Cpk Sedona Tortilla Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself craving something that’s both comforting and exciting, yet easy to make, look no further than Cpk Sedona Tortilla Soup. This dish has all the right qualities to win over any foodie: bold flavors, a perfect balance of textures, and just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting. Whether it’s a chilly evening, a lunch break in need of flavor, or a cozy meal with friends and family, this soup hits the spot every time. And the best part? It’s incredibly simple to prepare.

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK), known for its inventive takes on classic dishes, brought this tortilla soup to life with a combination of fresh ingredients and layers of flavor that are truly irresistible. If you’re lucky enough to have tried it in the restaurant, then you know just how unforgettable it is. But guess what? You can recreate that same mouthwatering experience right in your own kitchen! Let’s dive deep into how to make this culinary delight at home.

Let’s walk through the steps to make this delectable tortilla soup. It’s not just about cooking, it’s about building layers of flavor. The soup is slightly spicy, savory, and hearty, making it an ideal meal for almost any occasion. Here’s the recipe to get you started:

Ingredients Needed

To make CPK Sedona Tortilla Soup, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:

Chicken (cooked and shredded) – 2 cups (you can use rotisserie chicken or cook your own)
Chicken broth – 4 cups (for the base of the soup; it can be low-sodium if preferred)
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons (for sautéing the veggies)
Onion – 1 medium, diced
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Red bell pepper – 1, chopped
Tomato – 2 medium, diced (or you can use canned diced tomatoes)
Jalapeño – 1, seeded and chopped (adjust for spice tolerance)
Tortilla chips – 2 cups, crushed (for texture and crunch)
Dried chili powder – 1 teaspoon
Ground cumin – 1 teaspoon
Paprika – 1 teaspoon
Cilantro – 1/4 cup, chopped (adds a fresh, vibrant kick)
Lime – 1, juiced (for that zesty finish)
Avocado – 1, sliced (optional, but highly recommended)
Shredded cheese – 1/2 cup (preferably Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
Sour cream – a dollop (optional, but a creamy touch is divine)

Cooking Instructions

Prepare your ingredients – Start by dicing your onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Mince your garlic and chop the cilantro and jalapeño. Shred the cooked chicken if you haven’t already.
Sauté the base – Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and jalapeño, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Add the spices – Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Stir everything together for about 1 minute to let the spices release their flavor.
Add the liquids and chicken – Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (if you’re using canned, make sure to include some of the juice). Stir well, and bring to a simmer.
Simmer and season – Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning-add salt and pepper as needed.
Incorporate the chicken and tortilla chips – Add in your shredded chicken, and then sprinkle in the crushed tortilla chips. This is where the magic happens! The chips will soak up the broth and start breaking down, giving the soup its signature texture.
Finish and serve – Once the chicken is heated through and the chips have softened into the soup, stir in the fresh cilantro and lime juice. Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with sliced avocado, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.

Ingredient Insights

Chicken – Shredded chicken is ideal here because it soaks up the broth and spices, blending well with the other ingredients. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut if you’re in a time crunch.
Tortilla Chips – The tortilla chips aren’t just a garnish. They’re a key part of the texture of this soup. As they soak in the broth, they become soft, adding substance and a delicious corny flavor.
Spices – The combination of chili powder, cumin, and paprika gives the soup its smoky, earthy depth, while the jalapeño adds the right amount of heat. These spices bring a complex, balanced flavor profile without being overwhelming.
Fresh Lime and Cilantro – These ingredients brighten the soup, cutting through the richness of the broth and chicken. Cilantro adds freshness, while the lime gives it a zesty finish.

Expert Tips

Broth matters – Opt for a high-quality chicken broth. It forms the backbone of the soup’s flavor, so investing in a good one will elevate the dish.
Spice levels – If you’re not a fan of too much heat, you can leave out the jalapeño or reduce the amount to taste. Similarly, you can replace it with a mild green bell pepper for more of a tangy flavor than spice.
Texture balance – Adjust the tortilla chip-to-broth ratio to get the right balance of texture. If you like it chunkier, add fewer chips. If you want a smoother consistency, add more chips and let them dissolve into the broth.
Garnishes make it – Don’t skimp on the toppings! The avocado, cheese, and sour cream are essential for that creamy, cool contrast to the spicy soup base.

Recipe Variations

While the classic CPK Sedona Tortilla Soup is a winner on its own, there are plenty of ways to tweak it to fit your preferences or dietary needs:

Vegetarian Version – Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth as the base. You can add beans (like black beans or pinto beans) for protein and heartiness.
Spicy Kick – For those who love heat, you can add extra jalapeños or even a splash of hot sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding chipotle peppers in adobo for a smoky, fiery flavor.
Add Corn – Sweet corn can add a pop of sweetness that balances out the spiciness. Toss in some frozen or fresh corn kernels when you add the chicken broth.
Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free tortilla chips if you’re following a gluten-free diet. You can also make the soup more robust by using gluten-free crackers or crumbled corn tortillas.

Final Words

Cpk Sedona Tortilla Soup is the perfect blend of flavor, texture, and warmth. It’s versatile enough to adjust to your personal taste, but it also stands strong on its own as a satisfying dish. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting soup on a rainy day or planning a dinner party, this recipe is bound to impress. The combination of the rich, spicy broth, the tender chicken, and the crispy tortilla chips will have you coming back for more.

Cpk Sedona Tortilla Soup Recipe