How To Thicken Chicken Tortilla Soup (2024)

Chicken tortilla soup is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is loved by many. However, sometimes the soup can turn out too thin and lack the desired thickness. If you find yourself in this situation, fear not! We have some simple tips and tricks to help you thicken your chicken tortilla soup to perfection.

1. Add a Roux

A roux is a mixture of equal parts fat (such as butter) and flour that is used as a thickening agent in many recipes. To add a roux to your chicken tortilla soup, start by melting butter in a pan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, gradually whisk in an equal amount of flour until it forms a smooth paste. Cook the roux for a few minutes to get rid of any raw flour taste. Then, gradually add the roux to your soup, stirring constantly until it reaches the desired thickness.

2. Incorporate Cornstarch

Cornstarch is another popular thickening agent that can be easily added to your chicken tortilla soup. Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into your soup while stirring continuously. Allow the soup to simmer for a few minutes to activate the thickening properties of the cornstarch. Remember to whisk the soup well to avoid any lumps.

3. Use Masa Harina

Masa harina, a type of corn flour commonly used in Mexican cuisine, can also help thicken your chicken tortilla soup. Mix a small amount of masa harina with water until it forms a smooth paste. Gradually add the paste to your soup, stirring well to combine. Cook the soup for a few additional minutes to allow the masa harina to thicken the broth. This will also add an authentic taste to your soup!

4. Puree Some of the Ingredients

If you prefer a thicker texture without adding any additional ingredients, try pureeing a portion of your soup. Take out a ladleful of the soup (including the chicken and vegetables) and blend it until smooth in a food processor or blender. Return the puree to the pot, stir well, and heat it gently until it reaches the desired thickness.

5. Keep Simmering

Sometimes all your soup needs is a little more time on the stove. Allow your chicken tortilla soup to simmer uncovered for an extended period. The heat will help evaporate some of the liquid, naturally thickening the soup. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent the soup from sticking or burning.

With these easy tips, you can take your chicken tortilla soup from thin to thick and delicious. Whether you choose to add a roux, cornstarch, masa harina, puree, or simply simmer, you will have a hearty soup that will satisfy your cravings. So, grab a bowl, garnish with your favorite toppings, and enjoy a bowl of flavorful and thick chicken tortilla soup!

Share your tips and tricks for thickening chicken tortilla soup in the Cooking Techniques forum and join the discussion!

FAQ:

Can I use flour to thicken chicken tortilla soup?

Yes, you can use flour to thicken chicken tortilla soup. To do so, create a slurry by combining equal parts flour and cold water. Whisk the slurry into the soup gradually, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes until the desired thickness is achieved. Make sure to cook the flour for a few minutes to remove any raw taste.

Are there any gluten-free alternatives to thicken the soup?

Absolutely! If you prefer a gluten-free thickening agent, you can use cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Create a slurry by mixing one part of the chosen thickener with two parts of cold water. Stir the slurry into the soup and simmer until it thickens to your liking. Keep in mind that arrowroot powder thickens faster than cornstarch, so adjust accordingly.

Can I use cornmeal to thicken the chicken tortilla soup?

Yes, you can use cornmeal to thicken your chicken tortilla soup. Simply whisk the cornmeal into the soup, making sure to sprinkle it evenly while continuously stirring to avoid clumps. Allow the soup to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens, and adjust the amount as per your desired consistency.

Is there a way to thicken the soup without altering the flavors significantly?

Certainly! One option is to puree a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender. Remove about one-third of the soup, blend until smooth, and then add it back to the pot. This will help thicken the soup without affecting the flavors drastically while still achieving a creamy texture.

Can I add cream or milk to thicken the chicken tortilla soup?

Yes, adding cream or milk is an excellent way to thicken your chicken tortilla soup and add richness. Simply stir in a small amount of heavy cream, half-and-half, or milk towards the end of cooking. Let it cook for a few additional minutes to incorporate the flavors.

Is there a way to thicken the soup without using any additional ingredients?

Absolutely! An easy way to thicken chicken tortilla soup without adding extra ingredients is to reduce the soup’s liquid. Simply simmer the soup uncovered for a longer period, allowing the liquid to evaporate and resulting in a thicker consistency. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.

Can I use cheese to thicken chicken tortilla soup?

While cheese can add richness and depth of flavor to chicken tortilla soup, it won’t necessarily thicken it significantly. However, adding cheese, particularly varieties like Monterrey Jack or Cheddar, can contribute to a creamier texture and enhance the overall taste of the soup.

How To Thicken Chicken Tortilla Soup (2024)

FAQs

How can I thicken up tortilla soup? ›

All-purpose Flour: Acts as a thickening agent for the soup, giving it a more substantial texture. Chicken Broth: Serves as the liquid base of the soup, providing depth, richness, and body. Corn Tortillas: Thicken the soup and add a traditional corn flavor.

How do you thicken watery chicken soup? ›

Add Flour Or Cornstarch

Instead, ladle a small amount of broth into a separate bowl and let it cool. Add a few tablespoons of flour or cornstarch to the bowl and whisk until it's blended smooth. Next, bring the soup to a simmer and add the mixture back to the pot. Pro tip: Don't dump in the entire mixture at once.

Why is my chicken tortilla soup watery? ›

Keep Simmering. Sometimes all your soup needs is a little more time on the stove. Allow your chicken tortilla soup to simmer uncovered for an extended period. The heat will help evaporate some of the liquid, naturally thickening the soup.

How to thicken tortilla soup without cornstarch? ›

Just mix one tablespoon softened butter with one tablespoon all-purpose flour. Stir the paste into a warm soup to add a luxurious mouthfeel. As the butter melts it disperses the flour into the soup and thickens it. Try one of these methods next time you end up with a pot of soup that needs a little something extra.

Is it better to thicken soup with flour or cornstarch? ›

It's important to note that cornstarch has twice the thickening power of flour. If you need to substitute cornstarch to thicken liquid in a recipe that calls for ¼ cup (four tablespoons) flour, you only need two tablespoons cornstarch.

How do you fix watered down chicken soup? ›

Luckily, fixing this is super easy — just keep the heat on and if you've had a lid on your stock pot, take it off now. This will allow water vapors to escape the broth as it simmers away, leaving you with a more concentrated flavor.

What to do if chicken soup is too thick? ›

All you need to do is add more of the recipe's cooking liquid — such as wine, broth or cream.

Will soup thicken as it cools? ›

Does soup thicken as it cools? Soup that contains some amount of starch, whether it be potatoes, rice, pasta, or an added thickener like cornstarch or flour will definitely thicken once it cools.

How do you thicken soup with masa harina? ›

Masa harina is an especially effective thickener, so start with a small amount — say, 1 tablespoon each water and masa harina per 3 cups of chili. It can take a few moments for masa harina to work its magic, so let the chili simmer, stirring often, for about five minutes, and then check its consistency.

Should I add cornstarch to chicken soup? ›

Cornstarch is a great option as it is a natural thickening agent, but you'll want to be careful about how much you use. Start with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch whisked together with cold water to create a slurry. Then, gradually add the slurry to the soup, letting it boil for one to two minutes before adding more.

How do you thicken sauce with tortillas? ›

Next, you can either leave the tortilla whole or tear it into pieces before tossing it into the pot. As the soup simmers alongside the other ingredients, the tortillas will eventually start to disintegrate, absorbing liquid and thickening the soup in the process.

How do I thicken up tortilla soup? ›

The best item to thicken a soup is some sort of starch, whether from flour, cornstarch, arrowroot, or even a lot of potatoes. If it is a powder, mix it with cold water and stir to make a smooth, lump-free paste, and stir constantly as you add it to the soup. A little goes a long way! How do you make amazing tacos?

What is the best thickener for soup? ›

The 15 Best Ingredients To Thicken Homemade Soup
  • Add thickness with a flour slurry. ...
  • Cornstarch should be your thickener of choice. ...
  • Red beans or lentils can thicken a pureed soup. ...
  • Bring the magic of risotto with arborio rice. ...
  • Use pasta starch in a couple of different ways. ...
  • Thicken soup with egg yolks and a bit of technique.
Jun 16, 2023

How to thicken soup with all-purpose flour? ›

The ratio of flour to butter varies, but it's often 2-to-1—for most soups, ½ cup of flour and ¼ cup of butter should do it. As for how to make a roux, start by melting the butter over medium-low heat in your soup pot. Add the flour and stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the flour has fully absorbed the butter.

How can I thicken my taco soup? ›

The best item to thicken a soup is some sort of starch, whether from flour, cornstarch, arrowroot, or even a lot of potatoes. If it is a powder, mix it with cold water and stir to make a smooth, lump-free paste, and stir constantly as you add it to the soup. A little goes a long way!

What to do if soup is too thick? ›

If it's too thick.

Like a sauce that is too thin, a dish that is too thick is a simple fix! All you need to do is add more of the recipe's cooking liquid — such as wine, broth or cream.

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