The first chill of autumn in the air always calls for cozy meals that warm the soul, and what could be better than slurping up a hearty bowl of Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup? This dish has been my go-to during those busy weeknights when I want something comforting yet quick to prepare. The bold flavors of garlic, cumin, and chili powder blend together in perfect harmony, making every spoonful a delightful adventure.
As I stood by my kitchen counter, chopping fresh vegetables and inhaling the rich aroma of sautéing onions and peppers, I was transported back to fond memories of family dinners. This soup not only satisfies my cravings for something hearty but also showcases the kind of homemade goodness that fast food simply can’t compete with. With just a handful of ingredients and about 88 minutes, you’ll be able to turn your kitchen into a haven of flavor and warmth. Trust me, this recipe is the perfect solution for anyone tired of the same old weeknight meals!
Why You'll Love This Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup
- This recipe is incredibly easy to make, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful meal without spending all day in the kitchen.
- The combination of spices creates a depth of flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.
- Its versatility means you can easily customize the toppings and ingredients to suit your preferences, making it perfect for any occasion.
- Plus, its vibrant colors and garnishes make for a visually appealing dish that will impress your family and friends, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup Ingredients
For the Soup Base
• Olive oil – essential for sautéing vegetables, giving a rich base flavor.
• Yellow onion, diced – adds sweetness and depth to your soup.
• Celery, diced – provides a crunchy texture and aromatic quality.
• Red bell pepper, diced – introduces sweetness and vibrant color to the mix.
• Cilantro, minced – freshens up the soup with a burst of herbal flavor.
• Garlic, minced – amplifies the soup’s aromatic profile.
• Coarse kosher salt – enhances all the flavors while balancing spices.
• Chili powder – brings a warm, spicy undertone crucial for a zesty taste.
• Ground cumin – adds an earthy, robust flavor that makes every spoonful comforting.
• Cayenne pepper – a pinch elevates the heat just right for spice lovers!
• Tomato paste – thickens the soup and deepens the flavor profile.
For the Broth & Beans
• Reduced sodium chicken broth – serves as the flavorful liquid base and keeps things lighter.
• Green chilies – adds a kick of heat and flavor that truly makes this homemade chick-fil-A chicken tortilla soup shine.
• Sugar – balances the acidity from the tomatoes and brings out the sweetness of the vegetables.
• Navy beans – provides protein, creaminess, and heartiness to the soup.
• Black beans – adds a different texture and nutritional boost to your meal.
• Yellow corn – brings sweetness and a delightful pop of color to the mix.
For the Creamy Touches
• Shredded chicken – makes this soup filling and packs in protein. You can use leftovers or rotisserie chicken too!
• Fine yellow cornmeal – thickens the soup and gives it a unique texture.
• Heavy cream – adds richness for a luxurious finish that turns your soup into a warm hug.
• Sour cream – introduces a tangy flavor which balances the richness.
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice – brightens the soup, making all the flavors pop.
For the Garnish
• Tortilla strips – offers a crunchy contrast that makes each bite exciting.
How to Make Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup
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Heat Oil: Begin by heating the olive oil in a 6-quart heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion, celery, red bell pepper, and minced cilantro, sautéing until soft—about 5 minutes.
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Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic along with chili powder, cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper. Keep stirring constantly to release the fragrant aromas for about 1-2 minutes.
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Incorporate Tomato Paste: Add the tomato paste, mixing it thoroughly with the spices and aromatics. Cook until the color dulls slightly, which should take around 2 minutes.
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Deglaze the Pot: Gradually pour in ¼ to ½ cup of chicken broth, scraping the brown bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon. This adds rich flavor—don’t skip this step!
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Combine Ingredients: Pour in the remaining chicken broth, green chilies, sugar, navy beans, black beans, corn, and shredded chicken. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
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Thicken the Soup: Create a slurry by whisking together 2 tablespoons of fine cornmeal with 3 tablespoons of warm water. Stir this mixture into the soup, ensuring it’s well incorporated.
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Simmer and Adjust: Cover the pot, bring the soup to a boil, and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow it to simmer for 30 minutes, tasting and adjusting the seasonings during the last 15 minutes.
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Finish the Creamy Base: In a separate bowl, mix a bit of the hot broth into the sour cream to temper it, whisking until smooth. Remove the soup from heat and stir in the heavy cream, tempered sour cream, and lemon juice. Taste and make any final adjustments to spices.
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Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle with crunchy tortilla strips for a delightful contrast.
Optional: Top with fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup?
There’s something magical about pairing this vibrant soup with simple sides that enhance its rich flavors and textures.
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Cornbread Muffins: These fluffy muffins are slightly sweet and perfect for soaking up every last drop of soup. They add a delightful texture that complements the heartiness of the dish.
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Fresh Guacamole: Creamy and zesty, guacamole provides a cooling effect against the warm spices in the soup, creating a beautifully balanced bite. Add some crunchy tortilla chips on the side for extra dipping fun!
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Crisp Garden Salad: A salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a citrus vinaigrette brings a refreshing crunch that contrasts the soup’s warmth.
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Spicy Quesadillas: Cheesy and loaded with your favorite fillings, quesadillas bring an additional layer of flavor and comfort, inviting you to savor each delicious spoonful.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc enhances the flavors of the soup while cooling down the spice levels, making for a sophisticated pairing.
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Sour Cream and Jalapeño Spoonfuls: A dollop of sour cream with slices of jalapeño adds a kick, enhancing the overall flavor experience while echoing the creamy elements of the soup.
Each of these pairings brings a unique twist to your meal, ensuring your Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup truly shines!
Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup Variations
Feel free to explore these creative twists to make your soup uniquely yours!
- Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with extra beans and add diced zucchini for a delicious meat-free option.
- Spicy: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat and add excitement to each spoonful.
- Creamy Vegan: Swap heavy cream and sour cream with coconut milk and a vegan yogurt for a rich and plant-based touch.
- Herbaceous: Mix in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of simmering for added greens and a pop of color. Their earthy flavors pair beautifully with the soup’s richness.
- Cheesy: Top with shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese before serving to introduce a melty, indulgent layer that complements the spices.
- Corn-Lime Twist: Add fresh corn off the cob and a splash of lime juice to brighten the flavors while enhancing the sweet taste of corn.
- Protein Boost: Incorporate extra shredded chicken or add cubed tofu for an additional protein kick, making the soup even heartier.
- Smoky Flavor: Mix in diced smoked sausage or bacon for a delicious smoky twist that adds depth and richness to every bowl.
Make Ahead Options
These Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup is a perfect meal prep hero that saves you precious time on busy weeknights! You can chop all your vegetables and sauté them (steps 1 and 2) up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their fresh flavor. Additionally, you can prepare the soup base (steps 3 to 7) ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your soup, simply reheat it on the stove, stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, and lemon juice (step 8), and serve with the crunchy tortilla strips for a comforting, delicious meal that’s just as satisfying as when freshly made!
How to Store and Freeze Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup
Fridge: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.
Freezer: To freeze your soup, pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It keeps well for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth if it thickens too much.
Topping Storage: For best results, store tortilla strips separately at room temperature to maintain their crunch until you’re ready to serve the homemade Chick-fil-A chicken tortilla soup.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making the Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup, ensure your vegetables are diced evenly for consistent cooking and texture throughout the soup.
- Common mistakes include not deglazing the pot properly, which can lead to missed flavor from the browned bits at the bottom.
- Be mindful to incorporate the cornmeal slurry carefully, whisking it thoroughly to avoid clumps in your soup.
- Simmer the soup at a gentle medium-low heat to allow flavors to meld beautifully without overcooking the chicken.
Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting ingredients?
Absolutely! When choosing vegetables, look for firm and fresh options. For bell peppers, go for ones with shiny skin and no dark spots. Onions should feel heavy and have tight outer layers. Fresh cilantro should be bright green and fragrant.
How should I store leftovers and how long do they last?
Very! Store leftover soup in an airtight container and refrigerate it, where it can stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to prevent condensation, which can make the soup watery.
Can I freeze my Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Absolutely! To freeze, ladle the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch at the top for expansion, as liquids can expand when frozen. It’s great for up to 3 months. Just remember to label each container with the date!
How should I reheat the frozen soup?
To reheat, you can thaw the soup overnight in the fridge for even results. Warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to bring back that lovely consistency.
Can I make this soup if I have dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! If you’re gluten-sensitive, just ensure to use gluten-free cornmeal and verify that your chicken broth is gluten-free. For vegetarian options, you can substitute the chicken with additional beans or vegetables and use vegetable broth instead. Just keep an eye on any potential allergens in the ingredients you choose!
What do I do if my soup is too thick?
Very! If your soup turns out thicker than desired, simply add a little extra chicken broth or water to reach your preferred consistency. Stir gently to combine, and keep it simmering for a few minutes to heat through. Remember, the creamy touches like heavy cream and sour cream can thicken it, so adjust accordingly!
Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by heating the olive oil in a 6-quart heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion, celery, red bell pepper, and minced cilantro, sautéing until soft—about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic along with chili powder, cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper. Keep stirring constantly to release the fragrant aromas for about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste, mixing it thoroughly with the spices and aromatics. Cook until the color dulls slightly, which should take around 2 minutes.
- Gradually pour in ¼ to ½ cup of chicken broth, scraping the brown bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon. This adds rich flavor.
- Pour in the remaining chicken broth, green chilies, sugar, navy beans, black beans, corn, and shredded chicken. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Create a slurry by whisking together 2 tablespoons of fine cornmeal with 3 tablespoons of warm water. Stir this mixture into the soup, ensuring it’s well incorporated.
- Cover the pot, bring the soup to a boil, and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow it to simmer for 30 minutes, tasting and adjusting the seasonings during the last 15 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix a bit of the hot broth into the sour cream to temper it, whisking until smooth. Remove the soup from heat and stir in the heavy cream, tempered sour cream, and lemon juice.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle with crunchy tortilla strips for a delightful contrast.
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