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 do I thicken up 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.

How to make chicken soup thicker? ›

Add flour or cornflour

Put a tablespoon of either into a small bowl and stir in 2-3 tbsp of the soup until you have a smooth mixture. Stir this back into the soup and bring it to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes to allow the starch granules to burst to thicken, and to cook out any flour flavour.

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.

What can I use to thicken taco soup? ›

Turn To Refried Beans To Thicken And Boost The Flavor Of Your Taco Soup. If you're looking to upgrade your taco soup into a rich, creamy meal, you could turn to tried-and-true thickeners like cream cheese, heavy cream, flour, or corn starch.

How do you fix soup that is too thin? ›

Add Flour Or Cornstarch

You can thicken soup by adding flour, cornstarch, or another starchy substitute. For the best results, never add flour or cornstarch directly to your soup. If you do, it will clump up on top. Instead, ladle a small amount of broth into a separate bowl and let it cool.

How can I thicken watery soup? ›

6 Ways to Thicken Soups or Stews
  1. Puree the vegetables. The most straightforward way to thicken soup is to puree the vegetables. ...
  2. Mash beans, lentils, rice, or bread. ...
  3. Add some dairy. ...
  4. Add an egg. ...
  5. Whisk in a bit of flour or starch. ...
  6. Blend in some silken tofu.
Nov 15, 2021

Can you thicken soup without cornstarch? ›

How to Thicken Soup with Rice, Bread, Potatoes or Beans. Foods like rice, bread, potatoes and beans are naturally high in starches, which, when broken down, act as a thickening agent. With rice, the grains will break down into the soup as it's simmered and stirred, releasing the starches and thickening the soup.

How much flour do I add to soup to thicken it? ›

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.

Will soup thicken as it cools? ›

Remember that some soups will thicken on their own as they sit and cool; the ingredients may continue to absorb liquid, so yours might just need another day to reach perfect consistency.

Why is my taco soup so watery? ›

There are several reasons why taco soup may turn out thin and watery. One common reason is using too much broth or liquid in the soup. Additionally, not simmering the soup for long enough can lead to a thin consistency.

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.

How do you thicken sauce with tortillas? ›

Soup Thickening Method: Blended Tortilla

I tore up a large flour tortilla and softened it with a splash of water before blending it into a very thick, smooth paste. I added the paste gradually while simmering until I noticed the texture change.

How do you thicken creamy potato soup? ›

Cornstarch. Cornstarch is a very effective thickener, and a little bit can go a long way. Add cornstarch to a small amount of cold water or other liquid (wine or stock) and whisk into a thick slurry. Then the slurry can be stirred into a simmering soup, a bit at a time to set the final consistency.

How do you thicken soup with potato flour? ›

  1. Mix 3-4 teaspoons of the flour with 3-4 tablespoons of cold liquid taken from a total quantity of 500/600ml.
  2. Bring the liquid to the boil.
  3. Remove from the heat.
  4. Stir in the potato flour paste.
  5. Return to a gentle heat and stir as it thickens.
  6. Take care not to over boil.

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