Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting bowl of bold flavors and hearty ingredients. Packed with tender chicken, zesty tomatoes, and a blend of spices. Crispy tortilla strips add a satisfying crunch, while fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
What is Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Chicken Tortilla Soup, sometimes known as “Sopa Azteca,” originates from Mexican cuisine. The base of the soup is a deliciously seasoned chicken broth that is often enriched with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and various spices. The soup is topped with crispy tortilla strips, adding texture and flavor. Other common garnishes include fresh cilantro, lime wedges, avocado slices, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. This soup is perfect for warming up on a cold day, as it offers both comfort and a burst of bold flavors in every bite.
Chicken Tortilla Soup Ingredients
To make a hearty and flavorful Chicken Tortilla Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Shredded for tender pieces in your soup.
- Tortilla chips or corn tortillas: For the crispy crunch that brings the soup to life.
- Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes or canned crushed tomatoes for the base of the broth.
- Onions: A key aromatic that gives depth to the flavor.
- Garlic: For added flavor.
- Chicken broth: For the soup base. You can also use low-sodium broth if preferred.
- Chili powder: For a mild heat and earthiness.
- Cumin: Adds a warm, slightly smoky flavor to the soup.
- Paprika: A touch of smokiness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics.
Toppings and Garnishes:
- Shredded cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend work best.
- Sour cream: Adds a creamy, tangy element.
- Lime wedges: For a zesty finish.
- Avocado slices: For added creaminess and freshness.
- Fresh cilantro: A garnish that gives the soup an extra burst of flavor.
- Sliced jalapeños: If you prefer a spicy kick.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are more commonly used, chicken thighs bring a slightly richer flavor and tenderness. Choose according to your preference.
- Use Homemade Broth: If you have time, homemade chicken broth adds a depth of flavor that store-bought broth can’t replicate. Alternatively, opt for a low-sodium version of store-bought broth to control the salt content.
- Add Heat: If you like your soup spicy, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the broth. You can also include a few chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for an extra smoky kick.
- Make it Ahead: Chicken Tortilla Soup tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to blend together. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and use beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, as the protein source. Add extra vegetables like zucchini, corn, and bell peppers for a hearty alternative.
- Crispy Tortilla Chips: For extra crunch, make your tortilla strips ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. This ensures they stay crispy until you’re ready to serve.
Variations of Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to increase the heat level in your soup.
- Coconut Chicken Tortilla Soup: For a twist, try adding a can of coconut milk to the broth. This adds a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness to balance out the spices.
- Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup: If you’re looking for a hands-off method, you can make Chicken Tortilla Soup in a slow cooker. Simply add the chicken, vegetables, spices, and broth to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Shred the chicken before serving.
- Low-Carb Chicken Tortilla Soup: For a keto-friendly option, swap the tortilla strips with crushed pork rinds or serve the soup over cauliflower rice instead of traditional tortillas.
How to Serve Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a versatile dish that can be served as either a starter or a main course. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- As a Starter: Serve small portions of Chicken Tortilla Soup as an appetizer to accompany a Mexican-themed meal, like tacos or enchiladas.
- As a Main Course: Pair the soup with a side of fresh guacamole, a side salad, or warm cornbread for a complete and filling meal.
- Garnish with Toppings: Let guests customize their bowls by offering a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, avocado slices, cilantro, sour cream, and lime wedges on the side.
How to Store Chicken Tortilla Soup
Leftover Chicken Tortilla Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tortilla strips may lose some of their crispiness in the soup, so you might want to store them separately and add them just before serving.
To freeze the soup, let it cool completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove, adding fresh tortilla strips for that delightful crunch.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Chicken Tortilla Soup in advance?
Yes! This soup actually gets better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option and adds extra flavor. Just shred the chicken and add it to the soup at the end of cooking.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can make Chicken Tortilla Soup in a slow cooker by adding all the ingredients (except for the tortilla strips) and cooking on low for 6-8 hours. Shred the chicken before serving.
How can I make this soup spicier?
For more heat, you can add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Is Chicken Tortilla Soup gluten-free?
Traditional Chicken Tortilla Soup contains tortillas, which have gluten. However, you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free tortillas or swapping them for tortilla chips or pork rinds.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting bowl of bold flavors and hearty ingredients. Packed with tender chicken, zesty tomatoes, and a blend of spices.
Ingredients
Soup Base:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 lb chicken breasts (2 medium)
- 20 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 32 oz chicken broth
- 14 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 14 oz can corn, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped (reserve ¼ for garnish)
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
Homemade Tortilla Strips:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 8 corn tortillas (6”)
Toppings:
- 1 large avocado, diced
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Make Tortilla Strips: Heat ¼ cup olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cut tortillas into thin strips and fry in batches until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
- Prepare the Soup: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, and jalapeño. Sauté until softened.
- Add chicken breasts, corn, beans, chili powder, cumin, crushed tomatoes, cilantro, chicken broth, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove chicken breasts from the pot and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the soup and simmer for 5 more minutes. Add lime juice.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, avocado chunks, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 536Total Fat 22gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 17gCholesterol 68mgSodium 1625mgCarbohydrates 54gFiber 14gSugar 10gProtein 36g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
With its robust flavors, comforting ingredients, and versatile options, Chicken Tortilla Soup is a dish that’s sure to satisfy. Whether you prefer a spicy, creamy, or hearty version, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of Mexico in your own home. Try making it today, and don’t forget to top it with all your favorite garnishes for an unforgettable meal!
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