Mexican Chicken Tomatillo Sopita Recipe
Introduction
Mexican Sopita is a comforting soup that beautifully blends tangy tomatillos with tender shredded chicken and aromatic spices. This flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy meal and easy enough to make on a weeknight. Serve it warm with fresh garnishes and tortillas for an authentic experience.

Ingredients
- 1 lb tomatillos, husks removed and rinsed
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Crumbled queso fresco, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, bring the tomatillos and enough water to cover them to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the tomatillos are softened.
- Step 2: Drain the tomatillos and transfer them to a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Step 3: In the same pot, add the chicken breasts and cover with the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Step 4: Remove the chicken from the broth and shred it using two forks.
- Step 5: Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the tomatillo puree, diced onion, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Simmer the soup for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Step 7: Serve the Sopita hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and crumbled queso fresco. Enjoy with warm tortillas on the side.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a splash of Mexican crema or sour cream just before serving.
- Substitute the chicken breasts with shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Serve with toasted tortilla strips for added crunch.
Storage
Store leftover Sopita in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened. This soup also freezes well for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatillos instead of fresh?
Yes, canned tomatillos can be used as a convenient alternative. Just be sure to check for added salt and adjust the seasoning in the soup accordingly.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this Sopita recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
PrintMexican Chicken Tomatillo Sopita Recipe
This authentic Mexican Sopita recipe is a comforting and flavorful chicken and tomatillo soup that’s perfect for any meal. Featuring tender shredded chicken simmered in a tangy tomatillo broth seasoned with cumin, oregano, and chili powder, it’s garnished with fresh cilantro and crumbled queso fresco for an extra burst of flavor. Easy to prepare, this vibrant dish offers a delicious taste of traditional Mexican cuisine in just 45 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 lb tomatillos, husks removed and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Garnishes
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Crumbled queso fresco
Instructions
- Boil Tomatillos: In a large pot, bring the tomatillos and enough water to cover them to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the tomatillos are soft and tender.
- Prepare Tomatillo Puree: Drain the cooked tomatillos and transfer them to a blender. Blend until smooth and set aside the puree for later use.
- Cook Chicken: Using the same pot, add the chicken breasts and cover with chicken broth. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the broth and shred them using two forks. Return the broth to the pot for soup preparation.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken back into the pot along with the tomatillo puree, diced onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, and chili powder. Stir well to combine all flavors.
- Simmer Soup: Season with salt and pepper to taste and simmer the soup gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve: Ladle the hot sopita into bowls and garnish generously with chopped fresh cilantro and crumbled queso fresco. Serve alongside warm tortillas for a complete meal.
Notes
- If tomatillos are not available, you can substitute with green tomatoes though the flavor will be less tangy.
- For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken, or replace chicken with cooked beans.
- Queso fresco can be replaced with feta cheese for a similar texture and tang.
Keywords: Mexican sopita, tomatillo soup, shredded chicken soup, authentic Mexican recipe, easy chicken soup, spicy tomatillo broth

