Chicken Tortilla Soup A Comforting and Flavorful Mexican Dish
This hearty soup blends tender chicken, a rich broth, tomatoes, and traditional Mexican spices for a flavorful experience.
One of its standout features is the mix of textures, particularly the crispy tortilla strips used as a topping. Offering a perfect balance of warmth, spice, and freshness, this comforting dish is ideal for cold weather or whenever you're in the mood for Mexican-inspired cuisine.
Whether enjoyed as a main dish or an appetizer, Chicken Tortilla Soup is an easy and delicious way to savor authentic Mexican flavors at home.
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The History and Origins of Chicken Tortilla Soup
Has roots in Mexican cuisine, specifically in the central and southern regions of Mexico, where soups made with various ingredients, including corn, beans, and tomatoes, have been staples for centuries.
This particular soup is believed to have originated in Mexico City and has evolved into a beloved dish across the country and beyond.
The defining element of Chicken Tortilla Soup is the use of crispy fried tortilla strips, which add a crunchy contrast to the flavorful broth. In Mexican households, leftover tortillas were often repurposed by frying them to give dishes like soups an added texture.
Over time, this became a signature component of Chicken Tortilla Soup, helping it stand out among other traditional Mexican soups.
Today, this dish is popular throughout Mexico and in Mexican-American communities, where it has become a comforting, versatile meal that can be easily customized with a variety of toppings and additional ingredients.
Ingredients
Creating this dish at home is easy and requires basic ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. The key to this dish is its balance of savory, spicy, and fresh elements. Here's what you'll need:
For the Soup Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or rotisserie chicken, shredded)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tortilla Strips:
- 4 corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Optional Toppings:
- Avocado, diced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco)
- Lime wedges
- Chopped green onions
- Sliced radishes (for extra crunch)
Instructions
While Chicken Tortilla Soup might look elaborate, it’s relatively simple to prepare. With a few basic steps, you’ll have a flavorful, homemade soup that’s sure to impress. Follow this step-by-step guide for a delicious result.
Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and diced jalapeño (if using), and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and ground coriander, allowing the spices to cook for about 1 minute. This will help release their flavors and give the soup its signature warmth and depth. Once the spices are fragrant, add the diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, corn, and black beans.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add the raw chicken breasts to the pot, making sure they’re fully submerged in the broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. If you’re using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, you can add it later during the final simmer.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove the breasts from the pot and use two forks to shred the meat. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Make the Tortilla Strips
While the soup is simmering, prepare the crispy tortilla strips. Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tortilla strips in batches, frying them for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden and crispy. Transfer the fried tortilla strips to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Sprinkle with a little salt for added flavor.
If you prefer a lighter option, you can bake the tortilla strips. Simply preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), spread the tortilla strips on a baking sheet, lightly spray them with cooking oil, and bake for 10-15 minutes until crispy.
Step 4: Serve the Soup
To serve this dish ladle it into bowls and top each serving with the crispy tortilla strips. From here, you can customize your soup with a variety of toppings, such as diced avocado, fresh cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese, and lime wedges. These toppings add extra layers of flavor and texture, making the soup even more satisfying.
Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more beans or tofu as a protein source. The soup remains just as flavorful and hearty without the meat.
Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup
For those who love extra heat, consider adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, along with extra chili powder or cayenne pepper. This will give the soup a smoky, spicy flavor that’s sure to satisfy heat lovers.
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
For a creamier version of this soup, stir in heavy cream or coconut milk toward the end of cooking. You can also add shredded Monterey Jack cheese directly to the soup for a rich, cheesy base.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
If you prefer a hands-off cooking method, you can easily make Chicken Tortilla Soup in a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, including the raw chicken breasts, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Shred the chicken before serving and add your toppings as usual.
This is How you Can Serve it
Can be served as a main course or alongside other dishes for a complete meal. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:
- With a side salad: A fresh green salad with avocado, tomatoes, and a lime vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the warm, hearty flavors of the soup.
- With Mexican rice: Serve the soup with a side of Mexican rice or Spanish rice for a heartier meal.
- With guacamole and chips: For an appetizer or side, consider serving guacamole with tortilla chips before the main soup course.
A Flavorful and Satisfying Meal
Whether you’re seeking a comforting meal on a chilly evening or a flavorful dish to share with family and friends, Chicken Tortilla Soup is the perfect choice.
Its rich, savory broth, tender chicken, and crunchy tortilla strips create a satisfying balance of textures and flavors that appeal to everyone.
With the ability to customize the toppings and spice level, this soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Enjoy this Easy video tutorial
Source: The Stay At Home Chef
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