How to Make Real Mexican Chicken Tortilla Soup Just Like Abuela’s

The Soul of Mexican Cooking and Why Authenticity Matters

Mexican Chicken Tortilla Soup is more than just a recipe—it’s a journey into the heart of traditional Mexican home cooking. There’s a profound difference between Mexican-inspired dishes and truly authentic Mexican cuisine, a difference that goes far beyond ingredient lists. Authentic cooking is about technique, history, and soul—qualities that transform simple ingredients into culinary magic. If you’re looking for a creamy twist on this tradition, try the Best Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup. Tortilla soup isn’t just another version; it reflects the flavors and traditions passed down through generations in family kitchens, not crafted merely for restaurant menus. As someone who learned these methods from Mexican abuelas during years of culinary exploration, I’m passionate about sharing the real techniques that make this soup extraordinary.

What makes this soup authentically Mexican isn’t just the specific chilies or toppings – it’s the approach to building flavor. Traditional Mexican cooking relies on layering techniques: toasting, roasting, blending, and simmering in specific sequences that create complexity you can’t achieve with shortcuts. This method respects the ingredients and the cultural heritage they represent. While modern variations have their place, understanding and preserving traditional techniques ensures these culinary treasures aren’t lost to convenience. This recipe honors that tradition while making it accessible to home cooks willing to invest a little more time for exponentially better results.

The Cultural Significance of Sopa de Tortilla in Mexican Cuisine

Understanding the context of this dish enhances the cooking experience:

• Regional Variations: Different Mexican states have their own versions using local ingredients
• Historical Roots: Dates back to pre-Hispanic times with indigenous ingredients and techniques
• Family Traditions: Each family has their own variation passed through generations
• Celebratory Role: Often served during festivals and family gatherings
• Economic Accessibility: Originally created to use leftover tortillas and simple ingredients

This soup represents Mexican resourcefulness and creativity – turning humble ingredients into something extraordinary through technique and care.If you prefer a lighter spin, try our Low-Fat Chicken Tortilla Soup.

Authentic Ingredient Deep Dive: Beyond Substitutions

• Chilies: Pasilla chilies provide authentic flavor – they’re longer and darker than ancho chilies with a more complex, rich flavor profile. Never substitute with chili powder.
• Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are traditional – their lower water content and balanced acidity work perfectly when roasted.
• Tortillas: Corn tortillas are essential – they thicken the soup and provide authentic flavor. Day-old tortillas work best.
• Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on thighs provide richer flavor than breasts. The bones contribute to a more complex broth.
• Spices: Mexican oregano (different from Mediterranean oregano) and cumin seeds, toasted whole, provide authentic flavor layers.
• Toppings: Queso fresco, Mexican crema, and avocado are non-negotiable for authenticity.

Traditional Techniques That Make All the Difference

• Chile Toasting: Dry-toasting chilies in a comal or skillet until fragrant transforms their flavor from flat to complex
• Tomato Roasting: Charring tomatoes under the broiler or directly over flame adds smoky depth
• Spice Grinding: Toasting whole spices, then grinding them fresh, releases essential oils
• Broth Building: Simmering chicken with aromatics creates a foundation flavor
• Tortilla Integration: Adding torn tortillas during cooking thickens naturally and adds corn flavor

Comprehensive Step-by-Step Traditional Method

Phase 1: Foundation Preparation (25 minutes)

1. Chile Preparation: Stem and seed 3 pasilla chilies. Toast in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until fragrant but not burned. Soak in hot water for 20 minutes to rehydrate.
2. Tomato Roasting: Place 3 Roma tomatoes on a baking sheet. Broil 4-6 inches from the heat until blackened in spots, about 8-10 minutes, turning halfway.
3. Spice Toasting: Toast 1 teaspoon cumin seeds and 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano in a dry skillet until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Grind in a molcajete or spice grinder.
4. Chicken Preparation: Season 1.5 pounds bone-in chicken thighs with salt. Brown in pot with 1 tablespoon oil, skin side down first, until golden.

Phase 2: Flavor Building (15 minutes)
5. Aromatics: Add 1 diced white onion to the pot. Cook until translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, cook 1 minute.

6. Chile-Tomato Blend: Drain soaked chilies. Blend with roasted tomatoes, 1 cup broth, and the ground spices until smooth. Strain for silky texture.
7. Broth Integration: Add the puree to the pot with the chicken. Add 7 more cups of chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.

Phase 3: Slow Simmering (45 minutes)
8. Gentle Cooking: Simmer partially covered for 40 minutes. The slow cooking allows flavors to meld and chicken to become fork-tender.

9. Chicken Processing: Remove chicken, shred meat, discard bones and skin. Return meat to pot.
10. Tortilla Integration: Tear 2 corn tortillas into pieces. Add to soup. Simmer 10 more minutes until tortillas break down and thicken soup slightly.

Phase 4: Final Seasoning (5 minutes)
11. Acid Balance: Stir in juice of 1 lime. Taste and adjust salt.

12. Traditional Serving: Ladle into warm bowls. Top with queso fresco, Mexican crema, avocado, and fried tortilla strips.

The Science Behind Traditional Flavor Development

Understanding why these techniques work so well:

• Maillard Reaction: Browning chicken skin creates hundreds of flavor compounds
• Caramelization: Roasting tomatoes converts natural sugars to deeper flavors
• Capsaicin Release: Toasting chilies changes their chemical structure, mellowing heat while enhancing flavor
• Gelatin Extraction: Slow cooking bones releases collagen that creates body and mouthfeel
• Starch Breakdown: Tortillas thicken the soup naturally as their starches hydrate and release

Regional Variations Within Mexico

• Central Mexico: Often includes epazote herb and is served with avocado
• Yucatán Peninsula: Might include habanero for heat and bitter orange flavor
• Northern States: Often heartier with more meat and less broth
• Coastal Regions: Sometimes includes seafood along with chicken

Traditional Equipment That Enhances Authenticity

• Comal: Traditional griddle for toasting chilies and tortillas
• Cazuela: Clay pot for authentic simmering and serving
• Molcajete: Volcanic stone mortar and pestle for grinding spices
• Metate: Stone slab for grinding complex pastes
• Olla de Barro: Clay cooking pot that adds mineral notes

The Art of Traditional Toppings and Presentation

Authentic presentation matters as much as flavor:

• Tortilla Strips: Fried until crisp but not hard
• Crema Application: Drizzled in a circular pattern
• Queso Fresco: Crumbled evenly over the top
• Avocado: Sliced just before serving to prevent browning
• Herb Garnish: Cilantro sprigs placed artfully
• Lime Wedges: Served on the side for individual adjustment

Storage and Reheating for Optimal Flavor Preservation

• Refrigeration: Stores 4-5 days. Flavors improve over the first 2 days.
• Freezing: Freezes well for 3 months. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: Gently on the stove-top. Do not microwave, as it can make tortilla pieces gummy.
• Revitalizing: Add fresh lime juice and toppings after reheating to refresh flavors.

Wine and Beverage Pairings for Authentic Experience

• Beer: Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Victoria
• Wine: Crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or Spanish Albariño
• Non-Alcoholic: Horchata, Jamaica (hibiscus tea), or lime agua fresca
• Traditional: Pulque or light mezcal for adventurous palates

Common Mistakes in Attempting Authentic Mexican Cooking

• Using Chili Powder: Always use whole dried chilies for authentic flavor
• Skipping the Straining: Straining the chili-tomato puree is essential for a smooth texture
• Overcooking Chicken: Bone-in thighs need gentle simmering, not boiling
• Wrong Tortillas: Must use corn tortillas, not flour
• Improper Chile Handling: Never skip the toasting and soaking steps

Cultural Respect and Appreciation in Mexican Cooking

When cooking traditional dishes from other cultures, it’s important to:

• Acknowledge the origins and history of the dish
• Use authentic ingredients whenever possible
• Understand the significance of traditional techniques
• Avoid calling dishes “authentic” if significantly modified
• Support Mexican producers by purchasing authentic ingredients

FAQs About Authentic Mexican Cooking Techniques

Why use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
The bones contribute gelatin to the broth, creating a richer mouthfeel and deeper flavor. The skin adds flavor during browning.

Can I use different types of chilies?
While pasilla is traditional, you can use ancho (darker, sweeter) or guajillo (brighter, hotter) chilies. Each creates a different flavor profile.

Why strain the chili-tomato mixture?
Traditional Mexican cooking values smooth textures for certain dishes. Straining removes skins and seeds for a refined result.

What if I can’t find Mexican crema?
Combine sour cream with a little milk or buttermilk to thin it. The flavor is similar, though not identical.

Final Thoughts: Preserving Culinary Heritage Through Cooking

This recipe represents more than just a meal – it’s a connection to generations of Mexican home cooks who perfected these techniques through practice and tradition. Want to recreate a restaurant-style version? Don’t miss the Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup.

By taking the time to learn and execute these methods properly, we honor that heritage while creating something truly special in our own kitchens. The extra effort yields not just better flavor, but a deeper understanding and appreciation for the culture that created this beautiful dish.

Cooking authentically is an act of respect and curiosity. It’s about seeking to understand rather than appropriate, to learn rather than simplify. This approach to cooking transforms it from mere sustenance to cultural exchange and personal growth.

Share Your Authentic Cooking Journey

Pin this recipe to your authentic Mexican food board and share your experience with traditional techniques! #AuthenticMexicanCooking

How to Make Real Mexican Chicken Tortilla Soup Just Like Abuela’s

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This authentic Mexican chicken tortilla soup uses traditional techniques passed down through generations. Learn the secrets of toasting chilies, roasting tomatoes, and building complex flavors that transport you straight to a Mexican kitchen.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 55 mins
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 mins
• Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

– 3 dried pasilla chilies
– 3 Roma tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
– 1.5 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 tablespoon avocado oil
– 1 large white onion, diced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 cups chicken broth
– 2 corn tortillas, torn into pieces
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt to taste
– For traditional toppings: queso fresco, Mexican crema, avocado slices, fried tortilla strips, cilantro sprigs, lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Stem and seed pasilla chilies. Toast in dry skillet 30 seconds per side until fragrant.
2. Soak chilies in hot water 20 minutes. Meanwhile, broil tomatoes until blackened.
3. Toast cumin seeds and oregano until fragrant. Grind in molcajete or spice grinder.
4. Heat oil in pot. Brown chicken thighs skin-side down until golden. Remove temporarily.
5. Add onion to pot, cook until translucent. Add garlic, cook 1 minute.
6. Drain chilies. Blend with roasted tomatoes, 1 cup broth, and ground spices until smooth.
7. Strain puree into pot. Add remaining broth and return chicken.
8. Simmer partially covered 40 minutes until chicken is tender.
9. Remove chicken, shred meat, discard bones/skin. Return meat to pot.
10. Add torn tortillas. Simmer 10 more minutes.
11. Stir in lime juice. Season with salt.
12. Serve with traditional toppings.

Notes

Authentic Mexican soup that requires traditional techniques for best results. Don’t skip the chili toasting or tomato roasting steps – they’re essential for authentic flavor.