Discover the culinary artistry of Chef John’s Chicken Tortilla Soup recipes, where vibrant flavors and comforting warmth come together in a bowl of Mexican-inspired goodness. This beloved soup, a testament to Chef John’s culinary expertise, combines tender chicken, aromatic spices, and crispy tortilla strips for an unforgettable dining experience.
Tender Chicken, the Heart of the Soup:
At the core of Chef John’s Chicken Tortilla Soup lies succulent pieces of tender chicken. Whether poached and shredded or grilled for a smoky touch, the chicken becomes the heart of this soup, infusing every spoonful with a satisfying protein-packed delight.
Mexican-Inspired Aromatics for Authenticity:
Chef John’s recipes celebrate authenticity, incorporating Mexican-inspired aromatics to elevate the flavor profile. Cumin, chili powder, and a medley of spices create a harmonious blend that transports your taste buds to the streets of Mexico, capturing the essence of this beloved soup.
Vegetable Symphony for Texture and Nutrients:
A symphony of vegetables adds texture and nutrients to Chef John’s Chicken Tortilla Soup. Diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and corn contribute to the soup’s robustness, creating a delightful medley that complements the tender chicken and enriches the overall dining experience.
Crispy Tortilla Strips, a Textural Extravaganza:
Elevate your soup experience with Chef John’s signature touch – crispy tortilla strips. These golden delights not only add a textural extravaganza to each bite but also serve as a flavorful garnish, enhancing the visual appeal of the soup and providing a satisfying crunch.
Broth Magic, the Flavorful Foundation:
Chef John’s artistry extends to the flavorful foundation of the soup – the broth. Whether homemade or carefully selected, the broth is infused with the essence of the ingredients, creating a savory elixir that ties all the elements together and defines the character of this Chicken Tortilla Soup.
Customization for Personal Palates:
Chef John encourages customization to suit personal palates. Adjust the level of spice, experiment with additional toppings, or explore variations to make Chef John’s Chicken Tortilla Soup a unique culinary masterpiece tailored to your taste preferences.
Effortless Preparation for Home Cooks:
Despite its gourmet appeal, Chef John’s Chicken Tortilla Soup recipes are designed for home cooks of all skill levels. The step-by-step instructions ensure an effortless preparation process, allowing you to recreate the flavors of this beloved soup in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Garnishes Galore for a Culinary Finale:
The culinary finale involves an array of garnishes that add the finishing touch to Chef John’s Chicken Tortilla Soup. Fresh cilantro, diced avocados, a squeeze of lime, and a dollop of sour cream provide a customizable flourish, allowing you to tailor each bowl to your preferred taste and presentation.
Immerse Yourself in Culinary Excellence:
Immerse yourself in the culinary excellence of Chef John’s Chicken Tortilla Soup recipes. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook with a passion for delicious and comforting meals, this soup invites you to savor the rich flavors, vibrant colors, and heartwarming aromas of a Mexican culinary masterpiece.
Chef John’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe | S2Recipes
Details Chef John’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipes
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 5 hrs 45 mins
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Servings: 6
Ingredients For Chef John’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipes
1 (4 1/2 pound) whole chicken
3 white onions, halved, divided
1 bunch cilantro, rinsed well
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
2 dried chili pepper pods, seeded (optional)
3 quarts water
12 corn tortillas
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3 large tomatoes
1 sweet red pepper, halved and seeded
1 large or 2 small jalapeno peppers, halved and seeded
6 garlic cloves, peeled
1 whole canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 lime, juiced
sour cream
sliced avocado
chopped cilantro
shredded or crumbled Mexican cheese, such as cotija
lime wedges
sprinkle of cayenne pepper
Instructions: Chef John’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipes
Step 1: Combine chicken, 1 onion, stems from the cilantro bunch, bay leaves, oregano, peppercorns, dried chili pods, and 3 quarts of water in a large soup pot set over medium-high heat. Bring to simmer, lower heat to medium-low, and simmer for 1 hour.
Step 2: Meanwhile, make the tortilla strips: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
Step 3: Cut tortillas in half, and then cut crosswise into 1/4-inch strips. Transfer tortilla strips to the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with oil. Add salt and toss well to coat, then spread strips out as evenly as possible.
Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and crispy, tossing once or twice during the cooking time, about 30 minutes. Set aside.
Step 5: Carefully remove chicken to a bowl. Reduce heat on broth to low.
Step 6: Let chicken rest until cool enough to pull off the meat. Shred chicken and refrigerate until needed.
Step 7: Add bones, skin, and all the scraps back to the pot of broth, and simmer on low heat for about 4 hours total. If broth reduces too much, just add a splash of water.
Step 8: Meanwhile, after about 2 hours, make the charred vegetable salsa: Preheat on the oven’s broiler for high heat and set a rack about 8 inches below the heating element. Line a baking sheet with foil and oil lightly; place remaining 2 onions, tomatoes, sweet red pepper, and jalapeno pepper on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 9: Broil vegetables until charred, 7 to 10 minutes. Add charred vegetables to the jar of a blender with garlic cloves, chipotle pepper, and 1 cup water, and blend until smooth.
Step 10: Pour pureed salsa into the pot, and raise heat to medium-low. Simmer broth for another 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Pass soup through a fine mesh strainer into a separate pot, squeezing the chicken to get all those nice juices; discard bones and skin in strainer. Season soup to taste with salt.
Step 11: Add cumin, shredded chicken, and juice from 1 lime. Simmer 15 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste for seasoning, and serve with crispy tortilla strips. Garnish with sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro, grated or crumbled Mexican cheese, additional lime juice, and a sprinkle of cayenne, if desired.
Feedback of Chef John’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipes
Best thing I've eaten this year! You'll ask yourself somewhere along the way "Is all this work worth it?" Unequivocally, yes.
This is the answer you’ve been seeking for how to use up this year’s Thanksgiving turkey. My tomatoes were lousy, but it all worked out in the final product. I forgot to buy cotije cheese so used a little pepper jack. No one minded.
Chilis in the broth. Check.
I'm going to make this! I Love your recipes, John.
I made the quicker version with a rotisserie chicken and low-sodium broth. My family cooked this together and absolutely loved it. Chef John, you're the best!
All Nutrifacts of Chef John’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipes
TOP 5+ FAQ Chef John’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipes
✅What sets Chef John’s Chicken Tortilla Soup apart from other recipes?
Chef John’s Chicken Tortilla Soup stands out with its savory, aromatic, and slightly spicy tomato chicken broth made from scratch. This distinctive flavor profile, crafted by Chef John, elevates the soup to an unparalleled culinary experience.
✅How does Chef John achieve the rich and flavorful tomato chicken broth in this soup?
Chef John meticulously crafts the broth from scratch, using quality ingredients to achieve a rich and flavorful base. The combination of tomatoes, aromatic spices, and tender chicken creates a broth that serves as the soul of the Chicken Tortilla Soup, offering a culinary journey with every spoonful.
✅What type of chicken is recommended for Chef John’s Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Chef John recommends using tender, poached, and shredded chicken for the soup. This ensures a succulent and satisfying texture, allowing the chicken to absorb the rich flavors of the broth and creating a delightful protein element in each bowl.
✅Are there specific garnishes suggested for enhancing the presentation of the soup?
Indeed! Chef John’s Chicken Tortilla Soup is adorned with customizable garnishes. From fresh cilantro and diced avocados to a squeeze of lime and dollop of sour cream, these finishing touches not only enhance the visual appeal but also add layers of flavor, allowing each diner to personalize their soup experience.
✅Can the spice level be adjusted to suit individual preferences?
Absolutely! Chef John encourages customization, allowing home cooks to adjust the spice level according to their taste preferences. Whether you prefer a mild or spicier kick, the recipe is versatile enough to cater to a range of palates.
✅What vegetables are featured in Chef John’s Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Chef John’s recipe includes a delightful medley of vegetables, such as diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and corn. This combination adds texture and nutritional richness to the soup, contributing to its robust and satisfying character.
✅Is Chef John’s Chicken Tortilla Soup suitable for home cooks of all skill levels?
Absolutely! Chef John’s Chicken Tortilla Soup recipes are designed with simplicity in mind, ensuring that home cooks of all skill levels can effortlessly recreate the gourmet flavors in their own kitchens. The step-by-step instructions guarantee a successful and delicious outcome.
✅How can one make the most of Chef John’s Chicken Tortilla Soup leftovers?
Chef John recommends savoring the flavors even more as the soup sits. Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, allowing the ingredients to meld and deepen in flavor. This makes Chef John’s Chicken Tortilla Soup an excellent choice for meal prepping and enjoying multiple rounds of culinary delight.
