Tortilla Soup(4 Servings)
A hearty and flavorful Mexican-inspired soup featuring tender chicken, crispy tortilla strips, spicy spices, fresh cilantro, and creamy avocado in a comforting broth.
Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp. cooking oil ⓘ
- 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas, halved and cut into 1/4-inch strips ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 4 large cloves garlic, smashed ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. paprika ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground coriander ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne ⓘ
- 1 1/2 qt. canned low-sodium chicken broth ⓘ
- 3 c. canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 2 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 c. cilantro leaves, lightly packed (optional) ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chopped cilantro ⓘ
- 1 3/4 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 avocado, diced into 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. Cheddar cheese, grated ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large heavy pot, heat the oil over moderately high heat.
- Add half the tortilla strips and cook, stirring, until pale golden, about 1 minute.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Repeat with the remaining tortilla strips.
- Reduce the heat to moderately low.
- Add the onion, garlic, and spices; cook, stirring, for 5 minutes.
- Add the broth, crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, cilantro leaves (if using), and 1/3 of the tortilla strips.
- Bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with diced avocado, grated Cheddar, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of canned. You can substitute the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and add beans or additional vegetables like zucchini. Adjust the spices to your taste; more chili powder will increase heat. Garnishing with fresh lime juice brightens the soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with diced avocado, grated Cheddar cheese, and chopped cilantro. Lime wedges on the side add a zesty finish. This tortilla soup pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Chicken Chalupa Casserole or other Mexican recipes that complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if necessary to loosen the soup. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the texture of the chicken and tortillas. Freeze portions for up to 3 months, but note that tortillas may become soggy upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tortilla Soup(4 Servings) contains roughly 2472 calories, with 104g protein, 304g carbohydrates, and 149g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (508% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2598mg per serving (113% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to store and reheat tortilla soup?
To store tortilla soup, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use the stove for even heating, adding a little water or broth to maintain consistency. If freezing, be aware that the tortilla texture may change, so it’s best to add fresh tortilla strips when serving.
Can I customize the toppings for tortilla soup?
Absolutely! Tortilla soup is versatile. You can add toppings like sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or even corn for extra flavor. For a heartier dish, consider adding black beans or grilled shrimp. Customize to your liking, making it as spicy or mild as you prefer.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).