The Chefs Classic Chicken Tortilla Soup with Crispy Chile Strips

Why You Need This Soup (And My Kitchen Disaster Story)

Okay, hands up if you need a bowl of pure, bright sunshine right now? Honestly, nothing fixes a dreary Tuesday like a fantastic bowl of true blue Chicken Tortilla Soup .

I remember the first time I made this years ago. I thought it was just broth and leftover chicken. Boy, was I wrong! It tasted so thin and sad.

Since then, I have been obsessed with creating a flavour that punches you in the mouth (in a good way, obviously).

This isn't that thin soup. We are diving into an experience that feels like an authentic Mexican chicken tortilla soup .

Building that Velvety Texture

This recipe comes from the Jalisco region of Mexico. It is known for its deep, complex, and layered flavours. We are aiming for complexity, not just heat.

We build the base with spices and fire roasted tomato tortilla soup ingredients. That gives it a depth that is miles better than any store-bought broth.

Now, is this tough to make? Not really, but I rate it a Medium difficulty. Why? Because we need that restaurant quality texture.

To get that desired velvety chicken tortilla soup texture , we must blend the broth base until it is perfectly smooth.

Trust me, that extra step is absolutely worth the washing up!

Smoky Goodness and Serious Crunch

We load the base with spices that we "bloom" in oil. This unlocks their full flavour potential. The secret weapon? It’s the incredible, complex kick from the smoky chipotle chicken tortilla soup paste we blend right into the broth.

It’s proper soul food.

The great news is that this is an easy healthy chicken tortilla soup option. It is packed with protein and minimal fuss.

It is perfect for feeding a crowd or warming up a cozy Friday night. You get 6 8 generous servings out of one batch.

The Key to Perfection: The Toppings

But let’s be real. What truly elevates this dish is the crunch. We’re talking about the homemade crispy tortilla strips recipe .

If you skip them, you are missing 50% of the flavour experience! They turn the whole dish into a proper culinary symphony.

Ready to ditch the takeout menu? Once you master how to make chicken tortilla soup from scratch , there’s no going back.

Below is the full Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe List to get your kitchen organized and ready for some serious flavour building.

What You Need: Gathering the Good Stuff

Honestly, learning How to make chicken tortilla soup from scratch is way easier than you think. Forget the watery, sad versions you sometimes get.

We are aiming for that restaurant quality depth. This Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe List is designed for maximum flavour with minimal fuss.

The Core Ingredients (Soup Base & Protein)

We start with the foundation. The quality of your broth matters heaps here. You need 6 cups (1.4 litres) of low-sodium chicken stock. Use homemade if you can! Don't skimp.

For that intense red colour and rich flavour, we use 1 can (400g) of fire roasted tomato tortilla soup diced tomatoes.

These add complexity without extra work. They are the secret weapon! And for the signature kick? You need one minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.

That gives us the true Smoky chipotle chicken tortilla soup flavour.

You will need 3 cups (450 g) of cooked, shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken is my jam for this it makes this an Easy Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup weeknight winner.

Making the Crunch Factor (Strips)

We can’t talk about Chicken Tortillas Soups Recipe without the crunch. Our Homemade crispy tortilla strips recipe requires just 6 corn tortillas.

Day-old tortillas are better, honestly. Slice them thin, about ¼ inch. Toss them with 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil and some salt.

Bake them quickly at 350° F ( 175° C) until golden. Keep an eagle eye on them! They go from perfect to charcoal in about 30 seconds.

Been there, done that, burnt the lot.

Seasoning Secrets & Quick Swaps

Spices are everything in Mexican cooking. We use cumin and dried oregano. If you find Mexican oregano, snap it up! It tastes earthier.

If not, don’t stress. Use regular dried oregano. A quick swap for Authentic Mexican chicken tortilla soup flavor is a pinch of ground coriander added to the regular oregano.

The key technique? Blooming! Before the broth goes in, you toast the cumin and oregano with your onions and garlic for about 30 seconds.

This wakes them up. It makes the difference between "nice" soup and "Oh my gosh, what is in this?" soup.

Kitchen Kit Check: Equipment Essentials

You definitely need a good, large pot. A Dutch oven works wonders because it holds heat so well.

But the real MVP for achieving a Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup consistency? The blender. For that glorious, Velvety chicken tortilla soup texture , you must puree the vegetable base.

I love my immersion blender it means less cleanup. If you only have a standard blender, just remember the golden rule: vent the lid when blending hot stuff.

Safety first! We don't want a molten soup explosion in the kitchen.

Getting Started: The Secret to a Truly Authentic Mexican Chicken Tortilla Soup

Oh my gosh, you absolutely need this Easy Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup in your life. Forget anything that lands on a standard Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe List .

We are going way past boring broth today. Honestly, learning How to make chicken tortilla soup from scratch is surprisingly simple, but it requires one crucial step: organization.

Essential Prep and Crunch Preparation

Before the heat is even on, get everything chopped and measured. This is your essential mise en place a fancy way of saying "everything in its place.

" Trust me, trying to mince garlic while onions are burning is zero fun.

First, let's talk crunch. Nothing ruins a good soup faster than sad, floppy bits on top. We need serious texture contrast! Take those tortillas and slice them thin.

Toss them with just 2 tablespoons of oil and a pinch of salt. Spread them on a baking tray. Bake these babies at 350° F ( 175° C) for just 10 to 15 minutes .

This is your quick Homemade crispy tortilla strips recipe . Pull them out the second they turn golden. They crisp up completely as they cool.

Building the Smoky, Deep Flavour Base

This step is the absolute key to having a notable Chicken Tortillas Soups Recipe . We are aiming for a rich, deep base not thin, watery stock.

This is how we get that gorgeous, Smoky chipotle chicken tortilla soup taste.

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your heavy pot. Add the diced onion and sauté until they are translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes .

Now, here’s the pro move: Add your spices cumin, oregano, and chili powder along with the minced garlic and jalapeño. Cook this mixture for about 60 seconds , stirring constantly.

This step is called blooming the spices. It smells incredible and unlocks maximum flavour.

Next, stir in the smoky chipotle and the entire can of Fire roasted tomato tortilla soup . Let this cook together for 5 minutes .

This deepens the colour and reduces the acidic tang of the tomatoes.

The Magic of the Velvety Texture

Pour in the 6 cups of chicken stock and let everything simmer gently for 15 minutes . Once it has simmered, you must remove the bay leaf.

Now for the secret ingredient to achieving restaurant quality texture: blending!

Use an immersion blender right in the pot, or carefully transfer the soup to a standard blender. Blend until every chunk has dissolved and you have achieved a Velvety chicken tortilla soup texture .

This puree is what makes this feel like a truly Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup , even though we didn't add any actual cream.

Stir in your cooked chicken and heat through for another 5 minutes . Taste it, adjust the salt, and boom done.

Just top it with those crispy strips and enjoy.

Post Soup Chatter: Tips, Tricks, and Keeping the Magic Alive

Honestly, making this Chicken Tortilla Soup is brilliant. But let’s be real, the best part of any Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe List is the little secrets for serving and storing.

I learned these tricks the hard way. Seriously, one time I tried to reheat the strips in the microwave. Don't do it.

The Art of the Topping (Serving Suggestions)

You’ve got that gorgeous, deep mahogany broth. That smooth, Velvety chicken tortilla soup texture needs contrast! Think of the toppings like the jewelry on a great outfit they make the whole look.

Presentation is key here. Get those gorgeous garnishes ready. Lay out the avocado, the sour cream, and the cheese. Don't be stingy with the finishing touches! A great Authentic Mexican chicken tortilla soup experience is about abundance.

The final crucial step? A generous sprinkling of the Homemade crispy tortilla strips recipe right before serving. They must, absolutely must, maintain their crunch.

This is not negotiable, friends.

If you want a full meal, a side of warm, fresh cornbread is divine. It soaks up that rich, Fire roasted tomato tortilla soup broth like nothing else.

Life After the Pot (Storage Tips)

This is such an Easy Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup for meal prep. It lasts really well!

For the fridge: Store the soup base and the chicken separately from your toppings. The soup will keep happily for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Freezing? Yes, you can, but with a warning. When you freeze liquid that has been blended (giving you that Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup feel), the texture can change slightly upon thawing.

It might seem a little grainy. To combat this, give it a good whisk or hit it with the immersion blender again while reheating.

Always freeze the soup without the tortilla strips and without the avocado/sour cream. When reheating, bring the soup to a gentle boil, making sure it reaches 165° F ( 74° C) , then reduce immediately.

Customising Your Bowl (Variations)

One of my favourite things about this Smoky chipotle chicken tortilla soup is how adaptable it is.

If you’re having a vegetarian friend over, swap out the chicken stock for good quality vegetable broth. Instead of chicken, add a tin of rinsed black beans and maybe some diced sweet potato or corn right at the end.

It still tastes amazing.

Going low-carb? Skip the tortillas! I know, I know. But try this: crush up pork rinds (chicharrónes) and use those as your crunchy topping.

Honestly, they deliver crunch and saltiness, and they keep this soup incredibly satisfying.

The Good Stuff (Nutrition Basics)

Look, I’m not a doctor, I'm just someone who loves eating. But this Easy Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup is truly good for you.

You’ve got tons of lean protein from the chicken and the fiber from the beans (if you use them) and tomatoes.

Plus, all those spices like cumin and oregano are loaded with antioxidants. It’s comforting food that actually fuels you.

So there you have it! Don't let the simplicity fool you. With these notes, you're not just making a meal; you're creating a flavour memory. Go forth and enjoy every spoonful!