Chicken Tortilla Soup, or Sopa de Tortilla, is a traditional Mexican comfort dish that originated as a way to use leftover tortillas and chicken, turning them into a flavorful broth with chilies, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. It is commonly served in homes and restaurants as a starter or main course, especially during cooler weather.

In central Mexico, the soup often includes fried tortilla strips, avocado, and queso fresco, while coastal versions may add seafood or a splash of lime. Some regions prefer a smoky flavor from chipotle peppers, and others garnish with radish slices or pickled onions.

It is traditionally served hot in a shallow bowl, topped with crispy tortilla strips, a drizzle of crema, diced avocado, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and a wedge of lime on the side. The toppings are added at the table so each diner can customize their bowl.

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a popular everyday meal but is also served at family gatherings, holidays like Día de los Muertos, and casual celebrations because it is hearty, easy to make in large batches, and can be paired with other Mexican dishes.

Authentic ingredients include fresh chicken, corn tortillas (fried into strips), tomatillos or crushed tomatoes, poblano or jalapeno chilies, chicken broth, and fresh cilantro. Substitutes like canned corn, black beans, or rotisserie chicken work well for speed, and you can use store‑bought tortilla chips instead of homemade strips.

Common mistakes include overcooking the chicken so it becomes dry, not toasting the spices which reduces flavor, and adding too much water which dilutes the broth. Also, adding lime juice too early can cause the cilantro to wilt.

Rotisserie chicken is already cooked, seasoned, and shredded, which saves time and adds extra flavor from the roasting process. It also ensures the chicken is moist and reduces the risk of undercooking.

Yes, you can prepare the soup up to the simmering stage, let it cool, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove and add fresh lime juice and cilantro just before serving.

The YouTube channel MOMables - Laura Fuentes specializes in quick, family‑friendly Latin American and Mexican-inspired recipes, often using pantry staples and time‑saving shortcuts for busy home cooks.

MOMables - Laura Fuentes focuses on approachable, flavorful meals that can be made in under 30 minutes, emphasizing fresh herbs, bold spices, and practical tips like using rotisserie chicken or frozen vegetables to streamline the cooking process.