RestaurantStyle Chicken Tortilla Soup Iowa Girl Eats

Hi. My name is Kristin and I can’t stop making restaurant-inspired soups. There, I said it!

Sorry, but similar to finding the perfect pair of jeans (fellow shorties, you will love LOFT’s Petite Modern Flare cut,) the perfect cocktail (not too sweet, but not as boring as vodka soda with lime – I’m still on the hunt) and the perfect shade of bronzer (Physician’s Formula Powder Palette is my go-to) – the perfect Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe can be hard to find.

I just can’t get down with the thin and super-brothy styles that are a little too heavy on the lime flavor, know what I mean? Rather, I need a thick, stick to yar ribs type of Chicken Tortilla Soup that’s spiced with the bold flavors of the southwest, and piled high with a plethora of crisp, yummy toppings.

You know who does it right? Chili’s. Yeah, me and Chili’s go way back to high school when I used to frequent the southwestern-inspired chain on an alarmingly frequent basis for big, piping-hot bowls of their Chicken Tortilla Soup with my friends. Each spoonful was just spicy enough, and packed with tiny tri-color tortilla chip strips that I just couldn’t get enough of.

Always looking to cure my soup cravings at home, I whipped up a big batch of thick, bold, and satisfying Restaurant-Style Chicken Tortilla Soup to enjoy this week – the first of the season with highs tapping out in the 60s!

Topped with crushed tortilla chips, fresh pico de gallo, and chopped avocado, a bowl of this Restaurant-Style Chicken Tortilla Soup is a meal in itself and, like any good soup (Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli – I’m looking at you,) just gets better and better as it sits in the fridge.

Start the soup by adding 2 large chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces and 1 small chopped onion to 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil in a big soup pot over medium heat.

Next sprinkle in 2 Tablespoons taco seasoning (or 1 batch homemade taco seasoning,) 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 Tablespoon paprika. Not only will these spices give the soup incredible flavor, but they’ll also give it that signature, deep-orange color. Mmm!

Cook until the chicken is cooked through and the onions are soft, about 10 minutes.

Next add in even more southwest spices: 1/2 teaspoon each chili powder and cumin, and just a dash (or two!) of cayenne pepper. I added about 1/4 teaspoon and the soup ended up being about a 6/10 on the spice scale for me.

Saute the spices with the chicken and onion for 1 minute, then add in the rest of the goodies: 3 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, pepper (to taste), 1 can rinsed & drained pinto beans, juice of 1/2 lime, and 3-1/2 cups chicken broth.

Simmer the soup for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

While the soup is bubbling away, make some fresh pico de gallo to dallop on top of the finished soup (could totally use store-bought salsa – I just cough crushed the remaining half jar of my beloved Tostitos Restaurant Style Salsa last night and thus had none on hand,) and chop up 1 avocado. Also stir together 2 Tablespoons gluten-free masa (could use gluten-free or all-purpose flour) with 1/2 cup chicken broth in a small bowl. As always, check the labels on store-bought products like masa and chicken broth to ensure they are gluten-free!

The masa will thicken the soup and give it a wonderfully luxurious texture. Don’t panic if you don’t have any on hand – the soup will still be slightly thick and delicious nonetheless! Now, when the soup has simmered for 20 minutes, stir in the masa/chicken broth mixture and let it simmer for 10 more minutes.

Aaaand, we are done here!

Ladle the soup into bowls, then top with lots of crushed tortilla chips, chopped avocado, and pico de gallo.

The flavors in here could not be more delicious. You can taste just a hint of cilantro and lime – just the way I like it – while the chili powder, paprika, cumin, and oregano give this soup an awesome kick.

Many Chicken Tortilla Soup recipes will tell you to add shredded cheddar or jack cheese on top, which I’m not arguing with – what dish couldn’t benefit from the addition of a little cheese?! – but it’s really not necessary. Perfectly yummy on its own!

What are your favorite soups to whip up as the temperatures start to cool down?

I can’t wait to make lots, and LOTS of CHILI! Saw some jalapeno cornbread at Whole Foods the other day that looked perfect to pair with!

Original article and pictures take http://iowagirleats.com/2012/09/17/restaurant-style-chicken-tortilla-soup/ site



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