Weight Watchers Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe in 40 Minutes

Name: Weight Watchers Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe in 40 Minutes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup corn, frozen or canned; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup tortilla strips; Fresh cilantro for garnish; Lime wedges for serving

August 16, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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If you’re looking for a warm, comforting bowl of goodness that won’t derail your healthy eating plans, my Weight Watchers chicken tortilla soup recipe is just the ticket! This soup is bursting with flavor and made with wholesome ingredients, so it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying yet nutritious. I love how easy it is to whip up, and it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken if you have any. Plus, with just 200 calories per serving, you can enjoy a hearty meal without the guilt. Trust me, once you try this soup, it’s going to become a staple in your kitchen!

weight watchers chicken tortilla soup recipe - detail 1

Ingredients List

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn, frozen or canned
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup tortilla strips
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Lime wedges for serving

How to Prepare the Weight Watchers Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

First things first, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This is where the magic begins! Once the oil’s shimmering, toss in the diced onion. Sauté it for about 5 minutes until it’s nice and soft, but not brown—this builds a flavorful base.
Next, add the minced garlic and stir it for another minute. You’ll love the aroma that fills your kitchen at this point! Be careful not to let the garlic burn; it can turn bitter quickly.
Now, it’s time to introduce the star of the show: the chicken breasts! Place them directly into the pot, followed by the can of diced tomatoes (juice and all), the low-sodium chicken broth, rinsed black beans, and corn. Sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all those delicious flavors.
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. This is crucial, as you want the chicken to cook through and soak up all that tasty broth. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is no longer pink in the center—use a meat thermometer if you want to be sure it hits 165°F (74°C).
After simmering, carefully remove the chicken from the pot. I like to use two forks for shredding; it’s quick and easy! Once shredded, return the chicken to the soup and stir everything together. This adds that hearty chicken texture back into the mix.
Finally, serve your soup hot, garnished with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. The lime adds a zesty brightness that ties everything together beautifully. Enjoy every spoonful of this comforting, healthy dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to make—ready in just 40 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights!
Healthy and satisfying, with only 200 calories per serving, so you can indulge without guilt.
Packed with flavor from the spices and fresh ingredients, making each bite a delight.
Great for meal prep; you can easily make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Low in calories but high in protein, thanks to the chicken and black beans, keeping you full and energized.
Perfect for family meals, as everyone can customize their bowl with their favorite toppings!

Tips for Success

Getting this Weight Watchers chicken tortilla soup just right is all about the details! Here are some helpful tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time:

Cook the chicken thoroughly: Make sure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you’re unsure, using a meat thermometer is a great way to avoid undercooked chicken. Nobody wants to bite into something that’s not fully cooked!
Don’t rush the sauté: Take your time when sautéing the onion and garlic. This step builds the base of flavor for your soup. If the garlic begins to brown, it could turn bitter, so keep an eye on it and stir frequently.
Adjust the spices: Spice levels can make or break this dish! If you like it spicy, feel free to add a diced jalapeño or increase the chili powder. Just remember, you can always add more, but it’s hard to take it out once it’s in!
Let it simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer helps meld all the flavors together. Don’t skip this step! The longer you let it simmer (up to 30 minutes), the better the flavors will develop.
Shred the chicken well: When shredding the chicken, aim for bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the soup. This way, every spoonful has a bit of that delicious chicken goodness!
Garnish generously: Don’t skimp on the toppings! Adding a squeeze of lime, fresh cilantro, and crispy tortilla strips not only enhances the flavor but also adds a wonderful crunch and freshness to the soup.

Variations of the Weight Watchers Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

If you’re looking to switch things up or cater to different tastes, there are plenty of fun variations you can try with this Weight Watchers chicken tortilla soup recipe! Here are a few ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:

Turkey Instead of Chicken: For a leaner option, swap out the chicken for ground turkey or shredded turkey leftovers. It’s just as delicious and keeps the dish light and healthy!
Vegetable Medley: Feel free to toss in some extra veggies! Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even diced sweet potatoes make great additions. Just ensure they’re chopped small enough to cook through in the simmering time.
Spicier Kick: If you love heat, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the pot. You could also increase the chili powder or add cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
Beans Galore: Mix it up with different beans! Try kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas for a protein-packed twist. Just rinse and drain them before adding to the soup.
Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor! Consider adding chopped fresh oregano or thyme during the simmering stage for a fragrant boost.
Creamy Version: For a creamier soup, stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream just before serving. You’ll get that rich texture without the extra calories of heavy cream.
Vegan Twist: To make this soup vegan, simply replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still get all the savory goodness!

These variations not only keep the recipe exciting but also allow you to tailor it to your family’s preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make this soup your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your delicious Weight Watchers chicken tortilla soup properly is key to maintaining its flavors and freshness! Once your soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to airtight containers. I love using glass containers because they’re easy to clean and don’t retain odors. Just make sure to leave a little space at the top of the container, as the soup may expand when frozen!

If you plan to enjoy leftovers within a few days, simply refrigerate the soup, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to label your containers with the date so you can keep track!

When it’s time to reheat, the stovetop is my go-to method. Just pour the soup into a pot and heat it over medium-low, stirring occasionally. This helps it warm evenly without losing that lovely flavor. If you find it’s thickened up in the fridge, don’t worry! You can thin it out by adding a splash of chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.

If you’re in a rush, you can also use the microwave. Transfer a serving to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely (to avoid splatters!), and heat it in 1-minute increments, stirring in between until hot. Just be sure to check the temperature before diving in—nobody likes a burned tongue!

With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your chicken tortilla soup just as much the next day (or week!) as you did the first time. Happy eating!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to keeping track of what you eat, this Weight Watchers chicken tortilla soup recipe is a winner! Each serving is packed with flavor while being light on calories. Just keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so it’s always a good idea to double-check if you’re really counting those points closely.

Here’s a typical breakdown per serving (1 cup):

Calories: 200
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 400mg

This soup is not only low in calories, but it’s also a fantastic source of protein and fiber, making it a filling and satisfying option for any meal. Enjoy your healthy indulgence!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen chicken in this Weight Watchers chicken tortilla soup recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to adjust your cooking time. It may take a bit longer to cook through, so check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). I usually add an extra 5-10 minutes to be safe.

What if I don’t have black beans?
No worries! If you don’t have black beans on hand, you can substitute them with kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas. Just rinse and drain whichever beans you choose to keep it light and healthy!

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian or vegan version of this soup, simply replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still get that hearty texture and delicious flavor!

How do I store leftovers of the chicken tortilla soup?
After your soup has cooled, transfer it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label your containers with the date! When reheating, you can use the stovetop or microwave as mentioned earlier.

Can I add more spices to this recipe?
Definitely! If you love bold flavors, feel free to add more spices like cayenne pepper for heat or smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor. Just remember to taste as you go so you can find your perfect balance!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.