Six Can Chicken Tortilla Soup: The Easiest Comfort Food Recipe

Craving a warm, comforting, and utterly delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further than this Six Can Chicken Tortilla Soup! This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you want a flavorful, satisfying soup with minimal effort. It’s incredibly customizable, packed with flavor, and surprisingly healthy.

This recipe boasts a rich, savory broth, tender chicken, hearty beans, and sweet corn, all complemented by the vibrant flavors of tomatoes and Southwestern spices. The best part? It uses mainly canned ingredients, making it incredibly quick and easy to prepare.

## Why You’ll Love This Six Can Chicken Tortilla Soup:

* **Effortless:** This recipe relies heavily on canned goods, significantly reducing prep time. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together.
* **Flavorful:** Don’t let the simplicity fool you; this soup is bursting with Southwestern flavors, thanks to the combination of spices, tomatoes, and chilies.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by adding or substituting ingredients. Want it spicier? Add more jalapenos or chili powder. Prefer black beans? Go for it! We will get into customizations later in the article.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Canned goods are often more affordable than fresh ingredients, making this soup a cost-effective meal.
* **Family-Friendly:** The mild flavors and familiar ingredients make this soup a hit with kids and adults alike.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** This soup reheats beautifully and is even more flavorful the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping lunches or dinners.
* **One-Pot Wonder:** Less dishes to wash? Always a win!

## Ingredients You’ll Need:

This recipe lives up to its name! You’ll need six primary canned ingredients, plus a few seasonings and optional toppings.

* **1 (10.75 ounce) can Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup:** This forms the creamy base of the soup. Don’t substitute with another cream-based soup; the chicken flavor is key.
* **1 (10 ounce) can Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (Rotel):** Adds a touch of heat and acidity. You can use mild, medium, or hot, depending on your spice preference.
* **1 (15 ounce) can Black Beans, rinsed and drained:** Provides hearty texture and protein.
* **1 (15 ounce) can Corn, drained:** Adds sweetness and a pop of color. You can use whole kernel or creamed corn, though whole kernel is recommended.
* **1 (12.5 ounce) can Chicken, chunk style, drained:** The star of the show! Ensure you drain it well to avoid watery soup.
* **1 (10 ounce) can Chicken Broth:** Adds depth of flavor and thins out the soup to the desired consistency.
* **1 packet Taco Seasoning:** For that classic Southwestern flavor profile. You can use store-bought or make your own (recipe below!).
* **Optional Toppings:** Tortilla chips, shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend), sour cream, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, jalapenos, green onions.

**Homemade Taco Seasoning (Optional):**

If you prefer to make your own taco seasoning, here’s a simple recipe:

* 2 tablespoons chili powder
* 1 tablespoon cumin
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* ½ teaspoon dried oregano
* ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
* Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container.

## Step-by-Step Instructions:

This Six Can Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a delicious and satisfying meal:

**Step 1: Combine Ingredients**

In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), black beans, corn, canned chicken, chicken broth, and taco seasoning.

**Step 2: Simmer**

Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

**Step 3: Shred the Chicken (Optional)**

For a finer texture, you can shred the chicken before serving. Simply use two forks to pull the chicken apart into smaller pieces while it’s simmering in the pot. This step is optional, but many find it improves the overall consistency of the soup.

**Step 4: Taste and Adjust Seasoning**

Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more taco seasoning, chili powder, salt, or pepper to suit your preferences. If you find the soup is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

**Step 5: Serve and Garnish**

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. Popular choices include crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, sliced jalapenos, and green onions. The possibilities are endless! Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips and Tricks for the Best Six Can Chicken Tortilla Soup:

* **Rinse and Drain the Beans and Corn:** Rinsing the beans helps remove excess starch and sodium, which can improve the flavor and texture of the soup. Draining the corn prevents excess liquid from diluting the broth.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Canned chicken is already cooked, so avoid overcooking it, which can make it dry. Simply heat it through during the simmering process.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** If you prefer a milder soup, use mild Rotel and reduce the amount of taco seasoning or chili powder. For a spicier soup, use hot Rotel, add extra chili powder, or include a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* **Use High-Quality Canned Goods:** The quality of the canned goods can impact the overall flavor of the soup. Opt for brands you trust and check the expiration dates to ensure freshness.
* **Simmer for Longer:** While the soup is ready in just 15 minutes, simmering it for longer (up to 30 minutes or even an hour) allows the flavors to meld together and deepen.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Toppings are a great way to add extra flavor and texture to the soup. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorites.
* **Use an Immersion Blender (Optional):** For a creamier soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Be careful not to over-blend, as you still want some texture. Just blend a portion of the soup and stir back into the remaining soup.
* **Add a Squeeze of Lime:** A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing touch.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the canned chicken with an additional can of beans (such as kidney beans or pinto beans) or add some cooked quinoa or rice for a vegetarian option.

## Variations and Customizations:

One of the best things about this Six Can Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is its versatility. Here are some ideas for variations and customizations:

* **Spicy Kick:** Add a can of diced jalapenos, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce to increase the heat.
* **Smoked Flavor:** Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
* **Creamy Version:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end for a creamier soup.
* **Hearty Additions:** Add cooked rice, quinoa, or pasta for a heartier soup.
* **Veggies:** Add diced bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or other vegetables to boost the nutritional value and flavor.
* **Different Beans:** Experiment with different types of beans, such as kidney beans, pinto beans, or great northern beans.
* **Tomatillo Version:** Substitute the diced tomatoes and green chilies with a can of tomatillos for a tangy, slightly tart flavor.
* **Slow Cooker Version:** Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken before serving.
* **Instant Pot Version:** Combine all ingredients in an Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.

## Serving Suggestions:

This Six Can Chicken Tortilla Soup is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:

* **Serve with a side of cornbread or tortillas:** For dipping or scooping up the soup.
* **Pair it with a simple salad:** Such as a green salad with a light vinaigrette.
* **Make it a taco salad:** Serve the soup over a bed of lettuce with your favorite taco salad toppings.
* **Serve it with quesadillas:** For a fun and satisfying meal.

## Making it Ahead and Storing:

This soup is perfect for making ahead of time. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

**To store in the refrigerator:** Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

**To store in the freezer:** Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the container to allow for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

**Reheating:** Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate):

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

* Calories: Approximately 300-400 per serving
* Protein: 20-25 grams
* Fat: 15-20 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
* Fiber: 5-8 grams

This Six Can Chicken Tortilla Soup is a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or simply looking for a comforting and easy recipe, this soup is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy!

**Enjoy your delicious and easy Six Can Chicken Tortilla Soup!**