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Comforting Ina Garten Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe

Comforting Ina Garten Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Mexican chicken soup delights palates with rich, warming flavors from fresh ingredients. Spicy broth and tender chicken create a comforting meal you’ll savor to the last spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken breasts, bone-in, skin on
  • 2 cups chopped onions
  • 2 cups chopped carrots
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 4 large garlic cloves, chopped
  • 2 to 4 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced
  • 2.5 quarts (2.4 L) chicken stock
  • 1 (28 oz/794 g) can whole tomatoes in puree, crushed
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander seed
  • ¼ to ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
  • 6 (6-inch) fresh white corn tortillas
  • Sliced avocado
  • Sour cream
  • Grated Cheddar cheese
  • Tortilla chips
  • Olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Roast Chicken: Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat chicken breasts with olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Roast for 35-40 minutes until fully cooked, then cool and shred meat.
  2. Vegetable Foundation: In a large pot, sauté carrots, celery, and onions in olive oil over medium-low heat for 10 minutes until softened and golden. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release aromatics.
  3. Liquid and Seasoning Infusion: Pour in chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, jalapeños, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, and cilantro. Slice tortillas into thin strips and fold into the brewing liquid.
  4. Simmer and Develop: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify. Reintegrate shredded chicken and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Serve and Embellish: Ladle soup into bowls, topping with sliced avocado, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and crumbled tortilla chips for a vibrant, textural finish.

Notes

  • Chicken Preparation Tip: Ensure chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee food safety and tender meat.
  • Flavor Boosting Technique: Sauté vegetables slowly to develop a rich, caramelized base that enhances the soup’s overall depth and complexity.
  • Tortilla Strip Secret: Cut tortilla strips uniformly for consistent texture and even distribution throughout the soup.
  • Garnish Like a Pro: Add fresh garnishes just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant flavors, preventing soggy toppings.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer.
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg