Chicken Tortilla Soup Chili’s Recipe

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup, and if you’ve ever had the pleasure of dining at Chili’s, you know how their version stands out with the perfect blend of flavors, textures, and just the right amount of heat. This recipe brings all that goodness right into your own kitchen, so you can whip up a hearty, flavorful bowl whenever you’re in the mood for it.

Chicken Tortilla Soup is essentially a delightful mix of seasoned chicken, a rich tomato-based broth, crisp tortilla strips, and various toppings that elevate the experience. The soup offers a perfect balance between spicy, savory, and a touch of tang, making it a dish that’s comforting yet lively.

Now, we’re going to dive into a Chili’s-inspired Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe, with each step detailed to help you create the same comforting bowl of soup you’d expect from your favorite Tex-Mex restaurant. Along the way, we’ll highlight ingredient insights, expert tips, and some potential recipe variations you can experiment with!

Chicken Tortilla Soup Chili’s Recipe

The essential flavors of this soup revolve around a rich, hearty broth, perfectly seasoned chicken, and crispy tortilla strips that give it the right amount of crunch. The beauty of Chicken Tortilla Soup is in its versatility-you can make it as mild or spicy as you like, and you can top it off with fresh ingredients like avocado, cilantro, and cheese.

What sets the Chili’s version apart is the balance of flavors, the depth of seasoning, and that unforgettable smoky touch from the chipotle peppers.

Ingredients Needed

Let’s break it down: you’ll need a mix of fresh and pantry staples for this recipe, and while most of them are easy to find, each one plays a crucial role in creating that layered taste.

• Chicken Breasts (2-3 Breasts, Boneless, Skinless)

  Chicken breasts provide the lean, protein-packed base for this soup. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience if you’re short on time.

• Olive Oil (for Sautéing)

  Adds a little richness and helps to sauté the aromatics like onions, garlic, and peppers to bring out their natural sweetness and flavor.

• Yellow Onion (1 Medium, Diced)

  The onion gives the soup a soft, slightly sweet flavor that balances the heat from the other ingredients.

• Garlic (3-4 Cloves, Minced)

  Garlic adds that rich, savory undertone that complements the spiciness of the soup perfectly.

• Diced Tomatoes (1 Can, 14.5 Oz)

  Tomatoes form the base of the broth. The acidity from the tomatoes adds brightness and balances the richness of the chicken.

• Chicken Broth (4 Cups)

  The liquid base for your soup-chicken broth helps create a savory, flavorful soup. Opt for low-sodium to control the salt levels.

• Green Chilies (1 Can, 4 Oz, Diced)

  These add a mild heat and a hint of smokiness to the broth, without overwhelming the other flavors.

• Chipotle Peppers In Adobo Sauce (1-2 Peppers, Chopped)

  This is where the signature smoky, spicy kick comes from. You don’t need too much, just a little goes a long way.

• Taco Seasoning (1 Packet)

  The mix of cumin, chili powder, and other spices in the taco seasoning provides depth and complexity to the soup. It’s an easy shortcut to perfect seasoning.

• Lime Juice (from 1 Lime)

  A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end adds acidity, bringing everything together with a fresh, zesty note.

• Tortilla Chips (for Garnish)

  Crunchy tortilla strips are a key element. You can fry them yourself or use store-bought tortilla chips. You’ll crumble them on top for texture and crunch.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 Cup)

  Cheddar is the classic cheese choice here, adding creamy richness to each bite.

• Sour Cream (optional, For Garnish)

  A dollop of sour cream on top helps mellow out the spiciness and gives the soup a luxurious feel.

• Fresh Cilantro (for Garnish)

  Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbal finish that really makes the flavors pop.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get down to the cooking. This recipe is fairly straightforward, but like any good dish, it requires patience and attention to detail.

1. Cook The Chicken

   Start by cooking the chicken breasts. You can pan-sear them or bake them in the oven, whichever you prefer. If pan-searing, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown. Once done, set them aside to cool slightly before shredding.

2. Sauté The Aromatics

   In the same pot (add a little more olive oil if needed), sauté the diced onions over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until they soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn.

3. Prepare The Broth

   Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, green chilies, and chipotle peppers. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

4. Season The Soup

   Stir in the taco seasoning and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more taco seasoning if needed.

5. Shred The Chicken

   While the soup is simmering, use two forks to shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add it to the pot and let it simmer in the broth for another 10 minutes.

6. Finish With Lime

   Just before serving, squeeze in the lime juice to brighten the flavors. Stir and taste again, adjusting if necessary.

7. Serve And Garnish

   Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla chips, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve hot, and enjoy the savory, zesty goodness!

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this Chicken Tortilla Soup plays a vital role in creating the layers of flavor that make this dish so memorable.

• Chipotle Peppers bring that deep smoky flavor, a key characteristic of Chili’s version. They balance the bright acidity of the tomatoes and the richness of the chicken broth.
• Green Chilies provide a gentle heat without overpowering the dish. They contribute a little tang and an earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Taco Seasoning simplifies the flavor-building process. Instead of measuring out individual spices, the seasoning pack contains a balanced mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Tortilla Chips provide more than just crunch; they absorb the broth slightly, making each spoonful a bit more decadent.

Expert Tips

• Cook The Chicken Ahead Of Time

  To save time, you can cook the chicken the night before or even use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. This will cut down on cooking time significantly.

• Layer The Spices

  If you want to make this soup spicier, feel free to add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or a few extra chipotle peppers. Adjust slowly-too much heat can overpower the soup.

• Make It Creamier

  For a creamier texture, add a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last few minutes of simmering. This adds a smooth, velvety richness to the soup.

• Top It With More Goodies

  Get creative with toppings! Consider adding sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of lime zest to amp up the freshness and flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version

  To make this a vegetarian-friendly dish, swap the chicken for black beans or pinto beans. You could also add roasted vegetables like corn, zucchini, or bell peppers to add texture and flavor.

• Add Corn

  Add some frozen corn kernels to the soup for a touch of sweetness that pairs nicely with the spice. The added texture also gives the soup a heartier feel.

• Slow Cooker Version

  You can adapt this recipe for the slow cooker by adding the raw chicken, broth, tomatoes, chilies, and seasonings to the slow cooker and letting it cook on low for 4-6 hours. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it and return it to the slow cooker. Add the toppings and serve!

Final Words

Chicken Tortilla Soup is the kind of meal that satisfies the soul. Whether you’re looking for something to warm you up on a cold night or just craving a comforting bowl of flavorful goodness, this recipe delivers. The balance of spices, the richness of the chicken broth, and the crunchy tortilla strips create a perfect harmony in every bite. By following the steps and incorporating expert tips, you’ll easily recreate the iconic Chili’s version at home.