Part 8 of my Soup Series: Chicken, Tortilla Soup
Part 8 of my Soup Series: Chicken, Tortilla Soup ! is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Tina Farmer on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 52 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min
Cost: $9.32 total, $2.33 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra-virgin preferred)
- 1 piece Red Bell Pepper (seeded and diced)
- 1 piece Yellow Onion (medium, diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1.5 pounds Chicken (bone‑in thighs or breasts, for broth and meat)
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (undrained)
- 1 can (15 oz) Black Beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup Corn (frozen or canned, drained)
- 0.5 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (full‑fat for richness)
- 1 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
Instructions
Make Homemade Chicken Broth (Pot Liquor)
Place the chicken pieces in the large pot, cover with cold water (about 8 cups), bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 30 minutes until the meat is cooked through.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: medium-high heat
Shred the Chicken and Reserve Broth
Remove the chicken from the pot, let it cool slightly, then shred with two forks. Set the shredded meat aside and keep the pot liquid (pot liquor) for the soup.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Add Lime and Canned Ingredients
Stir in the fresh lime juice, Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, drained black beans, and corn. Cook for 2 minutes to combine flavors.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Combine Chicken and Broth
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and pour in the reserved pot liquor (add extra water if needed to reach about 4 cups total liquid). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: medium
Finish with Cream and Seasonings
Stir in the heavy whipping cream, Cajun seasoning, chili powder, ground cumin, and salt. Heat through for 3 minutes, avoiding a rapid boil.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with tortilla strips, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, and a lime wedge if desired.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 22 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 6 g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein
Allergens: Dairy, Corn
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Red Bell Pepper: green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper
- Instead of Yellow Onion: white onion, shallot
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Lime Juice: lemon juice
- Instead of Chicken: store‑bought chicken broth (4 cups)
- Instead of Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: canned diced tomatoes + jalapeño
- Instead of Black Beans: pinto beans
- Instead of Corn: fresh corn kernels
- Instead of Heavy Whipping Cream: half‑and‑half, whole milk + butter
- Instead of Cajun Seasoning: taco seasoning
- Instead of Chili Powder: smoked paprika
- Instead of Ground Cumin: coriander powder
- Instead of Salt: sea salt, kosher salt
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Spoons
- Citrus Juicer (optional)
- Ladle
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Making the homemade chicken broth (pot liquor) provides the base flavor.
- Do not let the soup boil after adding heavy cream to avoid curdling.
- Adding fresh lime juice at the right time brightens the flavor.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use bone‑in chicken for a richer broth.
- Toast tortilla strips in a dry skillet with a pinch of salt for extra crunch.
- Add a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky depth.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thin.
Simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce, or stir in a tablespoon of masa harina (corn flour) diluted in water.
Cream curdles.
Lower the heat immediately and whisk gently; add a splash of extra broth to bring the temperature down before re‑adding cream.
Lack of flavor.
Adjust with extra salt, a pinch more Cajun seasoning, or an additional squeeze of lime.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the chicken broth a day ahead and refrigerate; it deepens flavor.
- Soup can be fully assembled (without cream) and stored; stir in cream when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Tortilla Soup in Mexican cuisine?
Chicken Tortilla Soup blends traditional Mexican ingredients like corn, black beans, and lime with a creamy broth, reflecting the regional comfort foods of northern Mexico and Texas where dairy is more common. It is often served at family gatherings and as a warming dish during cooler months.
What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken Tortilla Soup in Tex‑Mex cuisine?
In Texas, the soup is frequently enriched with heavy cream or sour cream, while in central Mexico it may be lighter, using chicken broth and topped with fried tortilla strips, avocado, and queso fresco. Some versions add roasted poblano peppers for extra heat.
How is Chicken Tortilla Soup traditionally served in Mexican households?
It is usually ladled into shallow bowls, garnished with crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and a wedge of lime on the side. The toppings add texture and fresh flavor right before eating.
What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Tortilla Soup traditionally associated with in Mexican culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, Chicken Tortilla Soup is a popular comfort dish for family brunches, casual dinner parties, and festive gatherings such as Día de los Muertos or Christmas Eve feasts, where warm, hearty soups are welcomed.
What other Mexican dishes pair well with Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Serve it alongside fresh guacamole, a simple Mexican rice, or a side of refried beans. A crisp margarita or a light cerveza also complements the soup’s bright, creamy flavors.
What makes Chicken Tortilla Soup special or unique in Tex‑Mex cuisine?
The combination of a homemade chicken broth (pot liquor) with lime acidity and a swirl of heavy cream creates a rich yet tangy profile that sets it apart from standard tomato‑based Mexican soups. The use of Rotel adds a subtle heat without overwhelming the dish.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Common errors include over‑boiling the soup after adding cream, which can cause curdling, and under‑seasoning the broth before the final simmer. Also, skipping the fresh lime juice will result in a flatter flavor.
Why does this Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe use homemade chicken broth instead of store‑bought broth?
Homemade broth (pot liquor) captures the gelatin and flavor from the chicken bones, giving the soup a richer mouthfeel and deeper taste that canned broth cannot match. It also eliminates added sodium and preservatives.
Can I make Chicken Tortilla Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the soup up to the point of adding heavy cream, then refrigerate for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat and stir in the cream just before serving to maintain its silky texture.
What does the YouTube channel Tina Farmer specialize in?
The YouTube channel Tina Farmer focuses on approachable home cooking tutorials, especially comfort food classics, quick weeknight meals, and step‑by‑step guides that emphasize flavor and simplicity for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Tina Farmer's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?
Tina Farmer blends traditional Mexican flavors with American home‑cooking techniques, often creating shortcuts like using Rotel and heavy cream while still honoring authentic ingredients. Her videos prioritize clear visuals and practical tips over elaborate plating.
Last updated: August 26, 2026
