Introduction
What if you could whip up a comforting, restaurant-quality Rotisserie Chicken Tortilla Soup in just 30 minutes without compromising on flavor or nutrition?
Busy parents everywhere are turning to convenient, time-saving meals that don’t sacrifice taste or health—and this easy Rotisserie Chicken Tortilla Soup delivers. Packed with protein-rich shredded rotisserie chicken, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and smoky spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, and Mexican oregano, this one-pot wonder is a weeknight favorite you’ll return to again and again.
If you’ve ever craved a bold, Mexican-inspired dish that feels like it came straight from your favorite Mexican restaurant but needed it fast—this Rotisserie Chicken Tortilla Soup is your perfect match.
Ingredients List
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken, shredded (or substitute with organic free-range chicken or leftover roasted chicken)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced (for sautéing onions)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder (or substitute with Ancho chili powder or chipotle powder)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- 1 (4 oz) can green chilis, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup canned corn (or sweet corn or fiesta corn mix)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken broth or bone broth (can also use chicken stock or vegetable stock)
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla strips or crunchy tortilla strips, for topping
- Optional toppings: sour cream, cheddar cheese, Mexican Cheese Blend, avocado slices, Pico de Gallo, pickled jalapenos, tortilla chips, Salsa Verde, cream cheese
Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
This Rotisserie Chicken Tortilla Soup takes 20% less time than most traditional Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup recipes, thanks to the pre-cooked shredded rotisserie chicken and quick-cooking method in a Dutch oven or Instant Pot.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
In a large Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Base
Add chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and Mexican oregano. Stir spices into the onions to release their smoky spices.
Step 3: Add Vegetables & Tomatoes
Mix in green chilis, black beans, canned corn, diced tomatoes, fire roasted tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir thoroughly.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
Add chicken broth (or bone broth/chicken stock) and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in taco seasoning for added zest.
Step 5: Add Chicken
Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken. Let everything simmer for 10–12 minutes to meld the flavors. Your Rotisserie Chicken Tortilla Soup will develop its rich, hearty taste as it simmers.
Step 6: Finish With Lime & Cream
Stir in lime juice and optional cream cheese for a creamy twist. Use an immersion blender to blend a portion for a thick, creamy chicken tortilla soup texture if desired.
Step 7: Top and Serve
Serve your delicious Rotisserie Chicken Tortilla Soup hot, topped with tortilla strips, sour cream, cheddar cheese, avocado slices, or Pico de Gallo.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein | 22g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Sugars | 4g |
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Use low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable stock for a heart-healthier version.
- Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt to reduce fat.
- Use corn tortillas instead of fried tortilla strips for a gluten-free, baked alternative.
- Replace sour cream with plain yogurt.
- Add spinach or kale for added fiber and micronutrients.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of Mexican rice or sour cream chicken enchilada casserole.
- Pair with tortilla chips and Salsa Verde for a fun family meal.
- Top with pickled jalapenos for extra kick.
- Serve in a bread bowl for a hearty twist.
- Add a side of king ranch chicken casserole for a Tex-Mex twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken: It’s already cooked—just heat it through.
- Skipping the lime juice: It balances the richness.
- Not using fire-roasted tomatoes: They add essential depth.
- Adding cream cheese too early: Stir it in at the end to avoid curdling.
- Neglecting toppings: They elevate the whole dish!
- Forgetting to layer flavors: This is what separates great Rotisserie Chicken Tortilla Soup from the rest.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Store leftovers of Rotisserie Chicken Tortilla Soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in single-portion containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
- To keep tortilla strips crunchy, store them separately on a baking sheet.
Conclusion
This Easy Rotisserie Chicken Tortilla Soup is the ultimate 30-minute meal—flavorful, comforting, and easy enough for any busy weeknight. The rich flavor of Rotisserie Chicken Tortilla Soup is bound to become a family favorite!
Try it today and let us know how it turned out! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or subscribe for more quick and delicious meal ideas.
FAQs
Can I make this in a slow cooker or Crock Pot?
Yes! Add all ingredients (except toppings and cream cheese) to your Crock Pot or slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours.
How do I make this spicier?
Add more pickled jalapenos, a jalapeño pepper, or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Use canned diced tomatoes, fire roasted tomatoes, or canned tomato sauce for convenience.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup?
Use an immersion blender to puree a portion or stir in a little masa harina or extra cream cheese.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes! Let it cool, transfer to containers, and freeze. Avoid freezing with cream cheese or tortilla chips already added.
What makes this recipe better than other tortilla soups?
It’s quicker, uses flavorful rotisserie chicken, incorporates bold, smoky spices, and it’s highly customizable with minimal effort. That’s the beauty of this Rotisserie Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe.