Chicken Tortilla Soup is one of those comfort foods that brings a warm, hearty feeling to every spoonful. It’s packed with layers of flavor: a savory, rich broth, tender chicken, zesty lime, and the crispy crunch of tortillas. This dish strikes the perfect balance between being satisfying enough for a full meal while still light enough for a cozy, casual lunch. What makes Chicken Tortilla Soup even better is how versatile it is, and whether you’re making it for yourself, family, or friends, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
If you’ve ever been to Outback Steakhouse, you might have had a taste of their version of this soup, which is known for being especially flavorful and filling. Today, we’re going to dive deep into recreating that very recipe at home. Let’s break it down step-by-step, so you can enjoy a bowl of this comforting dish in your own kitchen.
Chicken Tortilla Soup Outback Recipe
Outback’s Chicken Tortilla Soup has become somewhat of a fan favorite over the years. It’s a delicious blend of chicken, vegetables, seasonings, and of course, crispy tortilla strips. The soup is subtly spicy but not overwhelming, making it accessible for a wide variety of taste preferences. In addition to the basic ingredients, Outback’s version often includes a delicious topping of shredded cheese, cilantro, and sour cream to balance the heat and add creaminess.
Making the soup from scratch at home means you can adjust the flavors exactly to your liking. Whether you prefer more spice, extra lime, or even more cheese, you’re in complete control. So, let’s walk through how to bring that Outback-inspired goodness into your kitchen.
Ingredients Needed
To make a tasty, comforting Chicken Tortilla Soup like Outback’s, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Don’t worry; nothing too complicated! Here’s a list of what you’ll need to gather:
- Chicken Breast (Boneless & Skinless) – This is the heart of the soup, providing the protein and a delicious base flavor.
- Olive Oil – To sauté the vegetables and chicken.
- Onion – A classic base for any savory dish; it brings sweetness and depth.
- Garlic Cloves – Fresh garlic adds that extra punch of flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes – Adds richness and a slight acidity to balance the broth.
- Green Chilies – For a bit of heat; use diced green chilies from a can for convenience.
- Chicken Broth – The liquid base; you’ll want a good, flavorful broth here.
- Taco Seasoning – A blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and other spices; this is what gives the soup that familiar, bold, Mexican-inspired flavor.
- Corn (Frozen or Canned) – Adds a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.
- Cilantro – Fresh cilantro is essential for garnishing and adding a bright, zesty flavor.
- Lime – A squeeze of lime juice at the end brightens up the soup.
- Tortilla Chips – Crunchy tortilla strips are key to the texture of the soup.
- Shredded Cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack) – A cheesy topping makes the soup extra indulgent.
- Sour Cream – Optional, but it adds creaminess and balances out the heat.
Cooking Instructions
Making Chicken Tortilla Soup is pretty straightforward. You can have this delicious dish ready in about 40-45 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Cook The Chicken
- Heat a bit of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and some taco seasoning.
- Sear the chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
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Prepare The Vegetables
- In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed, and sauté the chopped onion until translucent (about 3 minutes).
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Create The Base
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, green chilies, corn, and remaining taco seasoning.
- Pour in the chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Shred The Chicken
- While the soup simmers, shred the cooked chicken using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
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Combine The Chicken
- Add the shredded chicken back into the soup. Let everything cook together for another 5 minutes.
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Finish The Soup
- Squeeze in fresh lime juice to brighten up the flavors.
- Adjust salt, pepper, and seasoning if needed.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
Ingredient Insights
Now, let’s break down some of the ingredients to understand why they make this soup so good:
- Chicken Breast: It’s lean and mild, but it’s also great at soaking up the flavors from the broth. If you want a richer flavor, you could substitute with chicken thighs, which are more tender and juicy.
- Taco Seasoning: A time-saver, taco seasoning has the perfect mix of spices for this recipe. It gives the soup that smoky, slightly spicy flavor. But if you want to customize it, consider adding more cumin or paprika for a deeper, more complex taste.
- Tortilla Chips: These crunchy pieces not only add texture but also bring a nostalgic, comforting element to the dish. You could also fry your own tortillas for an extra homemade touch.
- Lime: The acidity from lime is essential to balance the richness of the soup. Don’t skip this ingredient-just a squeeze at the end can make all the difference!
Expert Tips
- For More Flavor: Use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. These add extra depth to the broth as the bones impart more flavor while simmering.
- Make It Spicy: If you want to turn up the heat, add a few sliced jalapeños while sautéing the onions, or throw in a couple of extra cans of diced green chilies. You can even toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper for some extra zing.
- Make It Creamier: If you love creamy soups, stir in a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end. This will give the broth a silky texture and a richer flavor.
- Add Extra Veggies: If you’re looking to make the soup even heartier, throw in some diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes. These will add color, nutrition, and a slight sweetness.
- Crispy Tortillas: Don’t just throw regular chips in. Make crispy tortilla strips by cutting corn tortillas into thin strips, frying them, and tossing them with a pinch of salt. The homemade version is always better!
Recipe Variations
Chicken Tortilla Soup is highly versatile, and you can easily make it your own. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for black beans or chickpeas. The beans will soak up the spices and give you that hearty feel, without the meat.
- Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup: Add more chili peppers like jalapeños, serranos, or even a bit of chipotle for a smoky, spicy kick.
- Slow Cooker Option: Instead of cooking it on the stovetop, you can place all the ingredients (except the tortillas and toppings) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the tortillas and toppings just before serving.
- Southwest Chicken Tortilla Soup: Use Southwest-inspired ingredients like black beans, corn, and even a bit of barbecue sauce for a unique twist.
Final Words
Chicken Tortilla Soup is one of those dishes that offers so much comfort and flavor in every bite. Its balance of savory broth, tender chicken, and crunchy tortillas make it a perfect dish for any occasion. And with the Outback-inspired recipe, you can enjoy all of that deliciousness right at home, without waiting in line at a restaurant. The best part? You can tailor it exactly to your taste!
Whether you like it extra spicy, creamy, or loaded with toppings, this recipe gives you the freedom to adjust. And don’t forget the crispy tortilla strips-those are the secret to making this soup feel truly special.