Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup is Back! Recipe and Guide
It’s that time of year again! The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and Chick-fil-A’s beloved Chicken Tortilla Soup has returned to the menu. This comforting and flavorful soup is a seasonal favorite for a reason. Warm, hearty, and packed with delicious ingredients, it’s the perfect way to cozy up on a chilly day.
For those who can’t get enough of this iconic soup, or for those who live in areas where it’s not available, this article provides a detailed recipe and guide on how to make a delicious homemade version that rivals the original. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a flavorful and satisfying result.
## The Allure of Chick-fil-A’s Chicken Tortilla Soup
What makes Chick-fil-A’s Chicken Tortilla Soup so special? It’s a combination of several key factors:
* **Flavorful Broth:** The foundation of any great soup is the broth, and Chick-fil-A’s soup boasts a rich and savory broth that’s both comforting and complex.
* **Tender Chicken:** The soup features shredded chicken that’s cooked to perfection, offering a tender and juicy bite in every spoonful.
* **Hearty Ingredients:** A medley of vegetables, beans, and spices adds depth and texture to the soup, making it a satisfying meal.
* **Delicious Toppings:** A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and a handful of crispy tortilla strips elevate the soup to the next level, providing contrasting textures and flavors.
## Recreating the Magic: A Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
This recipe aims to capture the essence of Chick-fil-A’s Chicken Tortilla Soup, offering a delicious and satisfying homemade alternative.
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 45 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Chicken:**
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 tsp chili powder
* 1/2 tsp cumin
* 1/4 tsp garlic powder
* 1/4 tsp onion powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **For the Soup:**
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
* 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
* 6 cups chicken broth
* 1 (10-ounce) can enchilada sauce
* 1 tbsp chili powder
* 1 tsp cumin
* 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
* 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **For the Toppings (Optional):**
* Sour cream or Greek yogurt
* Shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
* Tortilla strips
* Fresh cilantro, chopped
* Avocado, diced
* Lime wedges
**Equipment:**
* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Skillet or frying pan
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring spoons and cups
**Instructions:**
**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**
1. **Season the chicken:** In a bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the chicken breasts.
2. **Sear the chicken:** Heat the olive oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until lightly browned. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this point, as it will continue to cook in the soup.
3. **Shred the chicken:** Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken using two forks or your fingers. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to shred the chicken quickly and easily.
**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**
1. **Sauté the onion and garlic:** In the large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. **Add the bell peppers:** Add the chopped green and red bell peppers to the pot and cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
**Step 3: Combine the Soup Ingredients**
1. **Add the remaining ingredients:** Add the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), chicken broth, enchilada sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Stir to combine.
2. **Bring to a simmer:** Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, to allow the flavors to meld together.
**Step 4: Add the Shredded Chicken**
1. **Incorporate the chicken:** Add the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine. Heat through for about 5 minutes.
**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**
1. **Ladle the soup:** Ladle the chicken tortilla soup into bowls.
2. **Add the toppings:** Top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice.
3. **Serve immediately:** Serve the soup immediately and enjoy!
## Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Tortilla Soup
* **Use High-Quality Chicken Broth:** The quality of the chicken broth will significantly impact the flavor of the soup. Opt for a good quality, low-sodium chicken broth for the best results. You can also use homemade chicken broth if you have it on hand.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough. Searing the chicken before adding it to the soup helps to seal in the juices and keep it tender.
* **Adjust the Spices to Your Liking:** This recipe is a starting point, so feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer a spicier soup, add more cayenne pepper or chili powder. If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the cayenne pepper altogether.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Using fresh ingredients, such as fresh cilantro and avocado, will elevate the flavor of the soup. If you don’t have fresh cilantro, you can use dried cilantro, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant.
* **Make it in a Slow Cooker or Instant Pot:** This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker or Instant Pot. For the slow cooker, sear the chicken as directed, then add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken and stir it back into the soup before serving. For the Instant Pot, sear the chicken as directed, then add all of the ingredients to the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release. Shred the chicken and stir it back into the soup before serving.
* **Blend a Portion of the Soup (Optional):** For a creamier soup, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender. Be careful when blending hot liquids, as they can splatter and cause burns.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, celery, zucchini, or squash.
* **Use Different Beans:** If you don’t have black beans or kidney beans, you can use other types of beans, such as pinto beans or great northern beans.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** To make this soup vegetarian, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables, such as sweet potatoes or butternut squash, to make it heartier.
## Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup: A Nutritional Overview
While this recipe closely mimics the taste of Chick-fil-A’s soup, the nutritional content may vary slightly. Here’s a general idea of the nutritional information you can expect per serving (without toppings):
* **Calories:** Approximately 300-400
* **Protein:** 25-35 grams
* **Fat:** 10-15 grams
* **Carbohydrates:** 30-40 grams
* **Fiber:** 8-10 grams
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the portion size. Adding toppings like sour cream, cheese, and tortilla strips will significantly increase the calorie and fat content of the soup.
## Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other dishes for a complete meal. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Serve with a Side Salad:** A simple green salad or a Mexican-inspired salad with avocado and a lime vinaigrette complements the soup perfectly.
* **Pair with a Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** A classic grilled cheese sandwich is a comforting and satisfying accompaniment to chicken tortilla soup.
* **Serve with Cornbread:** Warm cornbread is a delicious and hearty addition to the meal.
* **Offer a Variety of Toppings:** Let your guests customize their soup with a variety of toppings, such as sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and lime wedges.
* **Serve with Quesadillas:** Chicken quesadillas or cheese quesadillas are a great way to add a little extra flavor and texture to the meal.
## Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Leftover chicken tortilla soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, the soup can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat the soup in the microwave.
## Why This Homemade Version is a Winner
While nothing beats the convenience of ordering Chick-fil-A’s Chicken Tortilla Soup, making it at home offers several advantages:
* **Control over Ingredients:** You have complete control over the ingredients you use, allowing you to choose high-quality, fresh ingredients and adjust the spices to your liking.
* **Cost-Effective:** Making the soup at home is often more cost-effective than buying it from a restaurant, especially if you’re making a large batch.
* **Customization:** You can easily customize the soup to your preferences, adding or omitting ingredients as desired.
* **Satisfaction:** There’s something incredibly satisfying about making a delicious meal from scratch.
## Final Thoughts
Chick-fil-A’s Chicken Tortilla Soup is a beloved seasonal favorite, and for good reason. Its warm, comforting flavors and hearty ingredients make it the perfect meal for a chilly day. While it’s always a treat to grab a cup from Chick-fil-A, this homemade recipe provides a delicious and satisfying alternative that you can enjoy year-round. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a comforting and flavorful batch of Chicken Tortilla Soup that will warm you from the inside out!
Enjoy!