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tortilla soup

The Secret to Perfect Tortilla Soup Every Time

A bold and comforting Mexican-inspired soup made with smoky tomato-chili broth, shredded chicken, and crispy tortilla strips — perfect for cozy meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 34 minutes
Servings: 6 People
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 sliced Corn tortillas
  • 4 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 4 Medium Ripe tomatoes
  • 3 Garlic cloves
  • 1 Medium Yellow onion
  • 1 Large Dried ancho chili
  • 1 Small Jalapeño
  • 4 Cups Chicken broth
  • 2 Cups Shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 tsp Cumin powder
  • To taste Salt
  • 2 tbsp Fresh lime juice
  • 1 large Avocado
  • ¼ cup Fresh cilantro
  • ½ cup Queso fresco or feta
  • ¼ cup Sour cream
  • For serving Lime wedges

Method
 

  1. Fry the Tortilla Strips: Heat oil in a deep skillet. Fry tortilla strips in batches until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
  2. Roast and Blend the Base: Char tomatoes, onion halves, garlic, and ancho chili in a dry skillet over medium heat until blistered and fragrant (10 mins). Transfer to a blender, add cumin, and blend into a smooth puree.
  3. Simmer the Broth: In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp oil. Add the puree and sauté for 5 minutes until thickened slightly. Pour in chicken broth and jalapeño. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add salt to taste.
  4. Add Chicken and Lime: Stir in shredded chicken. Simmer for 5 minutes. Finish with fresh lime juice.
  5. Assemble and Serve: Ladle hot soup into bowls. Top with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, cilantro, sour cream, and extra lime wedges.

Notes

  • Depth Comes in Stages: Start with real fire — charred tomatoes and dried chili aren’t just flavor; they’re the foundation of authenticity. Let them speak before you blend.
  • Texture Tells the Tale: Don’t chase perfection in smoothness. This soup thrives on contrast — silky broth, tender chicken, and crisp tortilla strips all in one bite.
  • Savor the Sizzle: Before the broth ever hits the pot, coax flavor from your aromatics. Onions and garlic should sweat, not scorch — patience is your flavor insurance.
  • Balance the Body: Let acidity lift the richness. Lime juice added at the very end sharpens every spoonful, turning deep comfort into something bright and unforgettable.
  • Toppings Aren’t Just Garnish: They’re the final chorus — creamy avocado, salty cheese, and that one fresh cilantro leaf make this bowl a complete story.