Growing up, Chicken Tortilla Soup was a staple in our household. My mom would whip up a big batch on chilly evenings, and the aroma of simmering chicken, spices, and crispy tortilla strips would fill the entire house. It was the ultimate comfort food – hearty, flavorful, and so satisfying. To this day, whenever I have a craving for Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe, it takes me right back to those cozy family dinners. There’s just something about the combination of tender chicken, a richly seasoned broth, and crunchy tortilla strips that makes this dish an absolute winner.
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Why This Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
This Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is truly special because it’s been perfected over the years to deliver maximum flavor and texture. The key is in the perfectly seasoned broth, which is the foundation of the soup. By simmering the chicken with a blend of aromatic spices, herbs, and vegetables, we end up with a broth that’s bursting with depth and complexity. The secret ingredient? A touch of smoky chipotle chili, which adds a subtle kick and a unique complexity that takes this soup to the next level.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Chicken: I always use a combination of chicken breasts and thighs for the best flavor and texture.
– Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
– Garlic: Minced garlic is essential for that signature Chicken Tortilla Soup aroma.
– Spices: A blend of chili powder, cumin, and oregano gives the soup its signature Tex-Mex flair.
– Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes and their juices add acidity and richness to the broth.
– Chicken broth: Use a high-quality broth or stock as the base for the soup.
– Tortilla strips: Crispy tortilla strips are the crowning glory, adding the perfect crunch.
Step-by-Step Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Instructions
Preparing Your Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
This Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is relatively straightforward, with a total prep and cooking time of around 45 minutes. You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven to bring everything together. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by sautéing the diced onion in a bit of oil until translucent and fragrant.
2- Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3- Next, add the cubed chicken and sear it on all sides until it’s nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4- Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and a pinch of chipotle chili powder. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
5- In the meantime, prepare the crispy tortilla strips by cutting corn tortillas into thin strips and frying them in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
6- Once the soup has simmered, ladle it into bowls and top with the crunchy tortilla strips, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Pro Tips for Success
– For an even richer broth, consider roasting the chicken bones first before simmering.
– Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chipotle chili powder to suit your taste preferences.
– Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings, like crumbled queso fresco, diced onion, or fresh cilantro.
– If you have the time, let the soup simmer for a bit longer to allow the flavors to meld together even more.
Serving and Storing Your Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Perfect Pairings for Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
This Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, and it pairs perfectly with a variety of accompaniments. A crisp green salad or a side of warm, freshly baked cornbread are both excellent choices. For a more substantial meal, you can serve it alongside grilled or baked chicken, steak, or shrimp. And don’t forget the perfect beverage pairing – a cold Mexican beer or a refreshing margarita are both fantastic options.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is the kind of dish that actually gets better the next day as the flavors have a chance to meld together. You can easily make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Simply store the cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. The crispy tortilla strips can be stored separately and added just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Creative Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Variations
While this Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is absolutely delicious as-is, you can also get creative with different variations. For a vegetarian version, simply swap out the chicken for roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini. You can also experiment with different protein sources, such as shredded pork or beef. And for a seafood twist, try adding in shrimp, crab, or even flaky white fish.
Making Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Diet-Friendly
To make this Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe more diet-friendly, there are a few simple swaps you can make. For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for the crispy strips. For a low-carb version, skip the tortilla strips altogether and top the soup with avocado, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. And for a vegan or dairy-free take, use plant-based protein sources and omit the cheese and sour cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe?
A: Absolutely! If you have leftover roasted or grilled chicken on hand, you can absolutely use that instead of raw chicken. Just add it to the soup towards the end and let it heat through.
Q: How can I make the broth extra flavorful?
A: To really amp up the flavor of the broth, try roasting the chicken bones before simmering them. You can also add a Parmesan rind or a small amount of tomato paste to the soup.
Q: Can I freeze Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe?
A: Yes, this soup freezes beautifully! Simply allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just be sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Q: How do I get the tortilla strips extra crispy?
A: The key to crispy tortilla strips is to fry them in batches in hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan, and make sure to drain the strips on a paper towel-lined plate as soon as they come out of the oil.
Q: What can I do if my Chicken Tortilla Soup turns out too thick?
A: If your soup ends up being too thick, you can thin it out by adding a bit more chicken broth or even some water. Start with 1/4 cup at a time and adjust to your desired consistency.
Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4
Description
This Chicken Tortilla Soup is a cozy and comforting classic that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Featuring tender chicken, a flavorful tomato-based broth, and crunchy tortilla strips, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
– 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Toppings: Crispy tortilla strips, avocado, shredded cheese, lime wedges, fresh cilantro
Instructions
1. – In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. – Add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, green chiles, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
3. – Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. – Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
5. – Serve the Chicken Tortilla Soup hot, garnished with your desired toppings.
Notes
For a spicier soup, add more chili powder or diced jalapeños. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time. The soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Conclusion
This Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is truly a family favorite that I know you’ll love, too. With its perfectly seasoned broth, tender chicken, and crunchy tortilla strips, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Give it a try and let me know what you think – I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments!
