Craving that comforting, slightly spicy, and utterly satisfying Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup, but don’t want to brave the drive-thru? Or maybe Chick-fil-A has cruelly removed it from the menu (gasp!)? Fear not, soup lovers! This recipe is your key to unlocking the flavor secrets and recreating that beloved soup in your very own kitchen. Get ready for a bowl of pure, unadulterated, copycat deliciousness.
**Why This Recipe Works (and Why You’ll Love It)**
This isn’t just *any* chicken tortilla soup recipe. We’ve meticulously analyzed the ingredients and flavor profile of the Chick-fil-A version to bring you a copycat that’s astoundingly close to the real deal. Here’s what makes this recipe special:
* **Authentic Flavor:** We’re using the right combination of spices and ingredients to mimic that signature Chick-fil-A taste.
* **Adjustable Spice Level:** Whether you like a gentle warmth or a fiery kick, you can customize the heat to your liking.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Making it at home is generally cheaper than ordering out, especially if you’re feeding a crowd.
* **Customizable Toppings:** Load it up with your favorite toppings for the ultimate soup experience.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Make a big batch and freeze individual portions for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
**The Star Ingredients: Unveiling the Magic**
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about some of the key ingredients that make this soup so special:
* **Chicken:** Cooked and shredded chicken is the heart of this soup. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or poach your own chicken breasts for a fresher flavor. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs also work beautifully, adding extra richness.
* **Chicken Broth:** Use a good quality chicken broth or stock. This forms the base of the soup, so choose one with a rich and flavorful profile. Low-sodium broth is recommended so you can control the salt level.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** Canned diced tomatoes provide essential acidity and texture. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky depth of flavor that elevates the soup.
* **Black Beans:** Canned black beans add a hearty and creamy element. Rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
* **Corn:** Canned or frozen corn contributes sweetness and texture. Roasted corn kernels add a wonderful smoky flavor.
* **Green Chiles:** Canned diced green chiles provide a mild heat and distinctive Southwestern flavor. Choose mild or hot depending on your preference.
* **Onion and Garlic:** These aromatics form the foundation of the flavor profile. Sauté them until softened and fragrant.
* **Spices:** The magic is in the spice blend! Cumin, chili powder, oregano, and a touch of cayenne pepper (optional) create that signature Chick-fil-A flavor.
* **Tortilla Strips:** Crispy tortilla strips are a must-have topping. You can buy pre-made tortilla strips or make your own by cutting corn tortillas into strips and baking or frying them until golden brown and crispy.
* **Cream Cheese (Optional):** A dollop of cream cheese adds richness and creaminess, mimicking the subtle richness found in the Chick-fil-A version. Many variations and imitations of the original recipe includes this ingredient.
**The Ultimate Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe**
Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s the step-by-step guide to recreating that beloved soup:
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional, adds a slightly sweeter flavor, but is not in the official Chick-fil-A recipe)
* 4 cups cooked and shredded chicken (about 1.5-2 pounds)
* 6 cups chicken broth
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained (Rotel is a popular brand)
* 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained (or 1.5 cups frozen corn)
* 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles, undrained
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 ounces cream cheese, softened (optional)
**Toppings (Suggestions):**
* Tortilla strips
* Shredded cheddar cheese
* Sour cream or Greek yogurt
* Avocado, diced
* Cilantro, chopped
* Lime wedges
* Jalapeño slices
**Equipment:**
* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
**Instructions:**
1. **Sauté the Aromatics:** Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. **Add the Chicken and Broth:** Stir in the shredded chicken and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
3. **Incorporate the Remaining Ingredients:** Add the diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes and green chiles (Rotel), black beans, corn, diced green chiles, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine.
4. **Simmer the Soup:** Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will become. Stir occasionally.
5. **Add Cream Cheese (Optional):** If using cream cheese, stir it into the soup during the last 5 minutes of simmering until it is fully melted and incorporated. This will add richness and creaminess to the soup.
6. **Season to Taste:** Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the canned ingredients already contain some salt, so start with a small amount and add more as needed.
7. **Serve and Garnish:** Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as tortilla strips, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges.
**Tips and Tricks for Soup Perfection**
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of your soup will be. Opt for good quality chicken broth, canned tomatoes, and spices.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** If you’re poaching your own chicken, be careful not to overcook it, as it will become dry and tough. Poach until just cooked through, then shred.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a small amount of cayenne pepper and add more to taste. You can also use mild diced green chiles instead of hot.
* **Blend for a Creamier Texture:** If you prefer a creamier soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before serving. Be careful not to over-blend, as you want to retain some texture.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra beans or vegetables to make it heartier.
* **Add Extra Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as chopped carrots, celery, or zucchini. Add them along with the onion and garlic.
* **Toast the Spices:** For a deeper, more complex flavor, toast the cumin, chili powder, and oregano in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the soup. Be careful not to burn them.
* **Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes:** Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup. If you can’t find fire-roasted tomatoes, you can roast regular diced tomatoes in the oven for a similar effect.
* **Make Your Own Tortilla Strips:** For the freshest and most flavorful tortilla strips, make your own by cutting corn tortillas into strips and baking or frying them until golden brown and crispy. Toss them with a little salt and chili powder for extra flavor.
* **Let it Rest:** Like many soups and stews, this chicken tortilla soup tastes even better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld and develop.
**Variations: Spice It Up (or Down!)**
* **Spicier:** Add more cayenne pepper, use hot diced green chiles, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
* **Milder:** Omit the cayenne pepper and use mild diced green chiles. You can also add a dollop of sour cream to each bowl to cool it down.
* **Smoked:** Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky depth of flavor.
* **Creamier:** Add a can of cream of chicken soup (or a vegetarian equivalent) along with the chicken broth.
* **Chunky:** Add more vegetables, such as chopped carrots, celery, zucchini, or bell peppers.
* **White Chicken Tortilla Soup:** Use great northern beans instead of black beans, and add a can of white corn instead of yellow corn.
* **Instant Pot Version:** This recipe can easily be adapted for the Instant Pot. Sauté the aromatics in the Instant Pot, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then a quick release of any remaining pressure.
* **Slow Cooker Version:** Add all the ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken (if you haven’t already) and stir it back into the soup before serving.
**Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Bowl**
While this soup is delicious on its own, here are some creative ways to serve it:
* **Soup and Salad:** Pair it with a simple green salad or a Southwestern-style salad with corn, black beans, and avocado.
* **Soup and Sandwich:** Serve it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich, a quesadilla, or a panini.
* **Taco Bar:** Set up a taco bar with all the fixings and offer the soup as a side dish.
* **Nacho Topping:** Use the soup as a topping for nachos. Load up tortilla chips with cheese, then ladle the soup over the top and add your favorite toppings.
* **Enchilada Sauce:** Use the soup as a sauce for enchiladas. Pour it over rolled tortillas filled with chicken and cheese, then bake until bubbly.
**Storage and Reheating: Soup Longevity**
* **Storage:** Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
* **Freezing:** This soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw 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 it in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If the soup has thickened too much during storage, add a little chicken broth or water to thin it out.
**Troubleshooting: Soup SOS**
* **Soup is too thick:** Add more chicken broth or water to thin it out.
* **Soup is too thin:** Simmer uncovered for a longer period of time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken it.
* **Soup is too bland:** Add more salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, or cayenne pepper to taste. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
* **Soup is too spicy:** Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to each bowl to cool it down. You can also add a little sugar or honey to balance the heat.
* **Chicken is dry:** If you’re using leftover chicken, add it to the soup during the last 10 minutes of simmering to prevent it from drying out. You can also shred the chicken into smaller pieces.
**Nutritional Information (Approximate)**
(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)
* Calories: Approximately 300-400 per serving
* Protein: 25-35 grams
* Fat: 10-20 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams
**Conclusion: Your Chick-fil-A Soup Journey Begins Now!**
There you have it – the ultimate copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe! Now you can enjoy this comforting and flavorful soup anytime you want, without ever leaving the comfort of your home. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to impress your family and friends with this amazing recipe. Happy cooking (and eating)!
**Don’t forget to rate this recipe and leave a comment below sharing your thoughts and experiences!**