Cooper’s Hawk Tortilla Soup Recipe

Tortilla soup-a savory, hearty, and flavorful dish that has the magical ability to warm your soul. It combines a rich broth with a medley of spices, crispy tortilla strips, and the earthy depth of roasted vegetables or meats. Among the many variations, Cooper’s Hawk Tortilla Soup stands out as a true crowd-pleaser. This signature dish from the popular restaurant chain Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants takes the traditional tortilla soup up a notch with a few key additions that make it extra special. Whether you’re a tortilla soup enthusiast or a newcomer to the dish, this version is sure to leave a lasting impression.

If you’re ready to indulge in a bowl of warmth and flavor, let’s dive into this delightful recipe and break it down step by step. By the end of this guide, you’ll be armed with everything you need to recreate this scrumptious soup at home.

Cooper’s Hawk Tortilla Soup Recipe

Here’s how you can make a version of Cooper’s Hawk Tortilla Soup from the comfort of your kitchen. This recipe is a blend of rich ingredients, a variety of textures, and just the right amount of heat.

Ingredients Needed

To make a delicious batch of Cooper’s Hawk Tortilla Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (grilled or rotisserie chicken works well here, too).
• Tortilla Chips: About 2 cups, crushed (or you can use homemade fried tortilla strips).
• Olive Oil: For sautéing vegetables.
• Onion: 1 large onion, finely chopped.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
• Bell Peppers: 1 red and 1 green bell pepper, chopped.
• Tomatoes: 3 medium tomatoes, diced (or use a can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes).
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups (low sodium is preferable to control salt levels).
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons, for extra richness.
• Spices: Ground cumin (1 teaspoon), smoked paprika (1 teaspoon), chili powder (1 tablespoon), dried oregano (½ teaspoon), and a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat (optional).
• Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed, for acidity.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped, for garnish.
• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Mexican blend, for topping.
• Avocado: Sliced, for garnish.
• Sour Cream: A dollop to add richness.
• Fresh Tortillas: 2, sliced into thin strips and lightly fried for a crispy topping (or use pre-made chips).

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the cooking process. Follow these steps to create a flavorful Cooper’s Hawk Tortilla Soup:

1. Prepare The Chicken

   • If you’re using fresh chicken breasts or thighs, season them with salt and pepper. Heat a pan with a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 7-8 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked.
   • Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then shred it using two forks.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.

3. Add The Tomatoes And Spices

   • Stir in the diced tomatoes (or fire-roasted tomatoes) and tomato paste. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes to develop the flavors.
   • Sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, and cayenne (if using). Stir well to coat the vegetables and bring out the spices’ aromas.

4. Simmer The Soup

   • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Add The Chicken And Lime

   • Once the soup has simmered, add the shredded chicken to the pot.
   • Stir in the lime juice to brighten the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding salt and pepper to taste.

6. Prepare The Tortilla Strips

   • In a separate pan, heat oil over medium heat. Fry the fresh tortilla strips in batches until they’re golden and crispy (about 2-3 minutes). If you’re using pre-made tortilla chips, just crush them slightly and set aside.

7. Serve And Garnish

   • To serve, ladle the soup into bowls, and top with a handful of crispy tortilla strips, a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese, cilantro, and avocado slices.
   • Add a dollop of sour cream to bring everything together. Enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

• Chicken: Using grilled or rotisserie chicken gives the soup an extra layer of flavor and saves time in the kitchen. The smokiness from the grill or rotisserie adds depth, which is key in Cooper’s Hawk’s rendition.
• Tortilla Chips vs. Fresh Strips: While pre-made tortilla chips can be a convenient option, frying fresh tortilla strips takes this soup to another level. The homemade strips add a crispy, toasty texture that stands out in each bite.
• Tomatoes: Fire-roasted tomatoes bring a slightly smoky flavor to the soup, which mimics the charred elements in Cooper’s Hawk Tortilla Soup. If you can’t find them, regular diced tomatoes will still work fine.
• Spices: The combination of cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder is what creates the base of flavor for the soup. The smoked paprika, in particular, elevates the taste with its earthy smokiness.

Expert Tips

• Chicken Broth: Homemade broth will always taste better than store-bought, but if you’re short on time, opt for a low-sodium variety. If you’re in a rush, chicken bouillon cubes are a great alternative too-just be mindful of the salt levels.
• Customize the Heat: If you’re not a fan of spicy food, reduce the amount of chili powder and skip the cayenne. You can also make the soup milder by adding a little extra lime juice or a touch of honey to balance the flavors.
• Texture Balance: For a creamy touch, blend part of the soup after simmering and return it to the pot. This will give the broth a thicker, richer consistency without losing the chunkiness from the vegetables and chicken.
• Make Ahead: Tortilla soup actually tastes even better the next day! The flavors have time to develop, and the soup gets more robust. If you make it ahead, just reheat it gently, and add fresh tortilla strips and cheese when serving.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe is pretty close to Cooper’s Hawk’s version, here are a few tweaks you can try to make it your own:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with beans (black beans or pinto beans work great) and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Add Some Heat: If you like a fiery kick, throw in some fresh jalapeños or even a serrano pepper while sautéing the vegetables. You can also stir in some hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
• Cheese Twist: Instead of the usual shredded cheddar, try using queso fresco, Cotija, or even a spicy pepper jack cheese for extra flavor.
• Add Corn: A cup of corn kernels (either frozen or fresh) can bring a sweet, hearty element to the soup. Corn and tortilla soup are a match made in heaven!

Final Words

Making Cooper’s Hawk Tortilla Soup at home is an incredibly satisfying experience. The combination of hearty chicken, savory broth, crispy tortilla strips, and bright lime juice creates a dish that’s bursting with flavor in every spoonful. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a gathering with friends, or just for a cozy night in, this soup is bound to impress.

Don’t forget to experiment with the recipe to fit your tastes-whether that means dialing up the spice, adding extra toppings, or making it vegetarian.