Easy One-Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup with Hominy: A Flavorful 30-Minute Weeknight Fiesta

Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together in a flash? Look no further than this incredibly fast and easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe. Bursting with the vibrant flavors of the Southwest, this one-pot wonder features tender chicken, robust black beans, sweet corn, and the unique, chewy texture of hominy, all swimming in a rich, spiced tomato broth. In just 30 minutes, you can have a fiesta-worthy dinner on the table, perfect for even the busiest weeknights. Just gather your favorite toppings – think creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a sprinkle of cheese – and prepare to delight your taste buds!

This isn’t just any chicken tortilla soup; it’s the recipe that has consistently earned rave reviews from our former meal assembly store customers, often alongside our equally popular shrimp tortilla soup. It’s a harmonious blend of delicious taste and wholesome goodness, striking the perfect balance between fresh produce and convenient pantry staples. The inclusion of hominy, a cornerstone of traditional Mexican cuisine, elevates this soup, offering an authentic flavor profile and delightful texture that sets it apart.

What makes this particular recipe stand out is its ingenious use of pre-cooked chicken. Whether you have leftover lemon pepper chicken, savory chili lime chicken, or a store-bought rotisserie chicken, incorporating it into this soup significantly slashes your prep time, making it an ideal choice for quick meals. The pantry-friendly ingredients mean you’re often just a few steps away from a satisfying meal.

Planning a relaxed weekend dinner? This easy chicken tortilla soup frees up your time to prepare fantastic side dishes. Imagine pairing your comforting soup with a fresh batch of easy homemade guacamole dip and crispy low-carb tortilla chips. It’s the ultimate casual feast!

If you’re a fan of the creamy richness of white chicken chili with cream cheese, consider this chicken tortilla soup its zesty, equally captivating cousin. While the chili offers a dairy-rich base, this tortilla soup presents a robust, tomato-infused broth, deeply flavored with classic Mexican spices, offering a lighter yet equally satisfying experience.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a revelation for anyone seeking convenience without compromising on flavor or nutrition. Here’s why this one-pot chicken tortilla soup will become a regular in your rotation:

• Speed & Simplicity: From start to finish, this soup is ready in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing ease. This means less scrubbing and more enjoying!
• Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein from chicken, fiber from black beans and hominy, and vitamins from corn and tomatoes, this soup is a nourishing choice for the whole family.
• Authentic Flavors: The inclusion of hominy and a balanced blend of Southwestern spices brings a genuine depth of flavor, reminiscent of traditional Mexican cuisine.
• Customization King: The beauty of tortilla soup lies in its versatility. With an array of toppings, every bowl can be a unique culinary adventure tailored to individual preferences.
• Budget-Friendly: Utilizing pantry staples and leftover or rotisserie chicken makes this a cost-effective meal solution that doesn’t skimp on quality.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Flavor

The magic of this Southwestern chicken tortilla soup lies in a combination of simple yet impactful ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is key:

• Cooked Chicken, Diced or Shredded: This is your primary protein and a major time-saver. Using pre-cooked chicken – whether it’s leftover homemade chicken like 3-ingredient salsa chicken, grilled chicken, or a convenient rotisserie chicken – means you’re halfway to dinner. Ensure the chicken’s seasonings complement the soup’s Southwestern profile. If using frozen cubed chicken, there’s no need to defrost it first; it will cook perfectly in the simmering broth.
• Whole Corn Kernels: Fresh corn adds a burst of sweetness and vibrant color that truly makes the soup “pop.” If fresh isn’t available, frozen corn is an excellent alternative and, like frozen chicken, does not require defrosting.
• Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth: This forms the delicious liquid base of your soup. Opt for a low-sodium brand to control the overall saltiness, especially since canned ingredients often contain added sodium.
• White Hominy: A true star of this recipe, hominy is corn kernels that have been treated to remove their hull and germ, resulting in a distinctively chewy texture and a mild, slightly earthy, nutty flavor. It’s a hallmark of authentic Mexican soups and can be found in the canned goods aisle of most grocery stores. Rinse and drain it well before adding.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Providing a rich, slightly tangy foundation for the broth, crushed tomatoes are essential for the soup’s depth and color.
• Diced Onion & Minced Garlic: These aromatic vegetables are the flavor builders, sautéed at the beginning to create a fragrant base that permeates the entire soup.
• Mild Green Chiles: Canned diced green chiles add a subtle heat and a layer of authentic Southwestern flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Chili Powder & Dried Oregano: These spices are the soul of the soup, imparting warmth, earthy notes, and that unmistakable Mexican-inspired taste.
• Black Beans: Rinsed and drained, black beans add heartiness, fiber, and a creamy texture that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics, creating the initial flavor base.
• Tortilla Chips: Essential for topping, adding crunch and the “tortilla” element to the soup.

Please refer to the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and detailed instructions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Your Delicious Soup

Making this homemade chicken tortilla soup is incredibly straightforward, especially since it all comes together in one pot on the stovetop. The key to its quick assembly is having all your ingredients prepped and ready before you begin. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stock pot over medium-high heat. Add your diced onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. This step is crucial for building the foundational flavor of your soup. Next, add the minced garlic, chili powder, and dried oregano. Stir continuously and cook for just about 1 minute more. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.

Step 2: Combine & Simmer. Add the diced or shredded cooked chicken and all remaining ingredients (crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, black beans, hominy, corn kernels, and mild green chiles) to the pot. Stir everything together well. Bring the soup mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. This simmering time allows all the incredible flavors to meld and mingle beautifully, creating a rich and cohesive taste. Don’t worry if you leave it on the stove a few extra minutes; the flavors will only deepen.

Step 3: Serve & Garnish. Once the soup has simmered and is hot throughout, ladle generous portions into individual bowls. Now comes the fun part: adding your favorite toppings! Crush some tortilla chips or strips over the top for that essential crunch. A splash of fresh lime juice is truly a must-add, brightening all the flavors in the soup. Garnish with your choice of toppings and prepare for a delightful meal!

Customizing Your Bowl: Topping Ideas

Transform a simple bowl of chicken tortilla soup into an extraordinary culinary experience by setting up a vibrant topping bar. The more options, the better! These additions not only enhance the flavor but also add exciting textures and visual appeal:

• Shredded Cheeses: Melted cheese adds a wonderful creaminess. Consider Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, sharp Cheddar, or the crumbly, salty Cotija cheese for an authentic touch.
• Lime Wedges: This is a non-negotiable in our kitchen! A fresh squeeze of lime juice right before serving brightens every flavor and adds a crucial zesty kick.
• Avocado: Cubes or slices of ripe avocado provide a creamy, cool contrast to the warm, spicy broth.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro offers a refreshing, herbaceous note that’s classic in Mexican-inspired dishes.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (for a healthier, tangier option) adds a cooling creaminess that beautifully balances the soup’s spices.
• Guacamole: Elevate your soup with a spoonful of fresh guacamole. Our one avocado guacamole recipe is perfect for a small batch.
• Finely Diced Red Onion: For those who love a bit of pungent crunch and sharpness.
• Green Onion, Sliced Thin: A milder onion flavor with a fresh, crisp texture.
• Salsa: A spoonful of your favorite salsa (mild, medium, or hot) can add extra layers of tomato flavor and heat.
• Jalapeños: For a spicier kick, add thinly sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños.
• Radishes: Thinly sliced radishes can add a surprising peppery crunch.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Tortilla Soup

To ensure your chicken tortilla soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these valuable tips in mind:

• No Need to Defrost: Save precious time by adding frozen ingredients like corn, hominy, or even cubed cooked chicken directly to the pot. The simmering broth will gently cook and thaw them.
• Dietary Flexibility: If you’re catering to various dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian, dairy-free), prepare and cook the chicken separately. Serve the chicken on the side, alongside all the other toppings. This way, everyone can customize their bowl. The soup itself is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, and can be easily made vegan by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth.
• Double Up for Meal Prep: This recipe is fantastic for making ahead. Consider doubling the ingredients and following the make-ahead tips below to stock your freezer with wholesome, ready-to-eat meals. Future you will thank you!
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your soup before serving. You might want to add a pinch more salt, a dash of hot sauce, or an extra squeeze of lime juice to achieve your perfect flavor balance.
• Quality Broth Matters: Since broth forms the base of your soup, using a good quality, low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth will make a significant difference in the final taste.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tortilla Soup

How do you thicken chicken tortilla soup?

This chicken tortilla soup is already quite hearty thanks to the beans and hominy. However, if you prefer an even thicker consistency, there’s a simple and natural trick: puree about ¼ cup of the hominy or corn (or a mix of both) from the soup itself. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or scoop out a small amount into a regular blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the soup. This method, similar to how we thicken creamy corn and crab soup, works beautifully and keeps the soup naturally gluten-free.

What is hominy?

Hominy is a fantastic ingredient made from dried maize (corn) kernels that have been treated in an alkali solution, a process called nixtamalization. This process removes the outer hull and germ, causing the kernels to swell and soften. Hominy has a distinctive chewy texture and a mild, slightly earthy flavor, often described as having a hint of nuttiness, which is different from regular sweet corn. It’s a staple in many traditional Mexican and Southwestern dishes, adding an authentic touch to this tortilla soup.

Can you make this with uncooked chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe is adaptable for uncooked chicken. Simply add boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking) to the pot along with all the other ingredients in Step 2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. This typically takes 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken. Once cooked, lift the chicken out, shred or cube it, and return it to the soup. This poaching technique also works wonderfully for recipes like our lemon chicken soup with cauliflower rice. Even with this adjustment, it’s still typically a 30-minute recipe!

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. For a vegan version, also ensure all toppings are dairy-free (e.g., skip cheese and sour cream). You can add extra beans, corn, or even plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or tempeh for added heartiness.

Storage and Make-Ahead Solutions

Storage

Leftover chicken tortilla soup stores wonderfully! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 2 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in individual portions until heated through.

Make-Ahead and Freeze

This chicken tortilla soup is an excellent candidate for meal prepping and freezing, a strategy we extensively used at our Make Ahead Meal Kitchens. To prepare for the freezer, simply combine all the prepped ingredients, including the cooked chicken, into a large freezer-safe bag. Be sure to exclude any fresh toppings, as these are best added on serving day.

Press out any excess air from the plastic bag and lay it flat in your freezer. Storing it flat not only saves space but also allows for quicker defrosting. When you’re ready to enjoy your homemade chicken tortilla soup, simply transfer the frozen bag to the refrigerator to defrost overnight. Once thawed, pour the contents into a large pot, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes until piping hot and the flavors have melded. This method makes weeknight dinners incredibly convenient!

More Southwestern Recipes to Explore

📋 Recipe: Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup with Hominy

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.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 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

1. Heat olive oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes to soften.
2. Next add minced garlic, chili powder, and oregano. Stir and cook for about 1 minute more.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 our one avocado guacamole recipe for 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 can 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.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 468 kcal
• 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: 674 IU
• 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.