Ree Drummond, known as the Pioneer Woman, has a gift for transforming classic comfort food recipes into easy, weeknight-friendly meals without compromising on flavor. Think of her Pioneer Woman Chili, a testament to her knack for delicious simplicity. So, when her 5-star recipe for chicken tortilla soup caught my eye, I knew I had to try it, especially after the success of testing Ree Drummond’s Chicken Soup recipe.
Unpacking Chicken Tortilla Soup: A Culinary Journey
Bowl of Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Soup with toppings
While the exact origins of chicken tortilla soup are debated, its roots trace back to Mexico City, where versions of this beloved soup have been enjoyed for generations. Authentic Mexican tortilla soup, or sopa de tortilla, features fried corn tortilla strips swimming in a rich, tomato-based broth brimming with spices, roasted chiles, onions, and garlic. Traditionally, chicharron (fried pork belly or pork rinds) is often included instead of chicken.
In the United States, chicken tortilla soup frequently takes on a Tex-Mex or Southwestern twist. This often means incorporating ingredients like black beans and corn and simplifying the spice profile to suit American palates. Whether authentic or adapted, chicken tortilla soup, much like turkey tortilla soup, is a universally appealing dish. Let’s see if Ree Drummond’s recipe lives up to the hype – and with her track record, the odds are definitely in its favor.
Crafting Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Soup: Step-by-Step
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Soup
This recipe makes approximately 8 generous servings of comforting soup, perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping.
Essential Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 ¼ teaspoons chili powder, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups hot water
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- ¼ cup cornmeal
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 6 corn tortillas
Optional Toppings for Serving:
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese or cheddar cheese
- Avocado, diced
- Sour cream or Mexican crema
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Tortilla strips or tortilla chips
Easy-to-Follow Directions
Step 1: Seasoning the Chicken
Seasoning chicken breasts for tortilla soup
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, combine the cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Drizzle the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and generously season both sides with about 1 teaspoon of the prepared spice mixture. Reserve the remaining spice blend for later use.
Step 2: Baking and Chopping the Chicken
Baked chicken breasts for Pioneer Woman Tortilla Soup
Bake the seasoned chicken breasts until fully cooked, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached. Cooking time can vary from 15 to 30 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Using an instant-read thermometer is the most reliable way to check for doneness. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before dicing it into bite-sized cubes. For detailed guidance, refer to this helpful guide on how to bake chicken breasts.
Step 3: Sautéing the Vegetables
Sautéing vegetables for chicken tortilla soup
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers and sauté for about 5 minutes, until they begin to soften and turn golden. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Season the vegetables with the reserved spice mixture, adding up to an additional 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder if you prefer a spicier soup.
Step 4: Combining Soup Ingredients
Combining chicken, vegetables and broth for tortilla soup
Add the diced, cooked chicken and the undrained diced tomatoes to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Pour in the chicken broth, hot water, and tomato paste. For ideas on using leftover tomato paste, check out these tomato paste recipes. Bring the soup mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently.
Step 5: Adding Beans, Cornmeal, and Simmering
Adding cornmeal and black beans to tortilla soup
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornmeal with 1/2 cup of water until smooth. Pour this cornmeal mixture into the simmering soup, along with the rinsed and drained black beans. Continue to simmer the soup for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld. Season with additional salt to taste – salt is crucial for enhancing the overall flavor profile of the soup. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also love our chicken taco soup.
Step 6: Preparing the Tortilla Strips
Cutting corn tortillas for tortilla soup
While the soup simmers, prepare the tortilla strips. Stack the corn tortillas and slice them into 2- to 3-inch strips using a sharp knife. Just before serving, stir some of the tortilla strips into the soup. Reserve the remaining strips for garnishing individual bowls. For a truly homemade touch, consider making your own corn tortillas using this guide on how to make corn tortillas.
Step 7: Serving and Garnishing
Ladle the flavorful chicken tortilla soup into bowls and encourage everyone to customize their serving with their favorite toppings. If you’re a fan of Ree’s recipes, be sure to try her equally delicious Pioneer Woman’s taco soup recipe.
My Verdict on Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Pioneer Woman chicken tortilla soup recipe truly lives up to expectations. What impressed me most was how effortlessly it came together, especially considering the depth of flavor achieved. The ingredient list is comprehensive, yet most items are pantry staples, making this recipe a convenient option for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
My personal recommendation to elevate this soup even further? A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving. It adds a bright, zesty dimension that takes the soup to another level of deliciousness!
Essential Tips for Perfect Chicken Tortilla Soup
Achieving a Thicker Tortilla Soup
For those who prefer a thicker, more stew-like consistency in their Pioneer Woman chicken tortilla soup, there are simple solutions. Adding more cornmeal is the easiest method. While the recipe calls for 1/4 cup, increasing this amount will noticeably thicken the soup. Alternatively, you could experiment with masa harina for an authentic touch.
Another effective technique is to allow the soup to simmer for a longer duration on the stovetop. This extended simmering time reduces the liquid, naturally thickening the soup and intensifying the flavors.
Serving Suggestions for Tortilla Soup
Embrace the Pioneer Woman’s philosophy: “the more toppings on tortilla soup, the merrier!” Set out a variety of toppings and let everyone customize their bowls. The beauty of tortilla soup is its versatility – anything you might enjoy on tacos or chili will likely be a fantastic addition to this soup. Popular choices include shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, cilantro, and of course, crispy tortilla strips or chips.
Storing Leftover Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken tortilla soup can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. For optimal leftovers, it’s best to omit the tortilla strips when storing, as they can become soggy. Add fresh tortilla strips to the reheated soup just before serving to maintain their crispness.
Freezing Chicken Tortilla Soup for Later
Yes, chicken tortilla soup is an excellent candidate for freezing, joining the ranks of other freezer-friendly soups. However, as with storing leftovers, it’s recommended to freeze the soup without the tortilla strips. Store the cooled soup in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving with freshly prepared tortilla strips.
Craving more Pioneer Woman recipes? Explore these other soup recipes inspired by Ree Drummond for more comforting and flavorful meal ideas.
