Trader Joe’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

There’s something comforting about a warm, hearty bowl of soup, especially when it comes together in minutes with pantry staples. That’s exactly what makes the Trader Joe’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe so special. You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen-just a few cans, a jar of salsa, and some broth.

This soup is a lifesaver on those busy nights when you’re tired, hungry, and not sure what to cook. The beauty is that it’s quick, flavorful, and requires minimal effort.

Plus, it’s versatile! You can enjoy it as-is straight from the pot, or elevate it with fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, shredded cheese, and crunchy tortilla strips. Either way, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

My Personal Experience With This Trader Joe’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

The first time I made this Trader Joe’s Chicken Tortilla Soup, I was amazed by how effortless it was. I poured in the pantry items, gave it a stir, and within minutes, my kitchen was filled with the comforting aroma of simmering salsa and broth.

What I love most is the flexibility. If I don’t have black beans, I swap in kidney or pinto beans. If I’m craving extra spice, I use a hotter salsa. Each time, the result is a hearty, soul-warming bowl of goodness.

This recipe has become my go-to on weeknights. I keep the ingredients stocked in my pantry, so whenever I need something quick and satisfying, this soup is ready in no time.

Ingredients Required for Trader Joe’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Trader Joe’s Chicken Tortilla Soup

• 12 oz canned chicken (or 2 small cans)
• 12 oz roasted salsa (garlic, chipotle, or your favorite)
• 1 can corn (juice included)
• 1 can black beans (or beans of choice)
• 32 oz chicken broth
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro, tortilla strips

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Large soup pot or Dutch oven
2. Wooden spoon for stirring
3. Ladle for serving
4. Cutting board & knife (if adding fresh toppings)

Preparation & Cooking Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Copycat Trader Joe’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Trader Joe’s Chicken Tortilla Soup in a delicious way.

1. Start with the base – Place a large soup pot on medium heat. Open the can of corn and pour it in, juice and all. This adds natural sweetness and a touch of thickness to the soup base.

2. Add the beans – Next, add in one full can of black beans. You can use them as they are for a richer broth or drain them first if you prefer a lighter soup. Feel free to swap in pinto, kidney, or your favorite beans.

3. Incorporate the protein – Stir in the canned chicken. This makes the soup filling and hearty without needing extra cooking time since it’s already pre-cooked.

4. Bring in the flavor – Pour in 12 ounces of roasted salsa. This is where the magic happens. The roasted flavors give the soup its smoky, tangy kick. Choose mild, medium, or spicy salsa depending on your preference.

5. Build the broth – Add the 32-ounce box of chicken broth and stir everything together. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes so the flavors blend beautifully.

6. Serve and enjoy – Once the soup is hot and bubbling, give it a quick taste and season with salt if needed. Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, tortilla strips, or even a dollop of sour cream for an extra fresh finish.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Trader Joe’s Chicken Tortilla Soup

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Trader Joe’s Chicken Tortilla Soup deliciously

1. With Crunchy Tortilla Strips – Nothing beats that satisfying crunch. I love scattering a handful of tortilla strips over the top right before eating. It adds texture to every bite.

2. Avocado Slices – A few creamy avocado slices instantly make the soup feel fresher and more filling. Sometimes I mash the avocado in a bit so it melts into the broth.

3. Shredded Cheese – My personal go-to is sharp cheddar or a Mexican blend. The cheese melts beautifully into the hot soup, giving it a rich, velvety finish.

4. Sour Cream Swirl – Adding a dollop of sour cream on top gives the soup that cool and creamy balance against the spicy salsa base. I like to stir it in halfway through eating.

5. Fresh Cilantro – A sprinkle of fresh cilantro brightens the whole dish. It’s such a simple touch but really makes the flavors pop.

6. With Warm Tortillas – Sometimes I heat up a couple of flour tortillas on the skillet, and we tear pieces to dip right into the soup. It feels like a cozy, handheld side.

7. Over Rice – When I want to make it extra hearty, I spoon the soup over a small bowl of cooked white or brown rice. It turns into more of a stew-style meal.

8. Topped with Jalapeños – For spice lovers, a few fresh or pickled jalapeño slices take things up a notch. I like doing this when I use a mild salsa in the base.

9. Paired with a Simple Salad – A crisp side salad with lime dressing pairs beautifully. It keeps the meal light while the soup adds warmth and comfort.

10. With a Grilled Cheese Sandwich – This may sound indulgent, but trust me, dipping a cheesy sandwich into this soup is next-level comfort food. It’s one of my favorite “treat-yourself” dinners.

Some Notable Tips and Tricks on This Trader Joe’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Here are some tips and tricks you should follow when trying this recipe.

1. Use the whole can – When you add the corn, don’t drain it! The juice makes the soup taste sweeter and yummier.

2. Pick your beans – Don’t like black beans? No worries! You can use kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas.

3. Make it spicy – Want more kick? Add a salsa that’s medium or hot instead of mild.

4. Go cheesy – Sprinkle shredded cheese on top right before eating. It melts and makes the soup creamy!

5. Crunch it up – Tortilla strips or chips on top give a nice crunch. Kids love this part!

6. Add fresh toppings – Avocado, cilantro, or sour cream can make the soup taste super fresh.

7. Use fresh chicken – If you don’t like canned chicken, cook up some fresh chicken breast and shred it.

8. Double it up – Make a big batch and save some for later. This soup is great for lunch the next day.

9. Mix in veggies – Got extra carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini? Toss them in for more flavor.

10. Have fun with it – This soup is easy to play with. Try new toppings or sides until you find your favorite combo.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Trader Joe’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs on this Copycat Trader Joe’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

When you give this Trader Joe’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. How long can you keep tortilla soup in the fridge?

From my experience, tortilla soup keeps really well in the fridge for about 4 days when stored in an airtight container. I usually make a big batch and enjoy it for lunch throughout the week. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, and it tastes just as delicious as day one.

2. What does a tortilla soup have?

Traditional tortilla soup usually includes broth, tomatoes, beans, corn, and shredded chicken, all topped with crispy tortilla strips. In this Trader Joe’s version, the roasted salsa adds a smoky depth of flavor, while the pantry staples make it super convenient.

3. What is an interesting fact about tortilla soup?

A fun fact is that tortilla soup actually originated in Mexico City, where it’s called “sopa de tortilla.” It was originally made as a way to use up leftover tortillas-something I love, because it shows how resourceful and creative home cooking can be.

4. How to make tortilla soup better?

If you want to elevate this recipe, fresh toppings are key! I always add avocado, cilantro, cheese, sour cream, and crunchy tortilla strips. Another trick is squeezing in a little fresh lime juice before serving-it brightens up the flavors beautifully.

5. Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken?

Yes! I’ve tried both, and while canned chicken makes it quick and easy, using freshly shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover baked chicken gives the soup a richer, more homemade taste.

6. Can I make this tortilla soup vegetarian?

Absolutely. I’ve swapped the chicken for extra beans or even quinoa before, and it still turns out hearty and delicious. Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ve got a meat-free version.

7. What toppings go best with tortilla soup?

In my kitchen, the favorites are shredded cheese, avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro, jalapeños, and tortilla strips. Sometimes I even add a sprinkle of hot sauce when I want more spice.

8. Can tortilla soup be frozen?

Yes, I often freeze leftovers. Just let it cool completely, then transfer into freezer-safe containers or bags. It lasts up to 2 months in the freezer. When reheating, I recommend thawing it in the fridge overnight for best texture.

9. How do you thicken tortilla soup?

If I want a thicker soup, I mash a few beans or add a handful of crushed tortilla chips directly into the pot while simmering. It naturally thickens the broth without needing cream or flour.

10. What do you serve with tortilla soup?

Honestly, this soup is hearty enough on its own, but I sometimes serve it with a side salad, quesadillas, or warm crusty bread. It makes for a comforting and complete meal.

This Trader Joe’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is proof that quick meals can still be delicious and comforting. With just pantry staples, you can whip up a satisfying dinner in under 20 minutes.

We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, then drop a comment below to share your thoughts and tips with us.

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