Tortilla Chicken Soup

Tortilla Chicken Soup Recipe from Mexico | Ingredients and Directions

Region / culture: Mexico | Servings: 6

Introduction

Tortilla Chicken Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends and family. This soup is packed with flavor and is sure to warm you up on a cold day.

History

Tortilla Chicken Soup has its origins in Mexican cuisine, where it is known as Sopa de Tortilla. It is a popular dish that has been enjoyed for generations, with each family adding their own twist to the recipe.

Ingredients

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 1 lb (454 g) total)
2 x 14 oz (397 g) cans reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 x 14 oz (397 g) can beef broth
1 x 14.5 oz (411 g) can tomatoes, undrained and cut up
0.5 cup chopped onion (1 medium)
0.25 cup chopped green sweet pepper
1 cup frozen loose-pack whole kernel corn
1 to 2 tsp chili powder
3 tsp ground cumin
0.13 tsp ground black pepper
3 cup tortilla chips, coarsely crushed
1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese (4 oz (113 g))
1 avocado, peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks (optional)
snipped fresh cilantro (optional)
sliced fresh jalapeno peppers (optional)
lime wedges (optional)

How to prepare

Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and set them aside.
In a 4 qt (3.78 liter) dutch oven, combine the chicken broth, beef broth, undrained tomatoes, onion, and sweet pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil and add the chicken.
Return to boiling and then reduce the heat.
Simmer the mixture, covered, for 10 minutes.
Add the corn, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper to the chicken mixture in the dutch oven.
Return to boiling and then reduce the heat.
Simmer the mixture, covered, for 10 minutes more.
To serve, place crushed tortilla chips in six soup bowls.
Ladle the soup over the tortilla chips.
Sprinkle with Monterey Jack cheese.

Variations

Add black beans or pinto beans for extra protein and fiber.
Top the soup with avocado slices, sour cream, or diced tomatoes for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To add a smoky flavor to the soup, you can char the sweet pepper over an open flame before chopping it.

- For a spicier soup, add more chili powder or sliced jalapeno peppers.

- To save time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breast from scratch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tortilla Chicken Soup with a side of warm tortillas or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the soup allows the flavors to meld together and develop a rich taste.

- Crushing the tortilla chips before adding them to the soup helps thicken the broth and adds a crunchy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the soup.

- Substitute ground turkey or beef for the chicken for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Tortilla Chicken Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Tortilla Chicken Soup with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeno peppers, and a squeeze of lime for a colorful and flavorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Tortilla Chicken Soup with a side of Mexican rice or cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Tortilla Chicken Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tortilla Chicken Soup contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tortilla Chicken Soup contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tortilla Chicken Soup contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Tortilla Chicken Soup contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Tortilla Chicken Soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

Tortilla Chicken Soup contains dairy (cheese) and may contain gluten (tortilla chips). Please check the ingredients for allergens before consuming.

Summary

Tortilla Chicken Soup is a balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Tortilla Chicken Soup is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a chilly day in the fall, and I had just received a copy of a cookbook from a dear friend. As I flipped through the pages, one recipe caught my eye - Tortilla Chicken Soup. The combination of flavors and ingredients sounded absolutely delicious, and I knew I had to give it a try.

I had always been passionate about cooking, ever since I was a little girl watching my own grandmother in the kitchen. She had a way of creating the most mouthwatering dishes out of the simplest ingredients, and I had always admired her skill and creativity. Over the years, I had collected recipes from various sources - friends, family, cookbooks, and even cooking shows on television. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, and I loved experimenting with new flavors and techniques in the kitchen.

As I read through the ingredients for the Tortilla Chicken Soup, I realized that I had most of them already on hand. I had some leftover roasted chicken in the fridge, along with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a variety of spices. The only thing I needed to pick up from the store was some fresh cilantro and a few avocados. I made a quick trip to the grocery store and gathered everything I needed to make the soup.

Back in my kitchen, I started prepping the ingredients. I diced the onions and garlic, chopped the tomatoes, shredded the chicken, and gathered the spices. The recipe called for cumin, chili powder, and paprika, which gave the soup a warm and smoky flavor. I could already smell the tantalizing aroma of the spices as they sizzled in the pot.

As I added the chicken broth and simmered the soup, I could hardly contain my excitement. The kitchen was filled with the mouthwatering scent of simmering broth and spices, and I knew that this soup was going to be something special. I toasted some corn tortillas in the oven until they were crispy and golden brown, then crumbled them over the top of the soup just before serving. The crunch of the tortillas added a wonderful texture to the soup, and the flavors melded together perfectly.

When I took my first spoonful of the Tortilla Chicken Soup, I was blown away. The broth was rich and flavorful, with a hint of heat from the spices. The tender chicken and vegetables added a hearty texture, while the crispy tortillas added a perfect crunch. I couldn't believe how delicious it was - it was like a fiesta in a bowl!

I served the soup to my family that evening, and they all raved about how delicious it was. My husband went back for seconds, and even my picky eater of a son asked for a third bowl. I knew then that this recipe was a keeper, and it quickly became a favorite in our household.

Over the years, I have made the Tortilla Chicken Soup countless times. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a squeeze of lime or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all fallen in love with its delicious flavors and comforting warmth. It has become a staple in my repertoire of recipes, a go-to dish for cozy nights at home or gatherings with loved ones.

As I look back on that chilly fall day when I first discovered the recipe for Tortilla Chicken Soup, I am filled with gratitude. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express love and creativity through food. And this recipe, with its bold flavors and comforting warmth, has become a cherished part of my culinary journey. I am grateful for the friends, family, and experiences that have brought me to this moment, where I can share this delicious soup with the ones I love. And I know that as long as I have a kitchen and a stove, I will continue to create and savor the flavors of life.