Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe – Pinch of Yum

Indulge in a delightful Chicken Tortilla Soup feast! Succulent chicken thighs, creamy pinto beans, aromatic garlic and onions, spicy jalapeño pepper, crushed tomatoes, and a plethora of toppings await you.

Watch the Video on How to Prepare This Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Exploring Chicken Tortilla Soup

Embark on a culinary journey through Soup Town with the beloved smoky, hearty, customizable chicken tortilla soup.

This soup strikes the perfect balance – not too thin, not too thick. It can hold up to generous toppings without feeling like a chili or stew. Imagine tender chicken shreds, buttery pinto beans, a symphony of vegetable flavors without overwhelming chunks, and just the right amount of heat…

Oh, could we find a cozy park bench somewhere? We might linger here for a while.

The origins of tortilla soup are somewhat elusive, but it is generally associated with Central Mexico and particularly popular in Mexico City, possibly originating in the neighboring state of Tlaxcala (which translates to “land of corn” or “place abundant with tortillas” in Nahuatl). In a fascinating guest post by Lorena Masso on the ful-filled blog, she delves into how this soup symbolizes the fusion of Indigenous and Spanish influences in Mexican cuisine. For instance, while Spaniards likely introduced the concept of soup, corn remains a crucial ingredient in native cuisine.

Lorena also notes that tortilla soup can be found throughout Mexico, with toppings and ingredients varying from region to region. However, one can always expect a rich chicken broth, roasted tomatoes, and chilis.

It is a ubiquitous dish in the U.S. as well, with each person having their favorite recipe or style. Here is ours, with some tweaks in ingredients and technique to achieve the desired texture and flavor. And goodness, do we adore it.

Essential Ingredients

The ingredient list for any tortilla soup is usually straightforward, but the flavors are anything but.

• Flavorful veggies like red onion, generous garlic, and spicy jalapeño, though you can substitute with your preferred pepper variety. Chipotle would add a smoky kick, dried guajillo or ancho chili for an authentic Mexican touch, or a green bell pepper for a milder spice level.
• Crushed tomatoes are preferred for their subtle thickening effect on the soup. If you desire a thicker consistency, some recipes incorporate blended dried tortillas or cornmeal.
• Chicken thighs are recommended for their richer flavor, but chicken breasts can be used as well.
• Beans – pinto beans are traditional, but black beans can be a suitable alternative.
• Veggie broth.
• An array of toppings awaits! Cilantro? Absolutely. Some crema and cotija cheese? Yes, please. Homemade crispy tortilla strips? Heavenly delights. (More on the tortilla strips below!)

Crafting Chicken Tortilla Soup

Once you have all your ingredients assembled, the process is straightforward. We’ve prepared it both on the stovetop and in the Instant Pot, so it’s really up to your preference.

1. Vegetables. We prefer a quick blitz in the food processor, but a rough chop works just as well if you prefer a chunkier soup texture. Sauté until tender and aromatic.
2. Simmer. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, and chicken thighs, and let them simmer for a while.
3. Shred & stir. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it to shred, then return it to the pot along with the beans and additional broth as needed.
4. Top it off, it’s party time. Bring on the toppings, friends.

Creating Homemade Crispy Tortilla Strips

Chicken tortilla soup isn’t complete without the tortilla element, and here’s where we advocate – plead? urge? – that you take a few extra minutes to fry up your own *homemade* corn tortilla strips. Yes, your favorite tortilla chips will suffice in a pinch, but oh, these freshly made, crispy, salty strips that you craft yourself?! Unparalleled.

1. Thinly slice small corn tortillas into strips.
2. Quickly fry them in a pan over medium-high heat with oil and salt.
3. Savor and relish them for days to come.

There you have it. Give yourself a pat on the back.

Other Toppings For This Soup

Now that we’ve convinced you to make those tortilla strips, here’s a list of additional toppings to add to your collection.

• Abundant cilantro
• Freshly squeezed lime juice
• Buttery slices of avocado
• Sprinkles of cotija cheese
• Drizzles of Mexican crema or dollops of sour cream.

Construct delectable peaks in this soup and relish them spoonful by spoonful.

Storage and Freezing

Delight in a soup that not only makes for delightful leftovers but can also be frozen for a future weeknight meal. Here’s how to do it:

• Storage Instructions: Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Keeps well for 3-4 days.
• Freezer Instructions: Prepare the soup, let it cool, then transfer it to 1-2 airtight containers in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to 6 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight (if possible) and reheat on the stove in a pot.

Chicken Tortilla Soup: FAQs

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