Delicious Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe for Foodies

Are you tired of the same old boring soups? Look no further than the Neiman Marcus Cafe Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe. This soup is not your average soup, it is a showstopper. Whether it’s for lunch or dinner, this chicken tortilla soup will hit every note you need for a flavorful and fulfilling meal.

As a barista at Neiman Marcus Cafe, I have seen customers’ reactions to this chicken tortilla soup firsthand. It is one of the top-selling items on our menu and for good reason. The flavors are a perfect blend of savory and spicy with just enough creaminess to balance everything out.

This recipe has been adapted from the beloved Neiman Marcus Cookbook that has been around for over 50 years. Not only is it a fan favorite at the cafe, but it is also highly sought after by home cooks who want to save recipes from their favorite restaurants.

Trust me, this chicken tortilla soup will not disappoint, and you may even impress your guests with your culinary skills. So, let’s dive into how to make this delicious soup in the comfort of your own home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful and creamy soup that’s going to take your taste buds on a trip to the Mexican border, then this Neiman Marcus Cafe Chicken Tortilla Soup is the answer! There are many reasons why you will fall in love with this recipe, and here are just a few.

Firstly, this soup has a rich and velvety texture that brings an unparalleled comfort to your soul. The soup’s creamy base comes from the heavy cream, which adds depth and richness to the broth. This is balanced perfectly by the tangy tomatoes and zesty cilantro leaf, creating a flavorful symphony in your mouth.

Secondly, the recipe includes the perfect blend of vegetables to make it healthy yet delicious. When used together, the celery ribs, carrot, red and green bell peppers come together to create an irresistible flavor profile. These vegetables provide an infusion of vitamins and fiber making this dish incredibly nutritious.

Thirdly, the chicken breast adds a fulfilling protein element to the recipe while ensuring you feel satiated after enjoying it. The chicken stock provides the perfect liquid foundation for the soup to build upon while cooking.

Finally, this recipe incorporates a unique ingredient – baking soda – which removes any acidic notes from the tomatoes and add fresh sweet flavors to balance out other ingredients.

Simply put; this soup is full of flavor, texture, nutrients and overall soul-satisfying goodness. You won’t regret trying it out – it will be sure to become one of your favorite recipes that you can share with friends and family for decades to come.

Ingredient List

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this Neiman Marcus Cafe Chicken Tortilla Soup:

Main ingredients:

• Chicken breast: 3-4 large chicken breasts should be enough for this recipe.
• Corn tortillas: You’ll need about 12 corn tortillas for the soup and additional ones for serving.
• Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic.
• Red bell pepper: 1 red bell pepper, chopped.
• Green bell pepper: 1 green bell pepper, chopped.
• Carrot: 1 large carrot, chopped.
• Celery ribs: 2 ribs of celery, chopped
• Yellow onion: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped.
• Red onion: 1/2 medium red onion, chopped.
• Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
• Chicken stock or broth: Use either one for added flavor. In total, 8 cups are needed (two 32 oz box).
• Cilantro leaves: For garnishing.

Seasonings:

You’ll need the following seasonings to add some extra flavor to your soup:
– Taco seasoning: Use 1 package of taco seasoning.
– Baking soda: A pinch of baking soda.

Canned ingredients:

The Neiman Marcus Cafe Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe calls for canned ingredients as well. You’ll need:
– Green chilies: One can of diced green chilies (4 oz) is all you need.
– Roma tomatoes: One can of diced roma tomatoes (14 oz).
– Corn: Two cans of whole kernel corn are needed (15 oz each).

Optional additions:
To enhance the flavors even further and add some extra crunch to your soup to serve or garnish, consider adding some tortilla chips or a dollop of heavy cream to each bowl before serving.

The Recipe How-To

Now comes the exciting part – let’s get started on making this delicious Neiman Marcus Cafe Chicken Tortilla Soup! This recipe is quite simple and easy to follow. First, gather all the ingredients required for the soup.

Prepare The Ingredients

Begin by cooking 3 chicken breasts and then shredding them into bite-size pieces after they have cooled down. In a large stockpot, sauté the first 7 ingredients (unsalted butter, garlic, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, carrot, celery ribs, and yellow onion) until they are tender. Stir in a packet of taco seasoning with the veggies and add in the chicken stock and 2 cans of corn.

Take 6 corn tortillas and cut them into small pieces. Add them to the pot and bring everything to a boil. Once at a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 30-45 minutes.

Once cooked outpour the soup mixture into a blender and puree it until everything is smooth again.

Add The Remaining Ingredients

Pour back the puree mixture into a large pot once more. Add in the remaining ingredients (diced tomatoes with juice, sliced jalapenos with juice, chicken breast, and heavy cream) to the pot while stirring continuously.

Bring it all to a simmer again and then let it cook over low heat for another 20-30 minutes until it has thickened up slightly.

Garnish & Serve

Before serving, garnish each serving with cilantro leaves and tortilla strips for that extra oomph!

Slow Cooker Variation

If you prefer to use your slow cooker to make soups, try this variation: Combine all ingredients except toppings in your slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Remove chicken from slow cooker; shred with fork. Return chicken to slow cooker; stir well.

Serve individual portions topped with tortilla chips, cheese or sour cream if you’d like.

This recipe is adapted from Neiman Marcus Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe which was published in the restaurant’s cookbook almost 50 years ago. Now you too can save this classic recipe and enjoy it at home!

Substitutions and Variations

If you want to switch up the flavors of this already delicious Neiman Marcus Cafe Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe, there are several substitutions and variations you can try.

Firstly, if you prefer a lighter version of this chicken tortilla soup, you can use low-fat chicken broth instead of heavy cream. Alternatively, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or skip it altogether.

Additionally, for a spicier version of this recipe, you can use hot taco seasoning instead of mild. You can also incorporate some fresh jalapeno peppers for an extra kick of heat.

For a vegetarian twist on the soup that still remains hearty and delicious, you can substitute chicken with roast mushrooms or sweet potatoes.

Furthermore, to add a nutty flavor to the soup, consider adding roasted pumpkin seeds or slivered almonds as a garnish when serving.

Lastly, for vegans, skip the chicken and butter altogether and replace them with olive oil and vegetable broth respectively. You can also substitute unsweetened coconut milk or cashew cream for heavy cream.

Experimenting with different versions of this Neiman Marcus Cafe Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is easy and fun. Don’t be afraid to get creative with spices, vegetables and garnishes to create unique versions of the soup that suit your taste buds perfectly!

Serving and Pairing

When it comes to serving and pairing Neiman Marcus Cafe Chicken Tortilla Soup, there are many options to choose from. The soup is rich in flavors and texture, making it a great dish to pair with sides that can either tone down or enhance the soup’s taste.

This soup can be served as an appetizer or a full meal with a side salad and some tortilla chips. To add more crunch and flavor, simply top off the soup with crispy tortilla strips or crumbled corn tortillas. Fresh cilantro leaves or a dollop of sour cream can also help to balance out the richness of the soup.

For drinks, cold beer or a glass of white wine can complement its spicy taste, while hot tea or coffee can help soothe it down. However, if you’re looking for something non-alcoholic, try pairing this dish with iced tea or lemonade.

This Neiman Marcus Cafe Chicken Tortilla Soup with its warm and filling taste pairs perfectly with cool autumn evenings or cozy winter nights in front of the fire. It’s good for a family gathering or a laid-back dinner party with friends. Whatever your occasion may be, this soup recipe will sure give you a flavorful and hearty meal that will warm your belly and your soul!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

If you’re planning on making this Neiman Marcus Cafe Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe ahead of time or if you have leftovers, it’s good to know how to store and reheat it properly.

Firstly, let the soup cool down to room temperature. Once it has cooled, transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to three days in the fridge.

When reheating the soup, transfer it into a pot and heat it over medium heat, stirring constantly until thoroughly heated. Take note that the consistency of the soup may change after being refrigerated -it may become thicker or creamier. If that happens, simply add a little chicken broth or water to thin it out.

For long-term storage, this recipe can also be frozen for up to six months. Transfer the cooled soup into a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer until needed. To thaw, transfer the frozen soup from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight.

As for reheating frozen soup, place the container with the thawed soup into a pot and stir constantly over medium heat until heated through.

It’s important not to freeze soup that contains heavy cream as it tends to separate once frozen and thawed. If you plan on freezing your Neiman Marcus Cafe Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe, omit the heavy cream or add it once you’re ready to reheat and serve.

Overall, this recipe is perfect for make-ahead meal prep or quick weeknight dinners. Just remember to store and reheat properly for perfect results every time.

Tips for Perfect Results

As a barista, I have seen novice chefs and experienced cooks make mistakes that could impact the outcome of their recipe. Hence, I would like to share some tips to help you achieve perfection with the Neiman Marcus Cafe chicken tortilla soup recipe.

Firstly, while sautéing the first seven ingredients in a large stockpot, make sure you stir the garlic taco seasoning well. It will add flavor to your soup but be cautious not to put too much seasoning or it might overpower the other spices used in the recipe.

Secondly, add chicken stock and corn tortillas to your soup at the correct time. Ensure that the stockpot is tender and homogenous by stirring regularly. When adding corn tortillas to your soup, wait until they wilt and cook properly.

Thirdly, it is essential to use fresh ingredients and quality products as it affects flavor. Use fresh roma tomatoes, cilantro leaf, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, carrot, celery ribs, yellow onion, and red onion for optimum results. If one ingredient goes bad or is stale, it might impact the taste of the whole soup.

Fourthly, with cream-based soups like this one that has heavy cream in it, be sure to cook on low heat gradually; don’t overheat as it can cause curdling due to high acidic levels in tomatoes.

Lastly, top your soup nicely. The garnishes of fresh cilantro leaves and tortilla strips elevate the dish’s visual appeal while also providing different textures for taste bud stimulation. You could also try adding avocado slices or grated cheese to add more layers of flavor beyond what’s provided by the southwestern style chicken base.

Remember these tips when making this delicious chicken tortilla soup recipe for a dish full of flavors perfect for any occasion!

FAQ

As you prepare this lip-smacking chicken tortilla soup, you may come across questions and concerns at different stages. In this section of the article, we have compiled some frequently asked questions people have about this recipe to help guide you and ensure that your soup turns out perfectly every time. Read on to find out more.

What is chicken tortilla soup made of?

The origins of chicken tortilla soup can be traced back to Mexico, where it is regarded as an authentic dish. This classic soup is typically prepared using a blend of chicken broth, tomatoes, onion, garlic, chiles, and crispy tortilla strips. While some recipes may include beans, there are several variations to this delicious recipe.

How do I thicken up my chicken tortilla soup?

To enhance the flavors of the broth, consider incorporating additional ingredients. By doing so, your broth can pack a more robust punch. Additionally, to thicken the broth, a roux, cornstarch, masa, or flour varieties like potato flour, tapioca flour, or arrowroot flour could do the trick. These thickening agents can give your broth a heartier and more comforting consistency.

How do you make Costco tortilla soup?

Preparing this soup is a simple and hassle-free process. Heating it up can be done using two common methods – the microwave or stove. I recommend either microwaving it in its original plastic container for five minutes or slowly heating it on the stove in a separate saucepan. Personally, I tend to lean towards the latter option, as it allows for more control over the temperature and consistency of the soup. However, I have successfully microwaved this soup before without encountering any problems.

Is chicken tortilla soup good for you?

This recipe I am sharing today is a fantastic option for those who want a lighter meal that is still full of flavor. This chicken tortilla soup is perfect for the whole family and won’t leave you feeling too stuffed or guilty. The combination of enchilada sauce, green chilis, and spices gives this soup an amazing taste that you do not want to miss out on. Get ready for a delicious and healthy dinner option!

Bottom Line

As you can see, the Neiman Marcus Cafe Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is a delicious and savory dish that will fill your home with its wonderful aroma. With its rich flavors and combinations of ingredients, it’s no surprise that this recipe has been a favorite for over 50 years.

By following our detailed instructions, tips, and recommendations, you too can recreate this amazing soup at home. And with the ability to customize it to your individual taste preferences, you can truly make it your own.

So go ahead and give this recipe a try. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive addition to your party menu, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. And who knows, maybe one day your version of the Neiman Marcus Cafe Chicken Tortilla Soup will become a family favorite that’s passed down for generations.

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