Chicken Tortilla Soup is a classic Mexican comfort dish that blends the flavors of traditional tortilla soup with added chicken for heartiness. It originated as a way to use leftover rotisserie or roasted chicken, combining beans, corn, and smoky chipotle for a warming winter meal.

In northern Mexico, the soup often features poblano peppers and a richer broth, while in central regions it may include tomatillos for a tangier base. Some versions add lime juice and serve with queso fresco instead of Fontina.

Traditionally, the soup is ladled into a bowl, topped with crispy tortilla strips, a drizzle of crema, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. It is often accompanied by a side of warm corn tortillas.

Chicken Tortilla Soup is popular during colder months, family gatherings, and festive occasions like Día de los Muertos or holiday feasts, where its warm, comforting flavors are especially appreciated.

The soup’s unique combination of smoky chipotle, fire‑roasted tomatoes, and crunchy tortilla strips creates a layered texture and depth of flavor that distinguishes it from other Mexican soups like pozole or caldo de pollo.

Common mistakes include burning the garlic, over‑cooking the onion, and adding the chipotle blend too early, which can cause a gritty texture. Also, frying tortilla strips too long makes them soggy; crisp them just before serving.

The immersion blender allows the beans and tomatoes to blend directly in the pot, creating a smooth, thick texture without adding extra flour or butter, keeping the soup gluten‑free and lighter while preserving the smoky flavor.

Yes, the soup can be prepared a day ahead. Cool it quickly, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and reheat gently on the stove. Keep tortilla strips separate and fry them fresh before serving.

The broth should be a deep reddish‑orange color, slightly thickened from the blended beans, with visible chunks of chicken, corn, and beans. The tortilla strips should be golden‑brown and crisp, providing a contrasting crunch.

The YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen specializes in approachable, step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials that focus on quick, flavorful meals for everyday cooks, often featuring practical shortcuts and pantry‑friendly ingredients.

Mr. Make It Happen emphasizes using store‑bought shortcuts like rotisserie chicken and pre‑made seasoning blends while still delivering authentic flavor, whereas many Mexican cooking channels focus on making everything from scratch.