Mexican Soup Recipe – The Big Man’s World ®

This easy one-pot Mexican soup is the perfect healthy and cozy dish for the cooler months. It’s easy to make and full of flavor. 

There is nothing more comforting than a big bowl of soup.

For us, though, soups must be hearty, filling, and stick-to-your-ribs kind. This is probably why we make a Tuscan white bean soup or Albondigas soup so often.

Whenever we are craving Mexican food but want something a little more cozier, this Mexican soup recipe is on the menu. It tastes like a burrito bowl meets chicken noodle soup meets an Enchilada!

Why this recipe works

• Easy to make. Mexican chicken soup is a breeze if you have leftover cooked chicken and some canned beans and corn. It’s the perfect use of leftovers.
• Takes less than 40 minutes to cook. Despite its rich and hearty texture, this soup does NOT take an eternity to cook. 
• One-pot recipe. One-pot recipes always win because cleanup is a breeze. 
• Healthy and wholesome. A bowl of this Mexican soup contains a good amount of protein, fiber, and lots of vitamins and minerals.

What we love about this soup recipe is just how versatile it is. You can customize the fillings any way you like or use leftover veggies.

Ingredients needed

This hearty soup features the most popular Mexican ingredients. Here’s everything you will need: 

• Chicken. Whole chicken breast fillets without bones or skin. You can also use pre-cooked chicken breast, but will need to reduce the cooking time.
• Onion and garlic. Used to create a flavorful base for the soup.
• Tomatoes. I use canned crushed tomatoes for this recipe. You can use any type of stewed tomatoes you have at home.
• Chicken broth. Homemade or store-bought. Use condensed chicken broth for a rich flavor.
• Corn. Canned or fresh.
• Beans. Would this even be a Mexican soup without beans? Use a can of black beans. Rinse them to get rid of the starchy and salty liquid.
• Chiles. Chopped green chiles for mild heat and authentic Mexican flavor.
• Spices and herbs. I used taco seasoning because it has all the necessary spices in one, but if you don’t have this on hand, use a combination of cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, 
• Toppings. The highlight of this soup is all the toppings you add before serving. Classics in our household include avocado, cheese, green onions, tortilla chips (or tortilla strips), sour cream, a squeeze of lime juice (or lime wedges), and some fresh cilantro. 

How to make Mexican chicken soup 

Step 1- Make the soup base. Heat a small amount of cooking oil in a large cooking pot and place over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic into the oil and cook until soft and fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, the black beans, corn, and the chicken broth and water into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 2- Add chicken and vegetables. Add the chicken and chopped chile peppers, along with the taco seasoning. Simmer everything together until the chicken is no longer pink. 

Step 3- Shred the chicken. Remove the chicken from the soup mix and use two forks to shred it. Add it back to the soup pot and let everything simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 4- Serve. When the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls, add the toppings and serve while still hot.

Recipe tips and variations

• Don’t skip the toppings. This soup NEEDS the toppings to complete the meal. Do not omit of if you do, serve the soup with a side of quesadillas or an enchilada.  
• Use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It is a real time-saver if you don’t have any chicken on hand and don’t have time to cook some at the moment.
• Make a Mexican vegetable soup. Easily make this soup meatless by swapping out the chicken for extra vegetables. Try some heartier ones like sweet potato, cauliflower, and potatoes. 
• Use other cuts of chicken. I like to use chicken breasts because they are leaner and healthier, but any chicken works. Shredded or chopped chicken thighs are great. 
• Add some heat. This soup is not overly spicy, which is great when you are serving others. However, if you love spice, add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or everyone’s favorite Cholula. 

Storage instructions

To store. Store leftovers in an airtight container. It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

To freeze. Freeze Mexican soup without toppings in individual servings using airtight plastic containers or sealable plastic bags. Mexican soup lasts 3 to 4 months in the freezer.

To reheat. Reheat over low-medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth if the soup is too thick. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

More soup and stews to try

Frequently asked questions