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I wanna tell you about our household's top pick for a Mexican-inspired bowl of goodness that mixes coziness and taste in one dish! I tried so many different tortilla soup versions before nailing this one that blends soft shredded chicken, crisp veggies and those super crunchy tortilla bits. The first time I whipped this up, my heat-enthusiastic kid told me it beat our local Mexican spot's offering – now we turn to it whenever we need something warm and tasty!
What Makes This Dish Pure Wonder
This goes way beyond ordinary chicken soup! Every bite delivers flavor waves from the juicy chicken and corn kernels to the snap of tortilla strips and smooth avocado garnish. Last month when I cooked this during a chilly spell for the folks next door, they all wanted my instructions. Even my little one who typically steers clear of hot foods keeps asking for it!
Your Shopping List
- For The Tasty Foundation:
- Fresh corn tortillas
- Oil for frying
- Your favorite spices
- Fresh lime juice
- Sweet corn and black beans
- Rich chicken broth
- Canned tomatoes and sauce
- Juicy chicken breasts
- Jalapeño for some kick
- Fresh onion and garlic
- Quality olive oil
- To Make Crunchy Bits:
- Fresh corn tortillas
- Oil for cooking
- Finishing Touches:
- Extra lime wedges
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
- Ripe avocado
Time To Cook
- Whipping Up Those Crunchy Bits
- Let's kick things off with the tortilla strips! Whether you go for frying or baking, getting that crunch is crucial. My little ones love helping cut tortillas into skinny strips – they say we're creating soup confetti!
- Creating The Foundation
- Then we cook those fragrant ingredients until our kitchen smells incredible. The mix of onion, garlic and jalapeño sets everything up perfectly. When the spices hit the pan, the whole thing comes to life!
- The Wonderful Brew
- Pouring in the chicken stock, tomatoes and all those tasty bits, then letting everything bubble together – that's when things get really good. Our home fills with the most amazing smell!
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Nailing The Details
Wanna know my tricks for awesome tortilla soup? Don't miss making fresh tortilla strips – they're totally worth it! Give the soup enough time to bubble so the chicken gets super soft. And here's my top suggestion: throw in the lime juice just before serving – it makes all the flavors pop!
Time To Eat
The toppings make this soup special! I like setting out options so everyone builds their own bowl. Some folks pile on cheese and sour cream, others stick with just avocado and herbs. For get-togethers, I keep the soup hot in a slow cooker and let everyone fix their own!
Tucking Some Away
This soup tastes even better tomorrow! Just store those tortilla bits apart so they stay crunchy. I usually cook extra and freeze some – it's great for busy nights. Just don't forget to add fresh toppings when you warm up leftovers – makes it taste brand new!
Switch Things Up
Feel free to put your own spin on this! Sometimes I use store-bought rotisserie chicken when I'm rushed. My friend who doesn't eat meat adds extra beans instead of chicken. One time I threw in some charred corn – totally changed the game! That's the fun part of cooking – finding what works best for you.
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The Story Behind The Bowl
This soup has grown into something bigger than just food at our place – it's our go-to comfort with some zing! There's something really satisfying about making a restaurant favorite at home, especially when it pulls everyone around the table. My children learn about different tastes and seasonings, help pick toppings and watch how it all comes together.
The greatest thing isn't just how yummy it tastes – it's watching everyone get excited as they create their ideal bowl! Whether you're cooking for family dinner or having friends over, this soup always hits the spot. And seeing people realize they can make top-notch Mexican food in their own kitchen? That's what makes cooking so worthwhile!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is this a dish I can make ahead?
Yep, this soup's even tastier the next day. Pop it in the fridge for up to three days and fry fresh tortilla strips before serving to keep them crispy.
- → Could I use already-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works great. Toss it in during the last few minutes since it’s already cooked. You’ll need about 2 to 3 cups in total.
- → Is this soup spicy?
It’s mildly spicy with one jalapeño. Don’t want much heat? Remove the seeds. Love spice? Add an extra jalapeño. The chili powder balances the flavor nicely.
- → Can this soup go in the freezer?
Yes, without the toppings, it freezes wonderfully. Use an airtight container, and store it for up to three months. Add fresh toppings when reheating.
- → What should I use instead of corn tortillas?
Store-bought tortilla chips or strips work well. For a low-carb twist, you could try crispy jicama or skip them altogether and opt for more toppings.
Conclusion
This cozy dish combines shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and crunchy tortilla toppings prepared in one pot. It's the ideal go-to for easy comfort on cold nights.