Growing up, Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe was always a favorite in our household. Mama would start by sautéing onions and garlic in a big pot, and before long, the entire kitchen would be filled with the most mouthwatering aroma. As the chicken simmered away, she’d add just the right blend of spices – a pinch of cumin, a dash of chili powder, and a sprinkle of oregano. And when it came time to serve, she’d top each steaming bowl with crispy tortilla strips, cool avocado slices, and a generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese. It was the ultimate comfort food, and I can still remember how it would warm me up from the inside out on those chilly winter nights.
Years later, I’ve perfected my own version of Mama’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe, and it’s become a staple in my household too. This recipe is not only incredibly delicious, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have a hearty, flavorful soup that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Why This Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
The secret to making the best Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe lies in the depth of flavor. By simmering the chicken in a blend of spices and aromatics, you create a richly flavored broth that serves as the foundation for the entire dish. And the addition of crispy tortilla strips, cool avocado, and sharp cheddar cheese on top takes the soup to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Chicken Breasts: The star of the show, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect protein for this Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe.
– Onion and Garlic: These aromatic veggies add so much flavor to the broth.
– Chicken Broth: Use a high-quality, low-sodium broth to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
– Spices: Cumin, chili powder, and oregano give the soup its signature Tex-Mex flair.
– Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add both color and acidity to the broth.
– Tortilla Strips: These crispy, crunchy toppings are a must for Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe.
– Avocado and Cheddar Cheese: The cool, creamy avocado and sharp cheddar cheese provide the perfect contrast to the warm, spicy soup.
Step-by-Step Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Instructions
Preparing Your Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is a relatively simple dish to prepare, but it does require a bit of time to let the flavors meld together. In total, you’re looking at about an hour from start to finish, and the only equipment you’ll need is a large pot or Dutch oven.
1- Start by sautéing the onion and garlic in a bit of olive oil until they’re soft and fragrant.
2- Add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and all of the spices. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
3- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and let the soup continue to simmer for another 10 minutes.
4- While the soup is simmering, prepare the tortilla strips by cutting corn tortillas into thin strips and frying them in hot oil until they’re crispy.
5- To serve, ladle the Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe into bowls and top with the crispy tortilla strips, sliced avocado, and shredded cheddar cheese.
6- Enjoy your delicious, homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe!
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
– Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your personal taste. If you like things a little spicier, add an extra dash of chili powder.
– For a creamier texture, you can puree a portion of the soup before adding the shredded chicken back in.
– Experiment with different toppings like sour cream, diced onion, or fresh cilantro.
– Make a double batch and freeze the leftovers for an easy meal on a busy night.
Serving and Storing Your Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Perfect Pairings for Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, and it pairs perfectly with a variety of sides and drinks. For a complete meal, serve it with a fresh green salad, warm cornbread, or a side of Mexican rice. And to wash it all down, a cold beer or a refreshing margarita would be the perfect accompaniment.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, and it also freezes incredibly well. To freeze, simply let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight and then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Creative Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Variations
While the classic version of Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try adding some diced bell peppers or swapping out the chicken for shredded turkey. You could also experiment with different types of beans or even try a vegetarian version using roasted veggies instead of meat.
Making Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Diet-Friendly
For a healthier take on Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe, you can easily make a few simple substitutions. Use low-sodium broth and go easy on the cheese and tortilla strips to cut down on calories and fat. You can also swap the chicken for a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh to make it vegan-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well in this Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe and will give the soup an even richer, more flavorful broth.
Q: How long does the soup need to simmer?
A: The soup should simmer for a total of 40-50 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become nice and tender.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is a great make-ahead meal. Simply prepare the soup, let it cool completely, and then store it in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to serve.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe makes approximately 6-8 servings, depending on the portion size.
Q: What should I do if the soup is too spicy?
A: If the soup turns out a little too spicy for your liking, you can temper the heat by adding a bit more chicken broth or stirring in some sour cream or plain yogurt.
Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4
Description
Enjoy a steaming bowl of this classic Chicken Tortilla Soup, brimming with tender shredded chicken, bold Mexican spices, and crunchy tortilla strips. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
– 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
– 1 lime, juiced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Crispy tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges for serving
Instructions
1. – In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeño (if using) and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. – Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and oregano, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. – Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes.
4. – Add the shredded chicken and lime juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. – Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
Notes
– For a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the ingredients in a blender before adding the chicken.
– Customize the toppings to your liking – try crumbled queso fresco, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips.
– This soup can be made ahead and reheated, or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a steaming hot bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe to warm you up on a chilly day. This recipe is not only incredibly delicious, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make at home. With its rich, flavorful broth, tender chicken, and crispy toppings, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. So what are you waiting for? Give this Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe a try and let me know what you think!
