155mg | Iron: 7mg

Nutritional and Food Safety Disclaimer

This recipe was originally published on April 10, 2018, and has been updated to improve the reader experience.

More Soup Recipes

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  • Easy Southern Chili Recipe with Beef and Beans
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  • Creamy Crab Corn Soup Recipe

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

  1. Rosemary

    Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (with Hominy) (15)
    I love soup and this looks exactly what my family would love. I can't wait to try it.

    Reply

    • Marjory

      Yay! I hope you enjoy it!

      Reply

  2. Lane Patten

    Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (with Hominy) (16)
    Tortilla soup is my favorite! And I like this even better if it is freezable! Thanks!

    Reply

    • Marjory

      It's a nice dish to have in the freezer!

      Reply

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (with Hominy) (2024)

FAQs

What can I use to thicken my tortilla soup? ›

Add Flour Or Cornstarch

You can thicken soup by adding flour, cornstarch, or another starchy substitute. For the best results, never add flour or cornstarch directly to your soup. If you do, it will clump up on top. Instead, ladle a small amount of broth into a separate bowl and let it cool.

Why is my tortilla soup watery? ›

Keep Simmering. Sometimes all your soup needs is a little more time on the stove. Allow your chicken tortilla soup to simmer uncovered for an extended period. The heat will help evaporate some of the liquid, naturally thickening the soup.

How do you tone down chicken tortilla soup? ›

Adding any or all of the following ingredients can help reduce the heat:
  1. Something sweet (sugar, honey, etc.)
  2. More liquid (water or broth)
  3. Something starchy (like potatoes, rice, or pasta)
  4. Something acidic (tomatoes, wine, citrus, etc.)
  5. Dairy (yogurt, sour cream, milk, cheese)
Dec 9, 2022

How can I thicken my taco soup? ›

One option is to add crushed tortilla chips or tortilla strips to the soup. The chips will dissolve and create a thicker consistency. Another alternative is to use instant mashed potatoes. Simply sprinkle some into the soup and stir well, allowing it to thicken before serving.

Is it better to thicken soup with flour or cornstarch? ›

It's important to note that cornstarch has twice the thickening power of flour. If you need to substitute cornstarch to thicken liquid in a recipe that calls for ¼ cup (four tablespoons) flour, you only need two tablespoons cornstarch.

How do you make soup thicker without flour or cornstarch? ›

A handful of uncooked rice. That's all folks, just a handful of white rice. Any kind will do: jasmine, basmati, short grain, long grain. When added to a brothy (or watery, even) soup, and left to simmer for 20-30 minutes, the rice breaks down, releasing its starch and thickening the liquid that it's cooking in.

What is the best soup thickener? ›

Cornstarch is a great option as it is a natural thickening agent, but you'll want to be careful about how much you use. Start with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch whisked together with cold water to create a slurry. Then, gradually add the slurry to the soup, letting it boil for one to two minutes before adding more.

How do you thicken tortilla soup without cornstarch? ›

Just mix one tablespoon softened butter with one tablespoon all-purpose flour. Stir the paste into a warm soup to add a luxurious mouthfeel. As the butter melts it disperses the flour into the soup and thickens it. Try one of these methods next time you end up with a pot of soup that needs a little something extra.

How do you thicken soup with masa harina? ›

To make your slurry, combine equal-parts masa harina and room-temperature water in a small bowl, stir until dissolved, and then pour the mixture into your pot of chili and stir over low heat.

Why does my chicken tortilla soup taste bland? ›

Using too little seasoning

Reaching for something spicy without much distinct flavor, like cayenne, will result in a bland and spicy broth. Earthy spices like cumin and coriander are aromatic but not spicy. Chili powder is a blend that skews more flavorful than spicy, especially if you craft your own.

How to give chicken soup more Flavour? ›

  1. white pepper.
  2. roasted garlic & onion (separately) in pork fat.
  3. thyme.
  4. fresh ginger root and/or turmeric root.
  5. dried mushroom.
  6. celery leaves.
  7. bok choy.
  8. watercress chicken fat oil.
Mar 1, 2023

How to make chicken soup a little thicker? ›

If you want to thicken up Campbell's Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup, here are a few simple methods you can try: Add Cornstarch or Flour: Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch or all-purpose flour with a small amount of cold water to create a smooth paste. Stir the paste into the soup and simmer until it thickens.

Can you add milk to soup to make it creamy? ›

Milk or Half-and-Half: This is the other magical ingredient that turns your homemade chicken noodle soup into the creamiest soup ever. Use 1 cup of whole milk or 1 cup of half-and-half.

What does cornstarch do to soup? ›

Cornstarch, or corn flour, can be used to thicken soup through its high starch content. Cornstarch is a great thickener for soup because only a little bit is needed to significantly thicken a soup, and it will not affect the flavor profile of the soup.

What can you substitute for chicken broth in a recipe? ›

Chicken Broth Substitute: Salted Butter + Water

If you don't have broth on hand and want a little more flavor than just plain water, try subbing in 1 cup of water plus 1 tablespoon of butter for every cup of chicken broth in your recipe. The butter will help create a richer flavor than just water alone.

What is the best ingredient to thicken soup? ›

Start by using 1 tablespoon of cornstarch at a time, mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. More cornstarch slurry can be added, but be sure not to add too much. Only mix in a small amount of slurry at a time to ensure that your soup will thicken properly. Using corn starch is a fast, effective way to thicken soup.

What can you use instead of flour to thicken soup? ›

Cornstarch is a great option as it is a natural thickening agent, but you'll want to be careful about how much you use. Start with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch whisked together with cold water to create a slurry. Then, gradually add the slurry to the soup, letting it boil for one to two minutes before adding more.

What can I use to thicken soup instead of cornstarch? ›

Here are five of the best cornstarch substitutes for all your thickening needs.
  • All-Purpose Flour. Yep, that's right — all-purpose flour is a very stable thickener. ...
  • Arrowroot Powder. ...
  • Potato Starch. ...
  • Rice Flour. ...
  • Tapioca Starch.
Jun 23, 2023

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