Trisha Yearwood’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

This recipe combines seasoned chicken, a jar of salsa, and canned veggies to create a flavorful and comforting soup!

I love how Trisha makes this dish easy with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

One key trick is to let the soup simmer long enough so all the flavors meld together beautifully.

This hearty soup not only tastes incredible, but it’s also easy to prepare, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Don’t forget to garnish with crunchy tortilla strips for that perfect finishing touch!

How to Make Trisha Yearwood’s Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp Butter
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 2 tbsp Flour
• 4 cups Chicken Broth
• 1 cup Half-and-Half
• 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz.)
• 1 jar Salsa (16 oz.)
• 2 cups Chicken (cooked and shredded)
• 1 can Black Beans (16 oz., drained and rinsed)
• 1 can Corn (15 oz., drained)
• 1 tbsp Cumin
• 2 tbsp Fajita Seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the garlic and chopped onion.

Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 2:

Add the flour to the pot.

Stir well and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 3:

Pour in the chicken broth and half-and-half.

Stir constantly to combine.

Step 4:

Mix in the cream of chicken soup and salsa.

Continue to stir until everything is well combined.

Step 5:

Add the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, cumin, and fajita seasoning.

Simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Adjust for Spice Levels

If you like your soup spicier, consider adding more salsa or a dash of hot sauce.

Use Rotisserie Chicken

For a quicker option, use store-bought rotisserie chicken.

It’s pre-cooked and easy to shred.

Serve with Toppings

Offer a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, or tortilla chips for extra flavor and texture.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Double the Recipe

If you’re serving a larger group, it’s easy to double this recipe.

Just make sure your pot is big enough!

What to Serve with Trisha Yearwood’s Chicken Tortilla Soup

Classic Toppings

I always recommend starting with some classic toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and crushed tortilla chips.

A handful of fresh cilantro can add a lovely burst of flavor too.

Grilled Corn Salad

Why not mix things up with some grilled corn salad?

Combine charred corn, diced red onion, and chopped tomatoes.

Season it with lime juice, salt, and pepper for a refreshing side.

Cheesy Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a natural pairing.

Prepare simple cheese quesadillas or fill them with vegetables and a bit of leftover chicken.

The melty cheese and crispy tortillas complement the soup wonderfully.

Avocado and Mango Salad

For something unique, try serving an avocado and mango salad.

Mix diced avocados and mangoes with red onion and a splash of lime juice.

It’s a delightful mix of creamy and sweet, perfect alongside the savory soup.

Rice and Beans

You can’t go wrong with a side of rice and beans.

Cook some fluffy white or brown rice and stir in some seasoned black beans.

It’s hearty and helps to round out the meal.

Jalapeño Cornbread

Jalapeño cornbread adds a spicy twist to regular cornbread and enhances the meal’s richness.

Serve it warm with a pat of butter.

It’s perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.

Enjoy your meal!

Variations and Substitutions

Chicken Alternatives

You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy substitute.

Shredded turkey works just as well for a slightly different flavor.

Veggie lovers can omit the chicken and add extra beans or tofu.

Dairy Modifications

To make it dairy-free, replace the butter with olive oil and use coconut milk instead of half-and-half.

If you prefer a richer taste, add a bit of heavy cream in place of some of the broth.

Spice Adjustments

Swap out the fajita seasoning for homemade taco seasoning if you want more control over the spices.

For less heat, use mild salsa or omit it entirely and add diced tomatoes instead.

If you like it spicy, add a chopped jalapeño along with the garlic and onion.

Soup Base Changes

Corn and flour tortillas can be used to thicken the soup rather than using cream of chicken soup.

Instead of using canned corn, try adding the kernels from fresh corn on the cob for a sweeter taste.

Mixing in a can of fire-roasted tomatoes will give a smoky undertone to your soup.

Beans and Veggies

Black beans are a good alternative to pinto beans for added color and flavor.

Diced bell peppers can be included for a bit of crunch and color.

Adding chopped spinach near the end of cooking is a great way to sneak in some greens.

Feel free to get creative with your variations and substitutions! The flexibility of this recipe makes it perfect for experimenting.

How to Store Leftover Trisha Yearwood Tortilla Soup

You want to make sure your delicious leftover Trisha Yearwood Tortilla Soup stays fresh and tasty!

First, allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing it.

Use an airtight container to keep the soup fresh and prevent any odors from the fridge affecting it.

Place the container in the refrigerator where it can stay for up to three days.

For Longer Storage

If you want to store the soup for a longer period, consider freezing it!

Pour the cooled soup into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion as it freezes.

Label the container with the date so you know when you stored it.

Portion Control

If you plan to consume the soup in smaller portions, divide it into individual serving sizes before freezing.

This method makes it easy to thaw just the amount you need without defrosting the entire batch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Pre-Cooked Chicken

Don’t use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe, as it can become too tough and dry.

Fresh chicken cooked within the soup will absorb the flavors much better.

Skipping the Salsa

Not adding salsa means the soup will lack the tangy and spicy kick that’s essential.

Make sure to choose a salsa that matches your heat preference for balanced flavor.

Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments

Failing to adjust the seasoning can lead to a bland soup.

Taste the soup frequently and add salt, pepper, or extra spices as needed.