Warm Up with Flavor: The Ultimate Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting classic, brimming with savory chicken, hearty vegetables, and a satisfying crunch. This recipe provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating a truly exceptional version of this Southwestern favorite. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner solution or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for a party, this soup is sure to be a hit.

Why This Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is the Best

There are countless Chicken Tortilla Soup recipes out there, so what makes this one stand out? It’s all about the layers of flavor:

* **Homemade Chicken Broth (Optional but Recommended):** Starting with homemade broth elevates the soup’s depth of flavor to a whole new level. We’ll provide instructions for both homemade and store-bought options.
* **Authentic Southwestern Spices:** A blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano creates a warm, smoky, and subtly spicy profile.
* **Charred Vegetables:** Roasting or charring some of the vegetables (like the onions and peppers) adds a delicious caramelized sweetness.
* **Fresh, Vibrant Toppings:** A generous array of toppings like crispy tortilla strips, creamy avocado, tangy lime wedges, and fresh cilantro takes this soup from good to great.
* **Proper Technique:** Following the steps in the correct order ensures all the flavors meld together beautifully.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients needed for our Chicken Tortilla Soup. We’ve included notes on substitutions where applicable.

**For the Chicken Broth (Optional):**

* **3-4 pounds Chicken Carcasses or Bone-in Chicken Pieces:** Backs, necks, and wings work well. You can also use leftover roast chicken bones.
* **1 large Onion, quartered:** Adds flavor and body to the broth.
* **2 Carrots, roughly chopped:** Contributes sweetness and depth.
* **2 Celery Stalks, roughly chopped:** Adds a savory, aromatic element.
* **4 cloves Garlic, smashed:** Infuses the broth with garlicky goodness.
* **1 Bay Leaf:** Provides a subtle, herbal note.
* **1 teaspoon Black Peppercorns:** Adds a touch of spice.
* **10-12 cups Water:** Adjust as needed to cover the chicken and vegetables.

**For the Soup:**

* **2 tablespoons Olive Oil:** For sautéing the vegetables.
* **1 large Onion, chopped:** Forms the base of the soup’s flavor.
* **1 Red Bell Pepper, chopped:** Adds sweetness and color.
* **1 Jalapeño, seeded and minced (Optional):** For a kick of heat. Adjust to your preference.
* **3 cloves Garlic, minced:** Provides aromatic flavor.
* **1 teaspoon Chili Powder:** A key ingredient for authentic flavor.
* **1 teaspoon Cumin:** Adds warmth and earthiness.
* **1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika:** Enhances the smoky flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano:** Provides a classic Southwestern herb flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (Optional):** For additional heat. Use with caution!
* **6 cups Chicken Broth:** Homemade or store-bought (low-sodium recommended).
* **1 (14.5 ounce) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained:** Adds acidity and texture.
* **1 (15 ounce) can Black Beans, rinsed and drained:** Provides heartiness and protein.
* **1 (15 ounce) can Corn, drained:** Adds sweetness and texture. You can also use frozen corn.
* **1 pound Cooked Chicken, shredded:** Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option.
* **1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro:** For a burst of freshness.
* **1 Lime, juiced:** Adds brightness and acidity.
* **Salt and Black Pepper to taste:** To season the soup to perfection.

**For the Toppings (Optional but Highly Recommended):**

* **Tortilla Strips:** Store-bought or homemade (see instructions below).
* **Avocado, diced:** Adds creaminess and healthy fats.
* **Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt:** Provides tanginess and richness.
* **Shredded Cheese:** Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack are all great options.
* **Lime Wedges:** For squeezing extra lime juice.
* **Fresh Cilantro, chopped:** For garnish.
* **Pickled Jalapeños:** For extra heat.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making the best Chicken Tortilla Soup:

**Part 1: Making the Chicken Broth (Optional)**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** Place the chicken carcasses or bones, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, and peppercorns in a large stockpot.
2. **Add Water:** Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients (about 10-12 cups). Make sure everything is submerged well.
3. **Bring to a Boil:** Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the simmering process. This helps to create a cleaner, clearer broth.
4. **Strain the Broth:** Carefully strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (optional) to remove any solids. Discard the solids.
5. **Defat the Broth (Optional):** If desired, let the broth cool slightly, then refrigerate it for several hours. This will allow the fat to solidify on the surface, making it easy to skim off and discard. This step is optional but will result in a leaner broth.

**Part 2: Making the Chicken Tortilla Soup**

1. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. If using jalapeño, add it now and cook for another minute.
2. **Add Garlic and Spices:** Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This step is crucial for blooming the spices and releasing their full flavor.
3. **Add Broth and Tomatoes:** Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juice). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. **Add Beans and Corn:** Stir in the black beans and corn. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the more developed the flavors will become.
5. **Add Chicken:** Add the shredded cooked chicken to the soup and heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Remember that the toppings will also add flavor, so don’t over-season at this point.
6. **Stir in Cilantro and Lime Juice:** Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and lime juice just before serving. This will brighten the flavors and add a final touch of freshness.

**Part 3: Making Homemade Tortilla Strips (Optional)**

1. **Cut Tortillas:** Stack 6-8 corn tortillas and cut them into thin strips (about 1/4 inch wide). You can use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife.
2. **Fry or Bake:**
* **Frying:** Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tortilla strips in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 1-2 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
* **Baking:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the tortilla strips with a tablespoon of olive oil and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.

**Part 4: Serving the Soup**

1. **Ladle into Bowls:** Ladle the hot chicken tortilla soup into bowls.
2. **Add Toppings:** Top with your desired toppings, such as tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro.
3. **Serve Immediately:** Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for the Best Chicken Tortilla Soup

* **Don’t skip the sautéing step:** Sautéing the vegetables and spices is crucial for building flavor. Make sure to cook them until softened and fragrant.
* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the soup will taste. Use fresh vegetables, high-quality chicken broth, and flavorful spices.
* **Taste and adjust seasoning:** Taste the soup frequently and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that the toppings will also add flavor.
* **Don’t overcook the chicken:** Add the cooked chicken towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from drying out.
* **Prepare the toppings ahead of time:** This will make serving the soup much easier and allow your guests to customize their bowls.
* **Make it ahead of time:** Chicken Tortilla Soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. You can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
* **Customize the heat:** Adjust the amount of jalapeño and cayenne pepper to your liking. If you’re sensitive to spice, omit the cayenne pepper altogether.
* **Add other vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as zucchini, carrots, or celery. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Use different types of beans:** You can substitute other types of beans for the black beans, such as pinto beans or kidney beans.
* **Make it vegetarian:** To make this soup vegetarian, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more beans or vegetables to make it heartier.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup:** Add more jalapeño or cayenne pepper for a spicier soup.
* **Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt into each bowl before serving.
* **Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup:** Use smoked chicken instead of regular cooked chicken.
* **Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup:** This recipe can easily be adapted for the Instant Pot. Simply sauté the vegetables and spices in the Instant Pot, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
* **Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup:** This recipe can also be made in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

## Serving Suggestions

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with a side of:

* **Cornbread:** A classic pairing that complements the Southwestern flavors of the soup.
* **Quesadillas:** Another cheesy and satisfying option.
* **Mexican Rice:** A simple and flavorful side dish.
* **Guacamole and Tortilla Chips:** For a complete Mexican-inspired meal.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Chicken Tortilla Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
* **Freeze:** Chicken Tortilla Soup can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* **Can I make this soup ahead of time?**
Yes, Chicken Tortilla Soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. You can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Can I freeze Chicken Tortilla Soup?**
Yes, Chicken Tortilla Soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
* **Can I use store-bought chicken broth?**
Yes, you can use store-bought chicken broth. However, homemade chicken broth will result in a richer and more flavorful soup. Use low-sodium broth to control the salt level.
* **Can I make this soup vegetarian?**
Yes, to make this soup vegetarian, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more beans or vegetables to make it heartier.
* **How do I make homemade tortilla strips?**
Cut corn tortillas into thin strips and fry or bake them until golden brown and crispy.
* **What are some good toppings for Chicken Tortilla Soup?**
Popular toppings include tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, lime wedges, fresh cilantro, and pickled jalapeños.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving, without toppings)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 8-10g

(Note: Nutrition information may vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)

## Conclusion

This Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a warm, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With customizable toppings and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a delicious and authentic soup that will impress your family and friends. So gather your ingredients, put on your chef’s hat, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!