Chicken Tortilla Soup Panera Recipe

Chicken Tortilla Soup has earned a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of soup lovers around the world, and for good reason. This dish is a comforting mix of tender chicken, rich broth, and vibrant, flavorful ingredients. One of the most famous places to enjoy a hearty bowl of this soup is Panera Bread, where they’ve mastered the art of combining savory and spicy notes in a way that leaves you craving more. In this guide, we’ll dive into the steps and ingredients needed to recreate this beloved soup at home, offering an in-depth look at the recipe, cooking instructions, and even some pro tips for making your version just as good (if not better!).

Ready to roll up your sleeves and get cooking? Let’s jump right in.

Chicken Tortilla Soup Panera Recipe

Recreating Panera Bread’s famous Chicken Tortilla Soup in your own kitchen is easier than you might think! It’s a perfect blend of creamy, zesty, and slightly spicy, with the richness of the chicken and a crunchy surprise from the tortilla strips. Whether you’re planning to serve it for dinner or impress guests at a casual gathering, this soup will surely steal the show.

Here’s a simplified version of the Panera recipe, which includes all the key elements without being overly complicated.

Ingredients Needed

To get started, here’s everything you’ll need to gather for the perfect bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup:

• Chicken breasts (boneless and skinless) – The base of this soup is, of course, chicken, and boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for both flavor and ease of shredding.
• Olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables and bringing out the flavors.
• Onion – A classic flavor base that’ll give depth to your broth.
• Garlic – Adds that rich, aromatic punch.
• Canned diced tomatoes – You can’t have tortilla soup without the rich, tangy base that tomatoes bring.
• Chicken broth – A must for a comforting and flavorful soup. Low-sodium is a great option if you’re watching your salt intake.
• Corn kernels – Adds a touch of sweetness and texture.
• Chopped green chilies – For just the right level of heat without being overpowering.
• Cumin and chili powder – Essential spices to bring out the depth and smokiness of the soup.
• Lime juice – For a bright and zesty finish.
• Tortilla strips – These provide the signature crunchy topping that makes tortilla soup so special.
• Cilantro – A fresh herb that adds brightness and balance.
• Sour cream – A creamy addition to cool down the heat and add richness.
• Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) – For a melted, cheesy finish that takes the soup to the next level.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we’ve got all the ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! The beauty of this recipe is that it’s straightforward but packed with flavor. Here’s a detailed step-by-step:

1. Prepare The Chicken

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a dash of cumin and chili powder. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the pot and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden and fully cooked through.
   • Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to rest for a few minutes. Then, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

2. Cook The Vegetables

   • In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed and sauté chopped onions and garlic until softened and fragrant-about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the canned diced tomatoes (with juice), corn kernels, green chilies, and spices (cumin and chili powder). Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

3. Add The Broth

   • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to intensify.

4. Shred And Add The Chicken

   • Add the shredded chicken back into the soup. Give it a good stir to combine, and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.

5. Finish With Lime Juice

   • Just before serving, squeeze in some fresh lime juice to brighten up the flavors.

6. Prepare The Toppings

   • While the soup simmers, prepare your tortilla strips. You can buy pre-made tortilla strips, or if you’re feeling ambitious, fry some corn tortillas in a bit of oil and slice them into thin strips.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup contributes something special to the overall experience:

• Chicken – The protein in this soup adds richness and sustains the soup’s heartiness.
• Corn kernels – Provide a little sweetness, balancing out the spicy and tangy elements.
• Canned diced tomatoes – Essential for creating the depth of flavor and adding acidity to cut through the richness of the chicken and broth.
• Chili powder and cumin – These spices are the soul of this soup, bringing heat and warmth that deepen the flavor profile.
• Tortilla strips – Not just a garnish! They offer a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth broth.

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip the lime juice: It may seem like a small detail, but the acidity from fresh lime juice really brightens the soup and balances out the spices. You can even add more lime juice to taste if you like things tangier!
• Use rotisserie chicken: If you’re short on time, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a total game-changer. It’s flavorful, tender, and can be shredded in minutes.
• Add heat slowly: If you’re not sure how spicy you want it, start with a small amount of green chilies and chili powder. You can always add more, but it’s harder to dial it back once it’s in the pot.
• Make it creamy: For a creamier version, stir in a bit of heavy cream or even half-and-half at the end of cooking.

Recipe Variations

One of the best parts about Chicken Tortilla Soup is how versatile it can be. Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Spicy version: If you love a kick of heat, add some diced jalapeños or use a hot salsa instead of regular green chilies.
• Vegetarian version: Swap the chicken for black beans, pinto beans, or even tofu to make a plant-based version. You’ll still get that savory depth of flavor from the tomatoes and spices.
• Cheesy version: For a more indulgent soup, add extra shredded cheese into the soup as it’s cooking, or top each bowl with more cheese before serving. It’s like a melted cheese blanket on top of your soup!
• Avocado topping: For added creaminess, garnish with fresh avocado slices. It adds a cool, buttery element that pairs wonderfully with the soup’s spicy notes.

Final Words

Chicken Tortilla Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s bold, flavorful, and perfect for cozy nights in or casual gatherings. The best part? It’s completely customizable, so you can adjust the spice levels, texture, and toppings to suit your preferences. Whether you make it just like Panera or experiment with some of the variations above, this recipe will always be a hit.