Chicken tortilla soup is a flavorful and comforting dish that has its origins in Mexico. It typically consists of a broth-based soup made with shredded chicken, tomatoes, onions, and spices, and is garnished with tortilla strips, avocado, and sour cream. The versatility of this dish makes it perfect for serving with a variety of side dishes. In this article, we'll explore some popular side dishes for chicken tortilla soup, as well as provide some recipes for you to try at home.
What to Serve With Chicken Tortilla Soup: Popular Side Dishes
Traditional side dishes for chicken tortilla soup include tortilla chips, avocado, and sour cream. These ingredients add texture and flavor to the soup and make it more filling. Other popular side dishes include cornbread, quesadillas, and salad. Cornbread is a great option for those who want a sweeter side dish, while quesadillas provide a different type of texture and flavor. A simple salad with a lime vinaigrette also works well with the soup.
Additional options for side dishes include rice, beans, cheese, and cilantro. Rice is a great option for those who want a starchier side dish, while beans and cheese add protein and flavor to the soup. Cilantro adds a fresh and bright flavor to the soup and can be used as a garnish or as an ingredient in a side dish.
Recipes for Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Tortilla Soup
Here are some delicious and easy-to-make recipes for side dishes that will elevate your chicken tortilla soup experience. These side dishes are not only delicious but also versatile and can be paired with other dishes as well.
From the crispy texture of homemade tortilla chips to the creamy and fresh avocado salsa, and the fragrant and flavorful cilantro lime rice, these recipes will give you a variety of options to choose from. They are also an excellent way to add some color, nutrition, and texture to your meal.
These recipes are simple and can be done quickly, with minimal prep time and ingredients. Give them a try and elevate your chicken tortilla soup experience!
1. Homemade Tortilla Chips
Making homemade tortilla chips is easy and an excellent way to elevate your chicken tortilla soup. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a batch of warm, crispy, and flavorful tortilla chips ready to pair with your favorite soup.
Ingredients
- 6 corn tortillas.
- vegetable oil for frying.
- salt to taste.
Instructions
- Cut the tortillas into wedges and set aside.
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Carefully add the tortilla wedges to the hot oil and fry until golden brown.
- Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel.
- Sprinkle with salt and serve with the chicken tortilla soup.
Not only will the homemade chips add a delicious crunch to your meal, but they are also a healthier alternative to store-bought chips, as you can control the amount of oil and salt used. So, ditch the bagged chips and try your hand at making your own homemade tortilla chips, your taste buds will thank you.
2. Avocado Salsa
Avocado salsa is a delicious and versatile topping that can be paired with a variety of dishes, but it's a perfect complement to chicken tortilla soup. Making avocado salsa is easy and quick, you just need to chop some vegetables, mix them together and let the flavors meld together for a few minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado.
- 1/2 small red onion.
- 1 jalapeno pepper.
- 1 lime, juiced.
- salt to taste.
Instructions
- Cut the avocado, red onion, and jalapeno pepper into small cubes.
- In a bowl, combine the avocado, red onion, jalapeno, lime juice, and salt.
- Stir well and let sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve with the chicken tortilla soup.
The creamy avocado, combined with the freshness of the lime juice and the heat from the jalapeno, creates a unique and well balanced flavor that will elevate your soup. It's also a healthy option as avocado is a good source of healthy fats, fiber and potassium. It's a great way to add some freshness, color and nutrition to your dish. Give it a try and you won't regret it!
3. Cilantro Lime Rice
This is a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken tortilla soup. Making Cilantro Lime Rice is simple, you just need to cook rice with chicken broth and add some cilantro and lime juice at the end.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice.
- 2 cups chicken broth.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
- 1 lime, juiced.
- salt to taste.
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the rice, chicken broth, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
- Cook for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the cilantro and lime juice.
- Serve with the chicken tortilla soup.
The combination of fragrant cilantro and tangy lime juice adds a fresh and bright flavor to the rice, complementing the rich and spicy flavors of the soup. It's a great way to add some variety and texture to your meal and make it more filling. It's also a versatile side dish that can be used with other dishes as well. It's a great way to add some freshness, color and nutrition to your dish. Give it a try and you won't regret it!
Conclusion
Chicken tortilla soup is a versatile and delicious dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes. From traditional options like tortilla chips and avocado to more unique options like cilantro lime rice, there are many options to choose from. Experiment with different side dishes to find the perfect pairing for your chicken tortilla soup. Don't be afraid to get creative and try new recipes!
image by spurekar
Say hello to Jessica "Jess" Ainsley, a 30-something food blogger and freelance copywriter based in the West Coast. With a passion for all things related to food and cooking, Jessica spends her days testing out new recipes and sharing her culinary adventures on her popular blog.
