If you’re a fan of comfort food with a bold kick, the Mas Tacos Chicken Tortilla Soup is about to become your new go-to recipe. This vibrant, soul-satisfying dish combines tender chicken, crispy tortilla strips, and a zesty broth infused with layers of flavors. Whether you’ve had the pleasure of tasting it at the famous Mas Tacos in Nashville or you’re just looking for an exceptional chicken tortilla soup recipe to whip up at home, this one is packed with authenticity and a touch of Southern charm.
Mas Tacos’ Chicken Tortilla Soup isn’t your average version of the dish. It’s a complex mix of flavors and textures, from the smokiness of roasted tomatoes to the crispiness of fried tortilla strips. This soup provides the perfect balance of heat, depth, and richness. If you’re someone who believes that comfort food should pack a punch, you’re going to love this one. Let’s dive into the recipe and break it all down-from the ingredients to some extra tips and tricks for making this dish absolutely irresistible.
Mas Tacos Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Let’s get to the heart of it: the recipe itself. If you’re ready for a deeply flavorful, soul-warming bowl of tortilla soup, this one’s it.
Ingredients Needed
Before you start, here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients you’ll need to assemble this delicious chicken tortilla soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 can (4 oz) green chilies
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn tortillas (for homemade strips)
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, avocado, cilantro, shredded cheese, or jalapeños
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s take it step-by-step on how to bring this flavorful soup to life. Trust me, this recipe is a combination of easy steps and complex flavors.
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Prepare The Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re browned and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the pot and set them aside to cool. When cool enough to handle, shred the chicken using two forks.
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Sauté The Aromatics
In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
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Build The Base
Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Let those spices bloom for a minute-this is what will give your broth that deep, smoky flavor. Then, add the fire-roasted tomatoes, green chilies, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, letting it cook for about 10 minutes to meld all the flavors together.
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Add The Chicken & Corn
Add the shredded chicken back into the pot along with the corn kernels. Stir to combine and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lime juice to taste.
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Fry The Tortilla Strips
While the soup simmers, cut the corn tortillas into thin strips. Heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tortilla strips in batches for about 2 minutes until golden and crispy. Once done, place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
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Serve And Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls, top it with crispy tortilla strips, and add any of the optional garnishes like sour cream, avocado, shredded cheese, cilantro, or a few slices of jalapeño for an extra kick.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s break down a few key ingredients and why they’re essential to making this recipe such a hit.
- Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: These tomatoes give the soup a smoky depth that’s hard to replicate. They’re a step up from regular canned tomatoes because they’ve been charred over an open flame, infusing that lovely, slightly sweet smokiness into the soup base.
- Green Chilies: Not only do they contribute some heat, but green chilies also add a bright, zesty flavor that balances the richness of the chicken and broth. You can find them canned in most grocery stores, usually labeled as “diced green chilies”.
- Smoked Paprika: This spice brings the heat and the smoky undertone that make the soup stand out. While regular paprika is mild and sweet, smoked paprika is where the flavor magic happens-adding layers of flavor and depth.
- Corn Tortillas: Homemade tortilla strips provide the perfect crispy topping. It’s the texture contrast between the crunchy strips and the soft soup that really makes this dish irresistible.
Expert Tips
To really elevate this soup, consider these expert tips:
- Roast your own tomatoes: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can roast fresh tomatoes yourself. Toss halved tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them at 400°F for 20 minutes. This will give you a fresh, rich base without compromising the smoky flavor.
- Make it ahead of time: Tortilla soup actually gets better after a day or two, as all the flavors have more time to develop. Make a big batch, store it in the fridge, and enjoy the next day for an even richer flavor.
- Add beans: For more heartiness, consider adding black beans or pinto beans. They’ll add a creamy texture to the soup and some extra fiber and protein.
- Customize the heat: If you want a milder soup, use less chili powder or skip the jalapeños as toppings. For a spicier kick, feel free to add extra green chilies or even a dash of hot sauce.
Recipe Variations
While Mas Tacos’ Chicken Tortilla Soup is incredible as-is, you can switch things up based on your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for beans (black beans or kidney beans work great) and add extra veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or even sweet potatoes for a hearty, plant-based version.
- Spicy Seafood Version: Love seafood? Try adding shrimp or white fish like cod for a lighter, yet flavorful alternative.
- Cheese Lovers: Incorporate cheese directly into the soup by stirring in some shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack) just before serving, creating a rich, creamy texture.
- Low-carb: Skip the tortilla strips and try topping your soup with a few crispy bacon bits or roasted pumpkin seeds for a unique twist.
Final Words
Mas Tacos’ Chicken Tortilla Soup isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Every spoonful is loaded with flavor, from the spicy heat to the richness of the broth and the satisfying crunch of fried tortilla strips. It’s the kind of soup that invites you to slow down and savor each bite.
Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy weeknight dinner or looking for a show-stopping dish to serve at your next gathering, this soup delivers on all fronts. It’s easy to make but feels gourmet, and it’s the perfect comfort food with a bit of a zesty kick. Get ready for compliments because this recipe will definitely impress!
FAQs
What Is Mas Tacos Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Mas Tacos Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful and hearty soup made with a rich chicken broth base, seasoned with various spices, and served with crispy tortilla strips, tender chicken, and fresh toppings. It’s a popular dish from Mas Tacos, a well-known Mexican restaurant that offers an authentic, comfort-filled version of the soup.
What Ingredients Are Needed For Mas Tacos Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Key ingredients include chicken breast or thighs, chicken broth, tomatoes, onions, garlic, bell peppers, cilantro, lime, chili powder, cumin, and a variety of fresh toppings such as avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, and fried tortilla strips.
Can I Use Store-bought Chicken Broth For The Soup?
Yes, you can use store-bought chicken broth for convenience. However, for a richer flavor, homemade chicken broth is recommended, as it adds depth and complexity to the soup.
How Do I Make The Crispy Tortilla Strips For This Recipe?
To make crispy tortilla strips, cut corn tortillas into thin strips and fry them in hot oil until golden and crisp. You can also bake them by spraying the strips with cooking oil and baking them at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, tossing halfway through.
Can I Make This Recipe With Chicken Thighs Instead Of Chicken Breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. They provide a slightly richer and more flavorful taste due to their higher fat content. Just ensure the thighs are cooked through before shredding them for the soup.
What Can I Substitute For Cilantro In This Recipe?
If you are not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley for a milder flavor. Alternatively, you could also try using basil or green onions, depending on your flavor preferences.
How Can I Make The Soup Spicier?
To increase the heat in your Mas Tacos Chicken Tortilla Soup, you can add more chili powder or include diced jalapeños or other hot peppers in the soup. You can also drizzle in some hot sauce for extra spice.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld and improve. Just store the tortilla strips separately and add them when serving to keep them crispy.
What Can I Serve With Mas Tacos Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Mas Tacos Chicken Tortilla Soup is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with sides like Mexican rice, a side salad, or warm cornbread. For added richness, you can offer lime wedges, additional sour cream, and extra tortilla chips on the side.
Is Mas Tacos Chicken Tortilla Soup Gluten-free?
The soup itself is gluten-free if you use corn tortillas for the strips. However, be sure to check if any store-bought ingredients, like chicken broth or seasoning mixes, contain gluten. You can always make the soup completely gluten-free by using homemade tortilla strips and gluten-free broth.