Ina Garten’s Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. With tender chicken, a rich tomato-based broth, and a medley of Mexican-inspired spices, this soup is finished with crunchy tortilla strips and your favorite toppings. It’s a hearty and satisfying recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for any day of the week.

What is Ina Garten Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a savory, slightly spicy soup that combines shredded chicken, tomato-based broth, and traditional Mexican seasonings. It’s topped with crispy tortilla strips and garnished with ingredients like avocado, sour cream, and cheese, making it a flavorful and textured dish.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Chicken Tortilla Soup

Packed with flavor: A blend of spices, vegetables, and chicken creates a rich and satisfying taste.
Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable.
Customizable toppings: Tailor the soup with your favorite garnishes for a personalized touch.
Perfect for meal prep: Store leftovers for a quick and delicious meal later.
Crowd-pleaser: Great for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Chicken Tortilla Soup

For the Soup:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional, for heat)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
4 cups chicken stock
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
1 cup frozen or canned corn
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Tortilla Strips:

4 corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Toppings (Optional):

Diced avocado
Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco)
Sour cream
Chopped fresh cilantro
Lime wedges

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Chicken Tortilla Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Tortilla Strips

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Coat the strips: Toss the tortilla strips with olive oil and salt, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Bake until crispy: Spread the strips in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes or until golden and crisp. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Soup Base

Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and spices: Stir in the garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Soup

Add liquids and tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and chicken stock, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
Add chicken and beans: Add the shredded chicken, corn, and black beans, stirring well. Let the soup simmer gently for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Finish with lime juice: Stir in the fresh lime juice and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Ladle into bowls: Divide the soup among serving bowls.
Add toppings: Top with crispy tortilla strips and your choice of garnishes like avocado, cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.
Serve with lime wedges: Add lime wedges on the side for extra zest.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Chicken Tortilla Soup

Serve with cornbread: Cornbread is a perfect side for soaking up the flavorful broth.
Pair with a salad: A crisp green salad complements the rich soup.
Include rice: Add cooked rice to the soup for a heartier meal.
Enjoy with guacamole: Guacamole and chips make a great appetizer or side dish.
Serve with margaritas: A classic margarita pairs wonderfully with the flavors of the soup.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Chicken Tortilla Soup

Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for the recipe.
Adjust the spice level: Add or reduce the jalapeño, cayenne, or chili powder to suit your heat preference.
Make it vegetarian: Swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock and omit the chicken, adding more beans or vegetables instead.
Don’t skip the lime juice: Lime juice brightens the flavors and balances the spice.
Prepare toppings in advance: Chop garnishes while the soup simmers to save time.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Chicken Tortilla Soup

Add diced tomatoes: For extra texture, stir in a can of diced tomatoes along with the crushed tomatoes.
Try different beans: Use pinto or kidney beans instead of black beans.
Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamy version.
Use other proteins: Substitute chicken with shredded turkey or pork for a twist.
Spice it up: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Chicken Tortilla Soup

Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze for later: Freeze the soup (without the tortilla strips) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Chicken Tortilla Soup

Reheat on the stove: Warm the soup in a pot over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Microwave for convenience: Heat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Crisp the tortilla strips: If they lose their crunch, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I make chicken tortilla soup in advance?

Yes, chicken tortilla soup can be made in advance. Prepare the soup and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the tortilla strips and toppings just before serving to keep them fresh and crispy.

What can I use instead of chicken in tortilla soup?

You can substitute chicken with shredded turkey, pork, or beef. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with extra beans, tofu, or hearty vegetables like zucchini or sweet potatoes.

How do I thicken chicken tortilla soup?

To thicken the soup, blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or add a small amount of cornmeal or masa harina while it simmers. This gives the soup a richer texture.

Can I freeze chicken tortilla soup?

Yes, chicken tortilla soup freezes well. Freeze the soup (without tortilla strips or toppings) in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving with fresh toppings.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful, hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with tender chicken, bold spices, and crunchy tortilla strips, it’s a satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

Customize the toppings and serve this comforting soup for a truly memorable dining experience.

Try it today and bring the warmth of Ina’s kitchen to your table!

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