What is Chicken Tortilla Soup Made Of? A Detailed Look at This Comforting Mexican Dish

Chicken tortilla soup is a hearty, flavorful Mexican soup that has become popular worldwide. With its blend of tender chicken, savory broth, and crunchy tortilla strips, it’s no wonder this soup is a favorite comfort food for many. But what exactly goes into making authentic chicken tortilla soup? Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make this soup so delicious and satisfying.

A Brief History of Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken tortilla soup originated in Mexico, where it was made by adding chicken to an existing tortilla soup recipe. The soup was initially very basic, consisting of vegetables, chilies, and tortilla chips cooked in broth. Over time, shredded chicken was incorporated to create a more substantial and protein-rich dish.

As chicken tortilla soup grew in popularity and spread to other regions, like the United States, new variations emerged. Some versions incorporated corn, beans, rice or other ingredients to make the soup heartier. Spice levels ranged from mild to extra spicy depending on local tastes. However, the core ingredients have remained unchanged – chicken and tortillas are still central to any authentic chicken tortilla soup recipe.

Traditional Main Ingredients

The traditional ingredients used to make classic chicken tortilla soup include

• Chicken – Shredded cooked chicken is added to provide protein. Before you shred chicken breasts or thighs, you can poach, bake, or grill them. Some recipes call for using rotisserie chicken.

• Onion – Yellow or white onions are sautéed to add flavor

• Garlic – Minced garlic is cooked with the onions.

• Tomatoes – Diced tomatoes add texture and flavor. Canned or fresh tomatoes may be used.

• Chicken broth – Broth forms the base of the soup. Low-sodium broth is often preferred.

• Tortilla chips – Crushed tortilla chips infuse corn flavor. They are also used as a topping.

• Spices – Chili powder, cumin, oregano and coriander are traditional seasonings.

• Cilantro – Fresh cilantro adds brightness.

• Lime – Lime juice balances out the flavors.

Common Additions

There are also some ingredients that are modern additions to classic chicken tortilla soup recipes:

• Black beans – Provide fiber, protein and texture.

• Corn – Adds sweetness and crunch. Can use frozen, canned or fresh.

• Jalapeno – Brings heat and a touch of smokiness.

• Avocado – As a topping, avocado contributes creaminess.

• Cheese – Shredded Mexican cheese blends like Monterey Jack add richness.

• Sour cream – Provides a cooling contrast and tang.

So while traditional chicken tortilla soup contains a short list of core ingredients, over time home cooks and restaurants have come up with creative additions and toppings to make this classic soup even more enticing. The possibilities are endless!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Making homemade chicken tortilla soup is easy. Here is an overview of the key steps:

1. Sauté aromatics – Cook onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant and softened.

2. Simmer broth, tomatoes and chicken – Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, spices and shredded cooked chicken. Let simmer until chicken is heated through.

3. Finish with crunchy toppings – Remove from heat. Ladle soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, cilantro etc.

4. Adjust seasonings – Taste and adjust salt, lime juice and chili powder as needed. The soup should be well-seasoned.

With just a few simple cooking steps, you can have this hearty Mexican favorite ready in under an hour. The blend of textures and bright, bold flavors is so satisfying.

Tips for Customizing Chicken Tortilla Soup

One great thing about chicken tortilla soup is that it can be used in many different ways. Don’t be afraid to change the original recipe:

• Use different types of broth – try vegetable or turkey broth.

• Add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers or spinach.

• Make it spicier by using hot sauce or extra jalapenos.

• Substitute the tortilla chips with baked corn tortilla strips.

• Use Mexican beer like Corona instead of water.

• Replace some of the chicken with a vegetarian protein like black beans.

• Garnish with cojita or feta cheese rather than Monterey Jack.

• Swap cilantro for parsley or mint.

• Stir in some cooked rice or small pasta shapes to make it a meal.

Chicken tortilla soup is meant to be customized to your tastes. Play around until you create the perfect version for you and your family.

Health Benefits

Aside from being delicious, chicken tortilla soup offers some excellent nutritional benefits:

• It’s high in protein from the chicken and beans. This helps maintain and repair muscles.

• The variety of vegetables provide important vitamins like A, C and K. These support immunity and bone health.

• Fiber is abundant thanks to ingredients like beans, corn and tomatoes. Fiber aids digestion.

• Lime juice offers a dose of vitamin C, an antioxidant that fights aging and inflammation.

• Spices like cumin and oregano contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

So a bowl of chicken tortilla soup is a good way to get protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s a nutritious comfort food option.

Perfect as a Meal or Appetizer

Chicken tortilla soup is very filling because it has a hearty texture and strong flavors. You can eat it by itself or with sides like

• Rice or quinoa
• Salad or slaw
• Guacamole and chips
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Warm tortillas

For a lighter meal, chicken tortilla soup also makes a stellar starter or appetizer. Ladle it into mini bowls or shot glasses for a fun presentation. It pairs nicely with cocktails like margaritas too.

However you choose to enjoy it, chicken tortilla soup never fails to satisfy thanks to its shortlist of irresistible ingredients. This Mexican favorite is a comfort food that is totally customizable and full of flavor.