Welcome to our kitchen! Get ready to savor the rich, vibrant flavors of a truly comforting dish. This tortilla soup recipe offers a perfect blend of savory broth, tender chicken, and crispy tortilla strips.
Although the exact origin is unknown, tortilla soup is a common and beloved dish in the Mexico City area of Mexico, also known as Sopa Azteca. Learn more about the history of tortilla soup.
It is incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a fantastic addition to your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Tortilla Soup Recipe
You will adore this delightful tortilla soup recipe for many reasons. It is quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights, yet tastes like it simmered all day. The deep, comforting flavors come from fresh ingredients and a simple cooking process. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings and protein. This soup is ideal for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients for your delicious tortilla soup recipe:
- 6 (6-inch) corn tortillas, preferably a little old and dried out
- 1/4 cup corn oil, peanut oil, or extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium Anaheim, poblano or jalapeño chile, seeded, veins removed, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth or homemade chicken stock
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt (kosher or sea salt)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup (2 oz) shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or mild cheddar)
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Notes & Substitutions
Using slightly old or dried-out corn tortillas is key for the crispiest strips. If yours are fresh, a quick bake in the oven helps. You can swap out chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked turkey. For vegetables, feel free to add corn, bell peppers, or zucchini. Adjust the heat by choosing your preferred chile; a mix of Anaheim and jalapeño offers balanced flavor and warmth for this savory soup.
Equipment
You will need a few basic kitchen tools for this homemade tortilla soup recipe. A 3-quart pot or Dutch oven is essential for cooking the soup. A sharp knife and cutting board are necessary for prepping ingredients. You will also use a slotted spoon for frying the tortilla strips and individual serving bowls.
Instructions
Now, let’s dive into making this fantastic tortilla soup recipe. Follow these clear steps for a delicious meal.
If your tortillas are fresh, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 200°F for 10 to 15 minutes. This dries them out a bit, which is crucial for crispy strips. Cut the tortillas in half, then slice the halves into 1/4-inch-wide strips.
Heat the oil over medium-high heat in your 3-quart pot. Working in three batches, fry the tortilla strips until lightly browned and crisp. This usually takes a couple of minutes per batch. Remove the strips with a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper-towel-lined plate.
Add the chopped onions to the same pan and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Next, add the chopped chile and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more, until the onions and chiles soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more; be careful not to burn it.
Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and salt. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully in your homemade tortilla soup recipe.
Finally, add the shredded cooked chicken to the simmering soup. Continue cooking until the chicken is heated through, which usually takes only a few minutes.
To serve, pit, peel, and cut the avocado into 1-inch pieces. Divide half of the crispy tortilla strips among four individual serving bowls. Ladle in the hot soup over the strips. Top each bowl generously with avocado pieces and shredded cheese. Garnish with the remaining crispy tortilla strips and fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side to complete your tortilla soup recipe.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving perfectly crispy tortilla strips is key for this tortilla soup recipe. Do not overcrowd the pan when frying; work in batches for even crispiness. You can adjust the spice level by selecting a milder chile like Anaheim or a hotter one like jalapeño. For a robust flavor, allow your onions and chiles to fully soften before adding the garlic, then cook the garlic only until fragrant to avoid bitterness. Avoid overcooking the chicken, especially if using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, to keep it tender.
According to the USDA, following safe cooking temperatures for chicken is essential to prevent foodborne illness.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This section helps you enjoy, preserve, and customize your amazing tortilla soup recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Classic toppings for this savory soup include diced avocado, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Get creative with sour cream, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of cotija cheese. Pair your soup with a fresh green salad or warm cornbread for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store fried tortilla strips separately to maintain their crispness. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions. This tortilla soup recipe freezes well for longer storage; freeze the soup (without toppings or tortilla strips) for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations
For a vegetarian version of this tortilla soup recipe, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. You can also add black beans or corn for extra protein and texture. Other protein ideas include cooked shrimp, ground turkey, or even tofu. Boost the vegetables with diced bell peppers, zucchini, or a handful of fresh spinach added during the last few minutes of simmering.
Nutrition Information
This tortilla soup recipe offers a wholesome and flavorful meal. It is packed with lean protein from the chicken, essential vitamins from the vegetables, and healthy fats from avocado. This hearty soup provides a balanced option for your family. Please note, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Carbs | 20g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 700mg |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
FAQ
What kind of tortillas work best?
Old or slightly dried-out corn tortillas are ideal for this tortilla soup recipe as they fry up crispier. If you only have fresh ones, simply bake them for a few minutes to dry them out.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this a vegetarian tortilla soup recipe, simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the shredded chicken. You can add black beans or corn for substance.
How can I make it spicier or milder?
For more heat, use a serrano pepper or leave some seeds in your jalapeño. For a milder soup, use only an Anaheim chile or remove all seeds and veins from your chosen pepper.
Can I freeze tortilla soup?
Yes, this tortilla soup recipe freezes well! Freeze the cooked soup without the tortilla strips, avocado, or cheese. Add fresh toppings after thawing and reheating.
What are the best toppings for tortilla soup?
The best toppings include fresh avocado, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Sour cream, pickled jalapeños, or crumbled cotija cheese are also delicious additions.
Conclusion
This hearty homemade tortilla soup recipe truly delivers on flavor and comfort with surprising simplicity. It is perfect for beginners and busy parents alike, proving that delicious meals do not need to be complicated. We encourage you to try this recipe, customize it to your liking, and enjoy every spoonful. Share your creations and let us know how much you loved your homemade tortilla soup recipe!
