Chick-fil-A Tortilla Soup Recipe

If you’re anything like me, Chick-fil-A’s Tortilla Soup holds a special place in your heart (and stomach). It’s a bowl of comfort-spicy, savory, and just the right amount of richness that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’ve been savoring it on a cold day or you’re just a fan of the vibrant flavors, it’s a dish that many can’t seem to get enough of. The good news? You can make this delicious soup right in your own kitchen!

Today, we’re going to dive into the Chick-fil-A Tortilla Soup Recipe, breaking down the process from A to Z. I’m going to walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, ingredient insights, expert tips, and even some variations you can try to make it your own.

Trust me, by the end of this, you’ll be craving a bowl of homemade tortilla soup that’s every bit as good as what you’d get at the restaurant. So, let’s get started!

Chick-fil-A Tortilla Soup Recipe

Chick-fil-A’s Tortilla Soup is a creamy, spicy, and hearty soup loaded with tender chicken, zesty tomatoes, black beans, corn, and crispy tortilla strips. It’s finished off with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and a squeeze of lime. It’s everything you want in a soup and more, with the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Here’s how to recreate this dish at home!

Ingredients Needed

For a rich, creamy Chick-fil-A-inspired Tortilla Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken Breast (or rotisserie chicken) – About 2 cups, cooked and shredded. Rotisserie chicken works beautifully because it adds a depth of flavor without much effort.
• Olive Oil – For sautéing the veggies and adding a little richness.
• Yellow Onion – 1 medium-sized, finely chopped, for flavor depth.
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced, to add that aromatic kick.
• Tomatoes – 2 medium-sized, chopped, or 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes are always great, but canned ones work perfectly too.
• Corn – 1 cup, either frozen or fresh. It adds a slight sweetness and a pop of texture.
• Black Beans – 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed. They provide an earthy taste and a creamy consistency when cooked.
• Chicken Broth – 4 cups, preferably low-sodium to control the salt content.
• Heavy Cream – ½ cup. This is the ingredient that makes the soup luscious and rich. No substitutes here!
• Cilantro – A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped, for that final burst of freshness.
• Tortilla Strips – Either store-bought or homemade (fried or baked). These are essential for adding crunch and texture to the soup.
• Lime – 1, cut into wedges. A squeeze of lime at the end balances out the richness and adds some acidity to the soup.
• Shredded Cheese – ½ cup of a good melting cheese, like cheddar or a Mexican blend.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we’ve got everything lined up, let’s get cooking! Here’s the step-by-step breakdown of the process:

1. Prepare The Chicken

   • If you’re using chicken breasts, cook them through (either by baking or pan-searing), then shred them. Alternatively, for ease, you can use rotisserie chicken. Set it aside.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Combine The Base Ingredients

   • To the pot, add the chopped tomatoes, corn, black beans, and chicken broth. Stir it all together.
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat and let it cook for 10-15 minutes to blend the flavors.

4. Add The Creaminess

   • Once the base has simmered, stir in the heavy cream and shredded chicken.
   • Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the soup to thicken slightly.

5. Finishing Touches

   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or any other spices to your liking.
   • Stir in the chopped cilantro for a burst of fresh flavor.
   • For extra zest, squeeze a wedge of lime over the top before serving.

6. Serve And Garnish

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. You can also add extra cilantro if you like more freshness.

Ingredient Insights

Here’s a little more about some of the key ingredients that make this soup so mouthwatering:

• Tortilla Strips: These provide the necessary crunch that contrasts with the creamy texture of the soup. You can buy them pre-made, or you can slice tortillas into thin strips and bake them for a homemade touch. Just toss them in olive oil and bake them at 400°F for about 10 minutes until golden and crispy.
• Heavy Cream: The heavy cream is what sets this soup apart from standard broths and gives it that rich, velvety feel. It’s what transforms a simple soup into something luxurious and comforting. Don’t skip it unless you’re looking for a lighter version (in that case, half-and-half works as a substitute, but it won’t be quite as creamy).
• Cilantro and Lime: The cilantro brings a fresh herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the cream, while lime provides a touch of acidity to balance out the flavors. These elements are essential for that Chick-fil-A-like finish!

Expert Tips

• Make it Spicy: If you want to spice things up, add a diced jalapeño pepper to the onions when you’re sautéing them. You can also use a dash of cayenne pepper or a spoonful of hot sauce in the final simmer.
• Perfect Chicken: If you’re using raw chicken breasts, make sure not to overcook them, as they can become tough. Shred the chicken finely so it integrates well into the soup, giving every spoonful a bit of tender chicken.
• Freezer-Friendly: This soup can be made ahead and frozen for later. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container, and when reheating, stir in a little extra broth or cream to bring it back to life.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and opt for more beans or roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes and zucchini for a filling vegetarian alternative. You could also add a bit of quinoa for extra protein.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick that transforms this soup into something entirely new.
• Low-Carb Option: Instead of tortilla strips, try using crushed pork rinds for a low-carb, crispy topping. You could also replace the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.

Final Words

The Chick-fil-A Tortilla Soup is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for those colder days when you need something hearty and comforting. But it’s also great when you’re just craving a bit of spice and warmth. Whether you stick to the classic version or make your own twists, this recipe is one that you can personalize to your liking.