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My kitchen tells many stories but this tortilla soup holds a special place in my heart. Years of tweaking and testing led to this recipe that brings everyone running to the table. The smell of sautéed onions and warm spices fills our home while crispy tortilla strips cool on the counter. It's pure comfort in a bowl.
Bowl of Happiness
This isn't your ordinary soup. Each spoonful brings tender chicken swimming in rich broth alongside crispy tortilla strips and creamy avocado. My daughter calls it confetti soup because of all the colorful toppings. Last week my neighbor asked for the recipe after one taste saying it beat any restaurant version she'd tried.
Essential Ingredients to Gather
- Chicken Breasts: Use tender chicken breasts or a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Canned Tomatoes and Sauce: Adds a rich, tangy base.
- Chicken Broth: Choose a flavorful, rich broth as the foundation.
- Fresh Vegetables: Onion, garlic, and jalapeño for aromatics; sweet corn and black beans for texture.
- Fresh Corn Tortillas: Thinly sliced for frying or baking into crispy strips.
- Toppings: Creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese, and lime wedges for garnish.
- Spices: Customize with your favorite spices to enhance the flavor.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing and frying the tortilla strips.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Tortilla Strips
- Cut fresh corn tortillas into thin strips. Fry in hot oil or bake until golden and crispy. Set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and jalapeño. Cook until softened and fragrant.
- Build the Soup
- Add chicken broth, canned tomatoes, corn, black beans, and spices to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Add the Chicken
- Place chicken breasts in the simmering soup and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Shred the chicken and return to the pot.
- Finish with Lime
- Stir in fresh lime juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.
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Kitchen Wisdom
Sunday afternoon I learned a game changing trick. Fry those tortilla strips in small batches until they're super crispy then keep them away from the soup until serving. My son loves helping squeeze fresh lime juice in at the end. We set up a toppings bar and everyone gets creative with their bowls.
Time to Eat
This soup brings such joy to our table. We line up all the toppings buffet style creamy avocado bright cilantro tangy sour cream and shredded cheese. My husband adds extra jalapeños while the kids pile on cheese. Sometimes we serve warm tortillas on the side for dunking.
Save for Later
The soup gets even better after a day in the fridge. Just keep those crispy tortilla strips separate or they'll get soggy. A quick warmup on the stove works perfectly. My teenager loves taking it to school in a thermos topped with fresh avocado.
Make It Your Own
Some nights I use rotisserie chicken when time is tight. My vegetarian friend swaps chicken for more beans and everyone loves it. Last week I added fire roasted corn and my family begged to keep that change. The beauty of this soup is how it adapts to what you love.
More Than Just Soup
This recipe brings our family together on busy weeknights and lazy weekends alike. Friends drop by just hoping it's simmering on the stove. My daughter learned to cook helping me make this soup and now she's teaching her friends. Food really does create the sweetest memories.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make the tortilla strips ahead of time?
While they're best fresh, you can make the tortilla strips a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispiness.
- → How spicy is this soup?
With one deseeded jalapeño, the heat level is mild to medium. You can adjust the spiciness by keeping some seeds or using more jalapeños for extra heat.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time. Add it when returning the shredded chicken to the pot and simmer briefly to heat through.
- → How long does this soup keep?
The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store tortilla strips separately to maintain their crunch and add fresh avocado when serving.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
The soup base freezes well for up to 3 months. Add fresh toppings like tortilla strips, avocado, and cilantro after reheating for the best texture and flavor.