There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of soup on a chilly day, and this copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe delivers all the warm, flavorful goodness you crave. Imagine savoring a creamy, rich, and perfectly seasoned soup, packed with tender chicken and hearty beans.
Inspired by the original, this recipe captures the essence of the restaurant favorite but is surprisingly easy to make at home. For a similar comfort food meal, you could also enjoy our Lasagna Soup recipe!
Get ready to impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality soup that’s guaranteed to become a new weeknight staple. Let’s dive into the details!
Quick Overview: Your Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup
Want to get straight to the heart of this copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe? This section provides a quick snapshot of what you need to know to get started.
Key Details at a Glance
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Servings: 8-10.
The Simple Steps
- Sauté onion and garlic.
- Stir in spices.
- Puree two cans of cannellini beans.
- Combine all ingredients and simmer.
- Stir in lime juice and serve with tortilla strips.
Now, let’s dive into some expert tips to really make this soup shine!
Unlock Flavor: Expert Tips for Your Best Tortilla Soup
Want to take your copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup to the next level? These expert tips will help you build layers of flavor and achieve restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.
Choosing & Preparing Your Star Ingredients
Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is the ultimate shortcut. The pre-cooked bird saves time and adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. Simply remove the meat from the bones and shred it.
When it comes to aromatics, white onion and garlic are essential. They create the foundation for the soup’s savory profile.
For the canned goods, reach for Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies to give a little kick. Cream-style corn adds sweetness and thickens the soup, while whole kernel corn contributes texture and sweetness.
Building a Rich Flavor Base
Pro-Tip: don’t drain the liquid from the canned beans and corn. That liquid is packed with flavor and starch, which will enhance the soup’s body and overall richness.
For an extra creamy texture, puree two cans of the cannellini beans before adding them to the pot. This creates a velvety base that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
Boosting and Balancing Flavors
Cumin, oregano, and salt are the key spices. They add warmth and earthiness to the soup.
A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end is essential for brightening the flavors and adding a touch of acidity. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed to achieve the perfect balance.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of chili powder or taco seasoning. This is especially helpful if you want to customize the spice level.
Now that you have these tips, let’s get cooking. The next section provides step-by-step instructions to help you make this dish.
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients and absorbed those crucial expert tips, it’s time to bring this copycat Chick-fil-A chicken tortilla soup to life! Follow these straightforward steps for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add 1 medium chopped white onion and 2 minced garlic cloves; sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
Step 2: Stir in Spices
Introduce the warm spice notes that define this soup. Stir in 2 teaspoons of cumin, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to the sautéed aromatics.
Stir constantly for about 30 seconds, allowing the spices to bloom and release their flavors, creating a fragrant base for the soup.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Base
For that signature creamy texture, puree 2 cans of cannellini beans in a blender until smooth. As discussed in our expert tips, do not drain the liquid; this helps achieve the desired consistency and adds depth of flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Now it’s time to build the heart of the soup. Add the pureed beans, the remaining 15-ounce can of cannellini beans (undrained), 2 undrained 10-ounce cans of diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), 1 undrained 15-ounce can of cream-style corn, 1 undrained 15-ounce can of whole kernel corn, 1 undrained 15-ounce can of black beans, and approximately 4 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken to the pot.
Remember, it’s crucial not to drain any of the canned ingredients; the liquid is essential for both flavor and texture.
Stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Let the soup simmer over medium heat until it’s heated through, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Stir in the juice of 1 lime to add brightness and balance the flavors. Season with salt to taste; remember that the canned ingredients already contain some salt, so add gradually.
Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like tortilla strips or chips. For a similar comfort food meal, you could also enjoy our lasagna soup recipe.
With your soup ready to serve, let’s explore some creative variations and toppings to elevate your culinary creation even further.
Elevate Your Soup: Toppings & Variations
Take your copycat Chick-fil-A chicken tortilla soup to the next level with a variety of delicious toppings and creative twists. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also allow for a personalized touch that will impress your family and friends.
The Ultimate Toppings Bar
A toppings bar is a fantastic way to let everyone customize their own bowl. Offer a variety of textures and flavors to complement the soup’s base.
Consider including creamy avocado, tangy sour cream, and shredded cheese for richness. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness, while crispy tortilla strips provide a satisfying crunch.
Speaking of tortilla strips, why not make your own? Learn how to make the perfect homemade tortilla strips to top your soup. For a quick appetizer, try our…
Delicious Twists and Ingredient Swaps
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique version of this soup. During the holidays, using leftover turkey instead of chicken offers a festive twist.
For an extra kick, add a teaspoon of chili powder or taco seasoning to the soup while it simmers. If you’re watching your sodium intake, use low-sodium canned goods and adjust the salt accordingly.
With these toppings and variations, you can tailor this soup to your exact preferences. Next, let’s ensure your soup remains delicious with proper storage techniques.
Soup Storage Savvy: Keeping it Delicious
Knowing how to properly store and reheat your copycat Chick-fil-A chicken tortilla soup ensures you can enjoy its comforting flavors for days to come. Let’s explore the best methods to keep your soup tasting its best, addressing both refrigeration and freezing.
Storing Leftovers in the Fridge
Allow the soup to cool slightly before transferring it to airtight containers. This helps prevent condensation from forming, which can affect the soup’s texture and flavor.
Properly stored in the refrigerator, your chicken tortilla soup will stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days.
Reheating for Maximum Flavor
For the best taste and texture, reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
If you’re short on time, the microwave is also a viable option. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
If the soup seems too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Can You Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup, though the texture of the vegetables may change slightly.
To minimize texture changes, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some headspace in the container, as the soup will expand as it freezes.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed above. Now that you know how to store this soup, let’s explore some creative variations.
What does Chick-fil-A’s tortilla soup have in it?
This copycat recipe features shredded chicken, cannellini beans, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream-style corn, and whole kernel corn, simmered in a flavorful broth.
What is the secret ingredient in Chicken Tortilla Soup?
While there’s no single ‘secret’ ingredient, the combination of undrained canned beans and corn, along with the creamy texture from pureed cannellini beans, creates a rich and deeply flavorful soup base.
Is Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup healthy?
This soup is packed with protein and fiber from beans and chicken, making it a satisfying meal. Using low-sodium ingredients can further enhance its health profile.
Can I customize Chick-fil-A’s tortilla soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add extra chili powder or taco seasoning for more spice, or use leftover turkey. Toppings like avocado, cheese, and sour cream also offer great customization.
Did You Make This Delicious Soup?
We’re so excited for you to try this copycat Chick-fil-A chicken tortilla soup recipe! Now it’s your turn to share your experience.
Leave a rating and comment below to let us know how it turned out. Your feedback helps other home cooks discover and enjoy this amazing soup. Happy cooking!
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Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup
Equipment
- Large pot
- Blender
Ingredients
For Sautéing
- 1 tablespoon Canola oil
- 1 medium White onion chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
Spices
- 2 teaspoons Cumin
- 2 teaspoons Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
Creamy Base
- 2 cans Cannellini beans pureed until smooth (do not drain)
Main Soup Ingredients
- 1 15-ounce can Cannellini beans undrained
- 2 10-ounce cans Diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel) undrained
- 1 15-ounce can Cream-style corn undrained
- 1 15-ounce can Whole kernel corn undrained
- 1 15-ounce can Black beans undrained
- 4 cups Shredded rotisserie chicken
Finishing Touches
- 1 Lime juice of
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add 1 medium chopped white onion and 2 minced garlic cloves; sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
Step 2: Stir in Spices
- Introduce the warm spice notes that define this soup. Stir in 2 teaspoons of cumin, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to the sautéed aromatics.
- Stir constantly for about 30 seconds, allowing the spices to bloom and release their flavors, creating a fragrant base for the soup.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Base
- For that signature creamy texture, puree 2 cans of cannellini beans in a blender until smooth. As discussed in our expert tips, do not drain the liquid; this helps achieve the desired consistency and adds depth of flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
- Now it's time to build the heart of the soup. Add the pureed beans, the remaining 15-ounce can of cannellini beans (undrained), 2 undrained 10-ounce cans of diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), 1 undrained 15-ounce can of cream-style corn, 1 undrained 15-ounce can of whole kernel corn, 1 undrained 15-ounce can of black beans, and approximately 4 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken to the pot.
- Remember, it's crucial not to drain any of the canned ingredients; the liquid is essential for both flavor and texture.
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Let the soup simmer over medium heat until it's heated through, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Stir in the juice of 1 lime to add brightness and balance the flavors. Season with salt to taste; remember that the canned ingredients already contain some salt, so add gradually.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like tortilla strips or chips. For a similar comfort food meal, you could also enjoy our lasagna soup recipe.
Notes
For an extra creamy texture, puree two cans of the cannellini beans before adding them to the pot. This creates a velvety base that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
Pro-Tip: don't drain the liquid from the canned beans and corn. That liquid is packed with flavor and starch, which will enhance the soup's body and overall richness.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of chili powder or taco seasoning. This is especially helpful if you want to customize the spice level.
Properly stored in the refrigerator, your chicken tortilla soup will stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days.
If the soup seems too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
To minimize texture changes when freezing, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some headspace in the container, as the soup will expand as it freezes.