Chicken Tortilla Soup (as a base)
AI-generated illustration
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a vibrant, brothy Mexican or Tex-Mex soup featuring shredded chicken, tomatoes, and chiles, traditionally topped with crispy fried corn tortilla strips. The base typically includes aromatics like onion and garlic, broth, and a blend of spices such as cumin and chili powder, creating a rich, savory foundation.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
As a base, this soup is generally high in protein from the chicken and provides a good source of fiber and vitamins from the tomatoes and vegetables, with a moderate calorie count around 200-300 per serving before adding toppings. It is relatively low in fat and carbohydrates, especially when the tortilla strips are served on the side.
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, the dish showcases the Mexican principle of using every part of an ingredient, as the tortilla strips were originally a way to use up stale tortillas. Nutritionally, the broth base is hydrating and the tomatoes offer lycopene, an antioxidant enhanced by cooking.