Baby It's Cold Outside; Your Comfort Keto "Chicken Tortilla Soup" Is Ready!

Chicken tortilla soup is a beloved staple of Mexican cuisine, especially popular in central regions like Mexico City. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish traditionally made with tender shredded chicken, crispy fried tortilla strips, and a deeply savory broth, often garnished with fresh avocado, crema, cheese, and a squeeze of lime. While there’s no single “authentic” recipe, common additions include pasilla chiles, tomatoes, garlic, onion, and epazote—a fragrant Mexican herb.

You’ll find regional variations across Mexico. In some areas, the broth is clear and light, focusing on the purity of chicken flavor. In others, it’s rich and dark, thickened with roasted tomatoes, dried chiles, or even ground tortillas, offering a deeper, smokier profile.

At more than 110-years-old, Cafe de Tacuba of Mexico City has a history new restaurants can never compete with. Photo: Luis Pussetto

The origins of chicken tortilla soup are somewhat mysterious. Its alternate name, sopa Azteca, suggests ancient roots tied to the Aztec civilization, which thrived in central Mexico. The state of Tlaxcala, just east of Mexico City, is frequently credited with its creation. Tlaxcala was one of the few regions that resisted Aztec domination and later played a significant role in the early colonial period, making it a unique melting pot of indigenous and Spanish culinary influences.

As with many traditional dishes in Mexico, chicken tortilla soup is a product of cultural fusion—combining pre-Hispanic ingredients like maize and native chiles with ingredients introduced by the Spanish, such as chicken and dairy. Over time, this rich blend of flavors and history helped the dish travel beyond central Mexico, becoming a favorite in Southern California, Texas, Arizona, and other U.S. border states where Mexican cuisine has a strong presence.

Today, chicken tortilla soup is celebrated for its warmth, comfort, and versatility. Whether enjoyed in a rustic village kitchen or a modern urban café, it continues to honor its ancient roots while adapting to modern palates.

Chef Janine masterfully replaces the carby elements with equally vibrant, low-carb alternatives while preserving the essence of the dish.

Chef Janine’s Keto Chicken Tortilla Soup: A Rustic Classic, Reimagined

This hearty, soul-warming soup is a celebration of bold flavors, comforting textures, and pure nourishment. Traditionally, chicken tortilla soup is a rustic Mexican dish made with shredded chicken, aromatic vegetables, chilis, and crispy tortilla strips—all swimming in a rich, savory broth. It’s a delightful balance of spice, crunch, and creaminess.

Chef Janine’s kitchen, this beloved classic gets a gourmet ketogenic makeover—without sacrificing any of its warmth or flavor.

So, what exactly goes into a classic bowl of chicken tortilla soup?

Traditionally, the recipe includes ingredients like onion, garlic, tomato, corn, peppers, and dried chilis. However, corn and other high-carb ingredients are off the menu in the ketogenic version. That’s where Chef Janine’s mastery shines—replacing the non-keto elements with equally vibrant, low-carb alternatives while preserving the essence of the dish.

Her version begins with a homemade chicken bone broth—slow-simmered for over 48 hours at a low temperature. This nutrient-rich base is brimming with collagen, minerals, and deep umami flavor. The broth is infused with a medley of sautéed low-carb vegetables like onion, garlic, fire-roasted tomato, and diced poblano or jalapeño peppers to add just the right touch of heat and smokiness.

Once the broth reaches its peak flavor, it’s generously filled with tender, shredded free-range chicken. The real magic comes with the topping: golden, crispy low-carb tortilla strips, handmade and fried to perfection in bacon grease. This adds a next-level crunch and savory depth that’s unmistakably indulgent—and entirely keto.

To finish, Chef Janine serves her Keto Chicken Tortilla Soup with cool, creamy sour cream, freshly sliced seasonal avocado, and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. The result? A comforting, wholesome bowl that delivers incredible flavor and texture while staying true to the principles of a ketogenic lifestyle.

Chef Janine’s version of this culinary masterpiece is more than a low-carb substitute—it’s a celebration of tradition, redefined through a health-conscious lens. Perfect for anyone seeking a satisfying, guilt-free meal with authentic Mexican soul.

Stay updated on when this delicious dish will be on the menu by visiting our website: www.myketopal.com.

Bon Appétit!

Chef Janine