Chili’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Copycat Easy Recipe

Are you craving the warm, comforting, and slightly spicy goodness of Chili’s Chicken Tortilla Soup but don’t want to leave the house or spend a fortune at a restaurant? Well, you’re in for a treat! Today, I’ll guide you step by step through creating your own version of this flavorful soup right in your kitchen. Trust me, not only is it super easy, but it also tastes even better when you make it yourself!

Chili’s Chicken Tortilla Soup is a fan favorite for good reason. It’s packed with tender chicken, savory broth, spices, and a delightful crunch from tortilla strips. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner for the family or hosting a cozy gathering, this recipe will bring the spirit of Chili’s to your home without all the hassle. You’ll love how easy it is to make this hearty, mouthwatering soup in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Chili’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Copycat Easy Recipe

Let’s dive into the actual recipe! Here’s a simplified version that keeps the taste spot on, without the restaurant wait. And the best part? You can whip it up in under an hour.

Ingredients Needed

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. Don’t worry, you won’t need anything too fancy, just some fresh, basic items from your kitchen or local grocery store.

Main Ingredients

• Chicken Breast (2 large) – You’ll need cooked, shredded chicken. Chicken breasts are ideal because they cook quickly and shred easily.
• Chicken Broth (4 cups) – This gives the soup its rich base. You can use low-sodium for a lighter version.
• Tomato Soup (1 can, 10 oz) – This adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess to the broth.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz) – For a little texture and more tomato flavor.
• Green Chilies (1 can, 4 oz) – These add that perfect kick of heat.
• Onion (1 medium) – Sautéed onions bring a rich, savory depth to the soup.
• Garlic (3 cloves) – Freshly minced garlic is key to that aromatic base.
• Taco Seasoning (2 tablespoons) – This blend of spices (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, etc.) is what makes the soup so deliciously flavorful.
• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon) – Used to sauté the onions and garlic.
• Cornstarch (2 tablespoons) – To thicken the soup just a bit (optional).
• Tortilla Strips (1 cup) – To top off your soup with that signature crunch.

For Garnishing

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup) – Adds a creamy, melty texture to each spoonful.
• Sour Cream (1/2 cup) – For a cool contrast to the spiciness of the soup.
• Fresh Cilantro (1/4 cup) – Chopped cilantro to bring freshness and color to the dish.
• Lime Wedges – A squeeze of lime right before eating brightens up the flavor!

Cooking Instructions

Here’s the step-by-step breakdown of how to make this mouthwatering soup:

1. Cook The Chicken

   • First, cook your chicken breasts. You can either boil them in water for about 20 minutes or cook them in a skillet with some olive oil until fully cooked through. Once done, shred the chicken using two forks.

2. Prepare The Soup Base

   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
   • Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Build The Flavor

   • Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and become aromatic.
   • Add the diced tomatoes, green chilies, chicken broth, and tomato soup to the pot. Stir everything to combine.

4. Simmer The Soup

   • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. The flavors will meld together beautifully as it simmers. If you want to thicken it, mix the cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the soup. Let it cook for another 5 minutes.

5. Add The Chicken

   • Add your shredded chicken into the pot. Stir it in and let it cook for another 5 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors.

6. Assemble And Serve

   • Once everything is heated through, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with tortilla strips, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Ingredient Insights

• Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is a lean protein that provides a neutral base for the soup, allowing the spices and broth to shine. You can also substitute chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier, richer flavor.
• Tomato Soup & Diced Tomatoes: Combining tomato soup with diced tomatoes gives the soup a creamy yet slightly chunky texture. The sweetness from the tomato soup balances out the spice and acidity from the diced tomatoes.
• Taco Seasoning: This is where the magic happens! The blend of cumin, chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder creates the signature chili flavor that everyone loves.
• Tortilla Strips: The crispy tortilla strips are essential to this soup. They not only add a satisfying crunch but also soak up some of the broth, creating little pockets of flavor with every bite.

Expert Tips

• Shredding the Chicken: If you want to save time, you can use a rotisserie chicken from the store. Just shred it up and throw it in the pot!
• Customize the Spice: If you’re sensitive to heat, you can dial down the green chilies or use mild salsa instead. On the other hand, if you like it hot, toss in some jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Thicken It Up: If you prefer a thicker consistency, let the soup simmer a bit longer to reduce the liquid. Or use cornstarch as a thickener (just be sure to mix it with cold water before adding it to the soup to avoid lumps).
• Make it Creamy: For an extra creamy version, add a splash of heavy cream or a bit of cream cheese towards the end of cooking. It’ll make the soup velvety smooth.

Recipe Variations

While the original recipe is already a winner, here are a few ways you can switch things up to suit your taste or dietary preferences:

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and load up on vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian version.
• Dairy-Free: Omit the cheese and sour cream, and use a dairy-free alternative (like cashew cream or coconut yogurt) for garnish.
• Spicy Version: Add extra heat with sliced jalapeños, a few dashes of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
• Crockpot Option: For an easy, set-it-and-forget-it method, toss all the ingredients into a slow cooker and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the chicken at the end, and finish with your toppings.

Final Words

Chili’s Chicken Tortilla Soup is comfort food at its finest. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor in every spoonful. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick weeknight meal or something to impress your guests, this copycat recipe is a go-to. The blend of spices, the savory broth, the tender chicken, and those crispy tortilla strips-every bite is an absolute delight. Plus, it’s super customizable, so you can make it your own!