Mouthwatering Chicken Tortilla Soup with Refreshing Strawberry-Tangelo Agua Fresca
Imagine a comforting, aromatic Chicken Tortilla Soup that bursts with flavor, paired with a refreshing Strawberry-Tangelo Agua Fresca to cleanse the palate—truly, a delightful duo for any meal occasion. This recipe combination promises a dance of flavors and textures that will have your taste buds rejoicing.
Perfecting this dish starts with choosing the freshest ingredients. Opt for a large, sweet onion to add natural sweetness, and balance it with the savory punch of garlic. Tenderize chicken tenderloins with a simple salt and pepper seasoning—they will absorb the spices while maintaining their juiciness. Fresh cilantro and jalapeños offer a herbaceous kick with optional heat, as deseeding the peppers tones down their fiery bite—ideal for those wary of too much spice.
To truly enhance the flavors, follow a few essential steps before cooking: finely chop the vegetables for uniform texture, and make sure to marinate your chicken briefly to let the seasoning penetrate thoroughly. Preheating your stockpot is non-negotiable—this locks in the initial flavors when you brown the chicken.
Invest in a quality olive oil for sautéing; its pepperiness beautifully complements the aromatic cumin and oregano. When preparing the agua fresca, combining sparkling water with the tangy-sweet essence of tangelo and strawberries makes for an invigorating beverage that perfectly pairs with the complex notes of the soup.
The crispy tortilla chips, cooling dollops of sour cream, and gooey cheese finish your soup with a delightful crunch and creaminess. These components not only enrich the texture but also harmonize the flavors into a symphony of deliciousness. Trust me, this meal is more than the sum of its parts—it's a culinary experience worth sharing.
Ingredients
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
- 1 large sweet onion - Adds depth and sweetness to the soup’s base.
- 4 cloves garlic - Provides aromatic intensity.
- ¼ bunch fresh cilantro - Offers freshness and a hint of citrus.
- 2 medium jalapeño peppers - Infuses subtle heat; remove seeds for milder taste.
- 2 limes, for juice - Brightens the flavors with acidity.
- 1 cup tortilla chips - Adds a crunchy texture when served.
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins - Offers a lean, meaty texture.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt - Enhances flavors.
- ½ teaspoon pepper - Adds mild heat and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil - For sautéing; contributes a peppery undertone.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano - Imparts a woody, aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Lends an earthy, warm note.
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained - Contribute a robust, tomato base.
- 4 cups chicken broth (or stock) - Enriches the soup’s body and flavor.
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce - Adds umami depth.
- ½ cup white rice - Offers texture and bulk to the soup.
- 8 tablespoons sour cream - Adds creaminess upon serving.
- 8 tablespoons shredded Mexican-style cheese blend - Provides richness and a gooey topping.
- Strawberry-Tangelo Agua Fresca
- 4 (12 oz) cans orange (or citrus) sparkling water - Serves as a bubbly base.
- 1 tangelo (or mandarin orange) - Contributes sweet, tangy notes.
- 3 leaves fresh basil - Offers a herbal, fruity aroma.
- 8 fresh strawberries - Provides natural sweetness.
- 4 tablespoons light agave nectar (or honey), divided - Sweetens the drink naturally.
- Ice - Keeps the beverage refreshingly cold.
- 1 large sweet onion - Adds depth and sweetness to the soup’s base.
- 4 cloves garlic - Provides aromatic intensity.
- ¼ bunch fresh cilantro - Offers freshness and a hint of citrus.
- 2 medium jalapeño peppers - Infuses subtle heat; remove seeds for milder taste.
- 2 limes, for juice - Brightens the flavors with acidity.
- 1 cup tortilla chips - Adds a crunchy texture when served.
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins - Offers a lean, meaty texture.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt - Enhances flavors.
- ½ teaspoon pepper - Adds mild heat and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil - For sautéing; contributes a peppery undertone.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano - Imparts a woody, aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Lends an earthy, warm note.
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained - Contribute a robust, tomato base.
- 4 cups chicken broth (or stock) - Enriches the soup’s body and flavor.
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce - Adds umami depth.
- ½ cup white rice - Offers texture and bulk to the soup.
- 8 tablespoons sour cream - Adds creaminess upon serving.
- 8 tablespoons shredded Mexican-style cheese blend - Provides richness and a gooey topping.
- 4 (12 oz) cans orange (or citrus) sparkling water - Serves as a bubbly base.
- 1 tangelo (or mandarin orange) - Contributes sweet, tangy notes.
- 3 leaves fresh basil - Offers a herbal, fruity aroma.
- 8 fresh strawberries - Provides natural sweetness.
- 4 tablespoons light agave nectar (or honey), divided - Sweetens the drink naturally.
- Ice - Keeps the beverage refreshingly cold.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Prepare the Ingredients: Chop 1 large sweet onion, 4 cloves of garlic (2 teaspoons), ¼ cup of fresh cilantro, and 2 medium jalapeños (discard seeds and membranes for a milder taste). Juice 2 limes (2 tablespoons) and crush 1 cup of tortilla chips coarsely.
Preheat Stockpot: Heat a large stockpot over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes. Meanwhile, season 1 lb of chicken tenderloins with ½ teaspoon each of kosher salt and pepper.
Brown the Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the heated pot, then add the seasoned chicken. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onions, jalapeños, garlic, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
Simmer the Soup: Cut the browned chicken into bite-sized pieces and return to the pot. Stir in 2 cans of undrained diced tomatoes, 4 cups chicken broth, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, and the lime juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Cook & Finish Soup: Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in ½ cup of white rice, re-cover, and continue simmering for an additional 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Serve topped with sour cream, shredded Mexican-style cheese, cilantro, and crushed tortilla chips.
Strawberry-Tangelo Agua Fresca
Chill the Sparkling Water: Refrigerate 4 cans of orange sparkling water ahead of time for optimal refreshment.
Prepare the Fruits & Herbs: Peel and quarter 1 tangelo. Thinly slice 3 basil leaves (1 tablespoon), hull 8 strawberries, and then quarter them.
Muddle Ingredients: Divide the tangelos, basil, strawberries, and 4 tablespoons of agave nectar equally among 4 tall glasses. Use a muddler or spoon to smash the mixture in each glass until well combined.
Assemble the Drink: Fill the glasses with ice until they are three-fourths full. Pour in chilled sparkling water and stir gently to mix. Serve immediately for a refreshing burst of flavor.
Tips for Troubleshooting
- Soup Too Thick? Gradually add more chicken broth, stirring continuously until desired consistency is reached.
- Too Spicy? If the jalapeños add too much heat, balance it out by adding a dollop of sour cream or more cheese.
- Soup Too Bland? Adjust seasoning by adding a pinch more of salt, cumin, or Worcestershire sauce to boost the flavors.
- Tortilla Chips Soggy? Only add chips right before serving to maintain their crunch.
- Agua Fresca Too Sweet? Dilute with a splash more of the citrus sparkling water.
Ideas for Pairing with the Recipe
To elevate this delightful meal, consider pairing it with these complementary sides and drinks:
- Side Dishes:
- Fresh mixed salad with citrus vinaigrette - Balances the savory and spiced elements of the soup.
- Steamed greens or broccoli - Adds nourishing green color and contrast.
- Crusty wholegrain bread - Perfect for soaking up delicious soup.
- Beverages:
- A crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc - Enhances citrusy notes without overpowering the soup.
- Non-Alcoholic: Lime-infused sparkling water - Cleanse the palate between bites.
- Desserts or Garnishes:
- Light, citrus sorbet - Provides a fresh finish to the meal.
- Assorted pastries - Offers a sweet and buttery complement.
- Fresh mixed salad with citrus vinaigrette - Balances the savory and spiced elements of the soup.
- Steamed greens or broccoli - Adds nourishing green color and contrast.
- Crusty wholegrain bread - Perfect for soaking up delicious soup.
- A crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc - Enhances citrusy notes without overpowering the soup.
- Non-Alcoholic: Lime-infused sparkling water - Cleanse the palate between bites.
- Light, citrus sorbet - Provides a fresh finish to the meal.
- Assorted pastries - Offers a sweet and buttery complement.
How to Store Properly
- For Refrigeration:
- Chicken Tortilla Soup: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Sour cream and cheese should be kept separately to preserve freshness.
- Strawberry-Tangelo Agua Fresca: Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to 24 hours in the fridge without ice.
- For Freezing:
- Soup: Freeze in individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
- Agua Fresa: Not recommended for freezing as the fruit and sparkling water may not retain their texture or flavor.
- Chicken Tortilla Soup: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Sour cream and cheese should be kept separately to preserve freshness.
- Strawberry-Tangelo Agua Fresca: Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to 24 hours in the fridge without ice.
- Soup: Freeze in individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
- Agua Fresa: Not recommended for freezing as the fruit and sparkling water may not retain their texture or flavor.
FAQs
- Can I make the dish ahead of time?
- How can I make the soup vegetarian?
- What if I don't have limes?
- Is the Agua Fresca customizable?
Yes, the soup can be prepared a day in advance and reheated before serving. The flavors often meld together more beautifully overnight.
Swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace chicken with cubed tofu or additional beans for protein.
Substitute with lemon juice for a similar acidity; however, lime brings a distinct flavor that enhances the dish.
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fruits or herbs—cucumbers and mint make for a fantastic variation.
