Easy Sopes Mexican Recipe That Will Make You Queen of Taco Night!
Let me just say — if you're stuck in a taco night rut, I’m about to change your life. This easy, authentic sopes Mexican recipe is the flavor bombshell your weeknight dinner needs. It’s hearty, crispy, comforting, and fully customizable, with a tender homemade masa base and juicy chicken piled high with all your favorite toppings.
When I first learned how to cook sopes, I wasn’t trying to impress anyone — I was just looking to spice up my regular taco night. But the moment I brought them to the table, my girlfriends lit up like it was Christmas. They’d never seen anything like it. That thick, golden corn base, the rich beans and shredded chicken, the fresh toppings…it was a homemade dinner masterpiece.
So if you’ve been searching for a way to win over your family, your friends, or your own taste buds — this is the Mexican food moment you've been waiting for. Let’s make you the queen of taco night!
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What Are Sopes, Anyway?
If you've never had a sope, think of it like a thick tortilla with a built-in rim to hold all your toppings — crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Originating from central and southern Mexico, sopes are a beloved Mexican food tradition, often sold by street vendors and made fresh at home.
Unlike tacos, which are folded and handheld, sopes are open-faced. The base is made from masa harina (a corn flour used in many Mexican dishes), pressed into discs, partially cooked, and then pinched along the edges to form a small lip. That lip holds all the good stuff — beans, meat, cheese, lettuce, crema, salsa, and more.
It may sound complicated, but trust me — it’s incredibly easy and fun to make at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Exact Measurements)
Here’s everything you need to make homemade sopes with shredded chicken:
For the Sopes:
For the Chicken Topping:
Toppings:
That’s it! With a few pantry staples and fresh toppings, you’ll have the most satisfying meal on the table in under an hour.
How to Cook the Sopes Base (Step-by-Step)
This is where the magic happens — and it’s way easier than you think.
1. Make the Masa Dough
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups masa harina, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1½ cups warm water. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and mix with your hands until the dough is soft but not sticky. It should feel like playdough. If it cracks, add a bit more water (1 tablespoon at a time).
2. Shape the Sopes
Divide the dough into 10 equal balls. Press each into a disc about 4 inches wide and ¼ inch thick. You can flatten them by hand or use a tortilla press (more on that in a second!).
3. Cook the Discs
Heat a dry skillet or comal over medium heat. Cook each sope for 1 minute per side until dry but not browned. Remove and let cool slightly.
4. Form the Edges
While still warm, pinch the edges upward to form a shallow rim. This is the classic sope shape that holds all the toppings.
5. Fry Until Golden
Heat ¼ inch of vegetable oil in a skillet. Fry each sope for about 2 minutes per side until golden and slightly crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Flavor-Packed Chicken Filling
While your sopes cool, it’s time to whip up the easiest, juiciest chicken filling.
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add 2 cups of shredded chicken.
3. Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Pour in ¼ cup chicken broth and stir to coat.
5. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the broth is absorbed and the chicken is flavorful and moist.
Done. That’s it. The scent alone will have your household hovering in the kitchen.
My Go-To Kitchen Tools (Amazon Recommendations)
As a food writer and home cook, there are a few tools I always reach for when making sopes. These are game changers — and I couldn’t keep them to myself.
1. Victoria Cast Iron Comal – 10.5”
This cast iron griddle is perfect for cooking sopes, tortillas, quesadillas — anything masa-based. It heats evenly and gives your sopes a beautiful toasted finish.
Get one for your kitchen and you'll never burn another tortilla again!
2. Maseca Instant Corn Masa Flour – 4.4 lb Bag
You can’t make sopes without masa harina, and Maseca is my go-to for authentic texture and taste. It’s gluten-free, shelf-stable, and a pantry essential for Mexican cooking.
Authentic sopes start with authentic ingredients — don’t skip this one.
3. Heavy-Duty Tortilla Press – 8 Inch
Making uniform sopes is so much easier with this tortilla press. It flattens the dough perfectly and saves you time and effort.
Seriously — this tool changed my entire taco night routine.
How to Assemble Your Sopes (Taco Night Perfection)
Now the fun part: putting it all together! Here’s how to layer your authentic sopes Mexican recipe like a pro:
1. Spread warm refried beans on the base.
2. Add a generous scoop of shredded chicken.
3. Sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco.
4. Add shredded lettuce, a dollop of crema, and your favorite salsa.
5. Top with a slice of avocado (optional, but always worth it!).
That first bite? Crunchy, creamy, savory — a flavor explosion in every mouthful.
What to Serve With Sopes
Make it a full Mexican dinner with these delicious pairings:
Hosting guests? Turn it into a build-your-own sope bar! Set out toppings, drinks, and napkins — and let everyone create their own flavor masterpiece.
Tips & Variations
Final Thoughts: You’re the Queen Now
When I first shared this recipe with my readers, the messages came flooding in. “My kids devoured it!” “My husband asked for thirds!” “I never knew I could cook something this authentic at home!”
That’s the magic of food — it brings people together, makes memories, and gives you confidence. And that’s what this sopes Mexican recipe is all about.
You don’t have to be a pro to make this work. Just follow these easy steps, trust your hands, and let your heart guide the toppings.
So go ahead — reclaim your taco night, pour a glass of wine, and make sopes the star of your next dinner. Your family and friends will thank you.
And hey — if you make this, tag me on Instagram. I’d love to see your delicious creations!
Ready to make this tonight?
You’ve got this, queen.
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