Modern Tortilla Soup with Chipotle, Chicken and Avocado
Why this recipe works
- Smoky depth: Cooking the cumin and chipotle briefly before adding the liquid helps build a fuller, smokier broth.
- Crunch against broth: Toasted tortilla strips stay crisp when added just before serving, giving contrast to the soft beans, chicken and avocado.
- Fresh finish: Lime and coriander cut through the rich tomato broth and brighten the chipotle heat.
Get the most out of this recipe
Adjust the heat
- For a milder bowl: Start with less chipotle sauce and let diners add more at the table.
- For more heat: Stir in extra chipotle sauce after the soup has simmered, then taste before adding more.
- Keep the heat balanced: Use plenty of lime and avocado when serving; their acidity and richness soften the smoky chilli.
Texture tips
- Keep the tortillas crisp: Store the toasted strips separately and add them only just before eating.
- Use gentle heat for the chicken: Keep the broth at a gentle simmer rather than a hard boil so the chicken thighs stay tender.
Make-ahead tips
- Make the soup base ahead: The broth, chicken and beans can be cooked in advance and refrigerated, then reheated gently before serving.
- Freeze without toppings: Freeze the soup without avocado, coriander, lime or tortilla strips, then add fresh toppings after reheating.
- Reheat gently: Warm the soup on the hob until piping hot, adding the crisp tortillas only at the table.
Ingredient notes
- Choose firm-ripe avocado: A ripe but firm avocado holds its shape in the hot soup and adds a creamy contrast.
- Chicken breast cooks faster: If using chicken breast instead of thighs, simmer only until just cooked through to avoid a dry texture.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Soup
To serve
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over a medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the ground cumin and chipotle sauce and cook for 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes and chicken stock, then bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes to meld the flavours.
- Add the chicken thighs and keep the soup at a gentle simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Lift the chicken out to a board, then shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the pot.
- Stir in the black beans and simmer for 5 minutes until hot. Taste and add a little more chipotle sauce if you want extra heat. Keep the soup on a low heat while you prepare the toppings.
- Cut the corn tortillas into thin strips. In a frying pan over a medium-high heat, toast the strips in a dry pan for 3 to 5 minutes, tossing often, until crisp and lightly browned. Cut the avocado into cubes, cut the limes into wedges, and roughly chop the coriander.
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with avocado and coriander, and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over. Add the tortilla strips just before eating so they stay crunchy.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For the best texture, keep the tortilla strips separate and add them at the table so they do not soften in the broth.
- If serving children or anyone sensitive to spice, start with less chipotle sauce and let people add more to their own bowl.
Substitutions
- Replace chicken thighs with chicken breast for a leaner soup; add it a few minutes later and simmer only until just cooked through.
- Replace chipotle sauce with smoked chipotle powder for a drier, smokier heat; stir it in with the cumin.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool the soup quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat gently on the hob until piping hot; add fresh tortilla strips, avocado, lime and coriander when serving. Freeze the soup without the toppings for up to 3 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 bowls
- Total time: 50min (25min active)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: Mexican
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