Chevy’s Tortilla Soup has become a beloved comfort food for many, bringing together a savory combination of broth, seasoned chicken, crispy tortilla strips, and a medley of flavorful toppings. Whether you’re looking for a warm dish to chase away the chill on a cold evening or a meal that satisfies your cravings for something savory and hearty, this tortilla soup is the perfect choice.
Chevy’s restaurant chain has earned quite the reputation for this soup, and it’s not hard to see why. The combination of ingredients in this recipe creates an incredibly satisfying flavor profile that’s a little bit tangy, a little bit spicy, and just the right balance of salty. As you sip from the bowl, you’ll feel the warmth radiating through your body, and the crispy tortilla strips provide the ideal contrast to the smooth, rich broth.
This version of Chevy’s Tortilla Soup is a closer look at how to recreate that iconic flavor at home. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet delicious enough to impress your guests at a gathering. Let’s dive into the details!
Chevys Tortilla Soup Recipe
A fusion of zesty flavors and comforting textures, Chevy’s Tortilla Soup is more than just a bowl of soup-it’s an experience. Here’s how to make it at home.
Ingredients Needed
For this recipe, you’ll want a good mix of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Don’t worry; it’s all fairly accessible! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Breasts (boneless and skinless) – This will be the base of your soup and the main protein. You can also substitute with rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
- Olive Oil – For sautéing the vegetables and chicken.
- Yellow Onion – A good onion adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Garlic – For that lovely aromatic kick that enhances all the flavors.
- Diced Tomatoes (with juice) – Adds a slight tang and depth to the soup’s base.
- Chicken Broth – The foundation of the soup’s liquid, making it rich and flavorful.
- Taco Seasoning – This blend of spices is what gives the soup its signature Tex-Mex flavor.
- Chili Powder – A little spice to balance the richness.
- Cumin – A warm, earthy spice that brings everything together.
- Corn Kernels – For a touch of sweetness and texture.
- Tortilla Chips – Crumbled to make crispy toppings that will soak up the broth while adding crunch.
- Cilantro – Fresh cilantro will garnish the soup, adding a burst of fresh flavor.
- Lime – For squeezing over the top for a refreshing tang.
- Sour Cream (optional) – For a creamy finish.
Cooking Instructions
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Prepare The Chicken
- Start by cooking your chicken breasts. You can either poach them in the broth or pan-fry them in olive oil. Poaching will give a more delicate, tender texture, while pan-frying adds a slight crispness to the exterior.
- Once cooked through, shred the chicken using two forks and set it aside.
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Cook The Vegetables
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add The Liquids
- Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, followed by the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Season The Soup
- Stir in the taco seasoning, chili powder, and cumin. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like a bit more heat, add some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
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Simmer And Add The Chicken
- Add the shredded chicken and corn kernels into the pot, stirring to combine. Let it all simmer together for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Prepare The Tortilla Strips
- While the soup is simmering, take a handful of tortilla chips and crush them into small pieces. You can also fry your own tortilla strips for an extra crispy texture. Set them aside.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crushed tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. For extra creaminess, add a dollop of sour cream on top.
Ingredient Insights
- Chicken Breasts: The chicken is the star of the soup, so using high-quality meat makes a huge difference in taste. Poaching the chicken in the broth adds flavor to the chicken itself and helps it stay moist.
- Taco Seasoning: This is an essential ingredient to get that signature Tex-Mex flavor. The blend of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika creates the perfect seasoning base.
- Corn Kernels: Sweet corn adds a natural sweetness that balances the heat and acidity in the soup. Frozen corn works just as well as fresh.
- Tortilla Chips: The chips act as a vessel for the broth, and their crispiness contrasts beautifully with the smooth texture of the soup. You can also use fried tortilla strips for more texture and flavor.
Expert Tips
- Shredded Chicken: For the best texture, use rotisserie chicken. It’s quick, easy, and infuses the soup with even more flavor from the seasoning of the chicken itself.
- Customize Your Broth: You can replace half of the chicken broth with tomato juice for a slightly tangier base. You can also throw in some chipotle peppers for a smoky flavor boost.
- Make It Spicy: If you love a little extra heat, dice up a jalapeño or two and add them with the onions. If you want a milder version, remove the seeds from the jalapeño before adding.
- Top with Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese, such as cheddar or a Mexican blend, melts beautifully on top of the hot soup.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use a vegetable broth base. Add beans (black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans) and extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Spicy Tortilla Soup: If you’re a heat lover, use chipotle in adobo sauce or add extra chili powder to the base. You can also serve it with sliced jalapeños on top for an extra spicy kick.
- Creamy Tortilla Soup: For a creamy variation, add heavy cream or half-and-half into the broth as it simmers, making the texture richer and smoother.
Final Words
Making Chevy’s Tortilla Soup at home is surprisingly simple and results in a dish that rivals restaurant-quality flavor. The key to perfecting this soup lies in balancing the spices, letting the chicken soak in the broth, and topping it with the crunch of tortilla chips and a bit of fresh lime. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a comforting solo meal, this soup has all the elements of a satisfying, flavor-packed dish.