
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal, this Canned Chicken Tortilla Soup is your go-to recipe! Not only is it pantry-friendly and perfect for busy nights, but this updated version removes seed oils and uses organic ingredients to provide a healthier alternative. You can even upgrade it by using organic air-chilled boneless skinless chicken thighs, which will elevate the flavor and texture of the soup. Let’s dive into why these tweaks are important and how you can make this recipe your new favorite!
Why Choose Organic Ingredients?
When it comes to cooking, the quality of your ingredients can make a significant difference in both taste and nutrition. By opting for organic ingredients, you’re choosing products that are free from harmful pesticides, antibiotics, and hormones. This makes your meals healthier and more sustainable. Specifically, organic air-chilled chicken thighs are a great option because they are more flavorful and juicy than conventionally processed chicken, and they’re free from chlorine used in some processing methods.
In addition, organic ingredients like olive oil (instead of seed oils), canned organic tomatoes, and black beans will give you a healthier meal without sacrificing flavor. Plus, you’ll feel good knowing that you’re supporting more sustainable agricultural practices.
The Benefits of Using Air-Chilled Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
Why switch from canned chicken to organic air-chilled boneless skinless chicken thighs? While canned chicken is convenient, it often contains added preservatives and sodium that you can easily avoid by using fresh chicken. Here’s how you can incorporate chicken thighs into the soup:
- Boil the chicken thighs in the soup broth for about 15 minutes.
- Shred the chicken once it’s cooked and return it to the soup.
- Add Greek yogurt for a creamy finish and extra protein.
Not only will this result in a richer flavor and more satisfying texture, but it also ensures you’re using cleaner, higher-quality protein.
Ingredients for Organic & Seed Oil-Free Canned Chicken Tortilla Soup
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious and healthy soup:
For the Soup:
- 1 organic onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons organic olive oil (seed oil-free alternative)
- 2 teaspoons organic garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon organic cumin
- 1 teaspoon organic chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can of organic chicken, drained (or 1lb organic chicken thighs)
- 1 can organic diced green chilies
- 1 can organic fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 can organic diced tomatoes with roasted garlic
- 1 can organic black beans, drained (or equivalent of cooked dried beans)
- 32oz organic vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 4oz cubed organic cream cheese (I like Good Culture)
- Shredded grass-fed cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
- Grass-fed Greek yogurt (optional for topping)
- Organic cilantro (optional for topping)
For the Tortilla Strips:
- 6 sourdough tortillas or Siete brand
- 1/4 cup organic avocado oil (seed oil-free alternative)
How to Make Organic & Seed Oil-Free Canned Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large soup pot, heat the organic olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté Onions: Add the diced onions and sauté for about 2-4 minutes, until softened.
- Add Spices: Stir in garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to enhance the flavors.
- Add Chicken: If using canned chicken, break it up and add it to the pot. If using organic air-chilled chicken thighs, add them to the pot, cover with broth, and boil for 15 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the soup.
- Add Vegetables & Broth: Add the green chilies, diced tomatoes, black beans, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring the soup to a boil.
- Simmer: Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add Cream Cheese: Stir in the cubed cream cheese and continue stirring until it’s fully incorporated into the soup.
- Make Tortilla Strips: While the soup simmers, slice the tortillas into strips. Heat the avocado oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the tortilla strips until crispy, flipping halfway through. Place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. (alternatively you could jus use Siete brand tortilla chips)
- Serve: Serve the soup with your choice of toppings—shredded cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and fresh cilantro!
Slow Cooker Version of Organic & Seed Oil-Free Canned Chicken Tortilla Soup
If you prefer a hands-off approach to cooking, making this soup in the slow cooker is a great option. Simply add all of your ingredients—diced onions, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, canned chicken (or organic shredded chicken thighs if you prefer), diced green chilies, diced tomatoes, black beans, vegetable broth, and cubed cream cheese—into the slow cooker. Set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Once it’s done, shred the chicken if you used whole chicken thighs, and stir in the Greek yogurt before serving. For the tortilla strips, you can either bake them in the oven or fry them in a pan as usual. The slow cooker version allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it even more delicious and perfect for meal prepping!
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Busy Moms
As a busy mom, I understand the need for meals and food that are both quick and nutritious. This soup is not only easy to make in under 35 minutes, but it’s also versatile. You can modify it based on what you have on hand, making it an ideal meal for busy nights when you don’t have time for complicated recipes. By swapping in organic ingredients and using air-chilled chicken thighs, you’re making a meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
The Takeaway: Healthier & More Flavorful Options
Switching from canned chicken to organic air-chilled boneless skinless chicken thighs elevates the flavor and texture of this tortilla soup recipe, while also making it a healthier meal option. By eliminating seed oils and choosing organic products, you’re ensuring that your family enjoys a cleaner, better-tasting meal that’s free from harmful chemicals.
By updating your recipe to include organic ingredients and air-chilled chicken, you’re not only enhancing flavor and nutrition but also aligning with health-conscious trends that search engines value. This approach helps you rank for relevant keywords like “organic chicken tortilla soup” and “seed oil-free soup,” while providing readers with the best of both worlds: convenience and health!
As always, please share your own recommendations on how to make this dish healthier, more kid friendly, swap ideas, and budget shopping tips in the comments!
FOR MORE BUDGET FRIENDLY RECIPES CHECK OUT THESE VIDEOS:
MORE BEANS AND RICE RECIPES RECIPES TO TRY:
- Copycat Panera Turkey Chili Recipe
- Mexican Inspired Fried Rice
- 25 of the Best Rice and Beans Recipes

Canned Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
This pantry-friendly delight can easily be modified based on what you have on hand. The flavor is outstanding, and you’d never know it was made with canned chicken! For an upgraded, organic twist, you can swap in organic air-chilled boneless skinless chicken thighs, which will elevate the flavor and texture of the soup. You can also make this recipe in the slow cooker for an even more hands-off approach.
Ingredients
- 1 organic onion, diced
-
2 tablespoons organic olive oil (seed oil-free alternative)
-
2 teaspoons organic garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon organic cumin
-
1 teaspoon organic chili powder
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
-
1 can of organic chicken, drained (or 1lb organic chicken thighs)
-
1 can organic diced green chilies
-
1 can organic fire-roasted diced tomatoes
-
1 can organic diced tomatoes with roasted garlic
-
1 can organic black beans, drained (or equivalent of cooked dried beans)
-
32oz organic vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
-
4oz cubed organic cream cheese (I like Good Culture)
-
Shredded grass-fed cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
-
Grass-fed Greek yogurt (optional for topping)
-
Organic cilantro (optional for topping)
For the Tortilla Strips
-
6 sourdough tortillas or Siete brand
-
1/4 cup organic avocado oil (seed oil-free alternative)
Instructions
Stovetop Method:
-
Heat Olive Oil: In a large soup pot, heat the organic olive oil over medium heat.
-
Sauté Onions: Add the diced onions and sauté for about 2-4 minutes, until softened.
-
Add Spices: Stir in garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to enhance the flavors.
-
Add Chicken: If using canned chicken, break it up and add it to the pot. If using organic air-chilled chicken thighs, add them to the pot, cover with broth, and boil for 15 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the soup.
-
Add Vegetables & Broth: Add the green chilies, diced tomatoes, black beans, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring the soup to a boil.
-
Simmer: Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes.
-
Add Cream Cheese: Stir in the cubed cream cheese and continue stirring until it’s fully incorporated into the soup.
-
Make Tortilla Strips: While the soup simmers, slice the tortillas into strips. Heat the avocado oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the tortilla strips until crispy, flipping halfway through. Place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
-
Serve: Serve the soup with your choice of toppings—shredded cheddar, Greek yogurt, and fresh cilantro!
Slow Cooker Method:
-
Prepare the Ingredients: Add all ingredients (onions, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, canned chicken, diced green chilies, diced tomatoes, black beans, vegetable broth, and cubed cream cheese) to the slow cooker.
-
Cook: Set the slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
-
Shred the Chicken: If using whole chicken thighs, remove them after cooking, shred the meat, and return it to the soup.
-
Serve: Stir in the Greek yogurt before serving and top with your favorite tortilla strips, shredded cheddar, or cilantro.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
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