Chicken Tortilla Soup, often called Sopa Azteca, originates from Mexican street food traditions where leftover tortillas are fried to add crunch to broth‑based soups. It reflects the Mexican emphasis on texture, bright flavors, and the use of staple ingredients like corn, beans, and chilies.

In central Mexico, the soup is commonly made with chicken, tomato broth, and fried tortilla strips, while in the Yucatán version you might find added achiote for color and a touch of orange juice. Coastal regions sometimes add seafood or replace chicken with pork.

It is typically served hot in deep bowls, topped with crispy tortilla strips, fresh avocado slices, crumbled cheese (like Cotija), a dollop of sour cream, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Some families also add thinly sliced cabbage or radishes for extra crunch.

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a popular comfort dish for everyday meals but is also served at family gatherings, holiday brunches, and cooler evenings when a warm, hearty soup is desired. It’s especially common during Día de los Muertos feasts as a warming starter.

Serve it alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple side of guacamole and chips. For a fuller meal, pair with tacos al pastor, enchiladas, or a fresh pico de gallo salad.

The combination of a tomato‑based broth, tender shredded chicken, and the contrasting crunch of fried tortilla strips creates a balance of textures and flavors that is uniquely Mexican. The bright acidity from lime and fresh cilantro adds a signature freshness.

Common errors include over‑cooking the tortilla strips so they become bitter, burning the garlic or onions, and simmering the soup for too long which can make the chicken dry. Also, under‑seasoning the broth will result in a flat flavor.

Fresh lime juice provides a clean, citrusy acidity that complements the tomato base and brightens the overall flavor profile, whereas vinegar can add a harsher, more lingering sourness that masks the subtle spices.

Yes, you can prepare the soup base up to the simmer stage, cool it quickly, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Store the crispy tortilla strips separately and add them just before serving to retain crunch.

The YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen, hosted by John Kanell, specializes in approachable, family‑friendly recipes that blend classic comfort food with global flavors, often focusing on quick weeknight meals and detailed cooking techniques.

Preppy Kitchen emphasizes practical home‑cooking shortcuts—like using pre‑pressed garlic and canned tomatoes—while still honoring authentic flavor profiles, whereas many other Mexican channels may focus more on traditional, labor‑intensive methods.