chicken tortilla soup recipe chick fil a
The Best chicken tortilla soup recipe chick fil a
Chicken tortilla soup is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a cold night, and honestly, I’ve made it so many times it’s almost like a second mother to me. There’s something about the way the flavors meld together—bright, tangy, and just a little smoky from the cumin and garlic—that makes it feel like comfort food without being heavy. My kids, especially my two boys who are picky eaters, will eat this soup straight from the pot because it’s simple, familiar, and packed with protein and veggies. It’s not just a meal; it’s something that makes them feel good, and that’s a win in my book. Plus, it’s so versatile. You can make it in big batches and freeze portions for later, or serve it as a starter before a big dinner, and it never disappoints. The tortilla chips at the top? A must. They’re the perfect crunch to cut through the richness of the broth and add that little bit of texture that makes everything better.
I love this recipe because it’s healthy enough to eat every day without feeling like a chore, yet still indulgent enough to feel special on weekends or when we’re hosting a small gathering. The chicken is lean, the tomatoes add natural sweetness and vitamins, and the corn and beans bring in fiber and complex carbs that keep you full. My husband swears by it, too—he always says it’s the only soup he’ll eat when he’s feeling under the weather. And honestly, it’s that kind of soup that makes you feel like you’re doing something good for your body without even thinking about it. It’s the kind of meal that’s easy to customize, too. If you want to make it lighter, you can use less oil or swap out some of the cheese. If you’re feeding a crowd, it stretches beautifully with extra veggies or a splash of broth. And the best part? It’s something you can make ahead and let the flavors meld over time, so it tastes even better the next day. My kids have grown up eating this soup, and I don’t think they’ll ever get tired of it. It’s that kind of recipe that just works.
Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Tortilla Soup
A creamy, flavorful soup inspired by Chick-fil-A, featuring tender shredded chicken, warm tortilla chips, and a rich tomato-based broth. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.
🥘Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chicken milk (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup tortilla chips
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)
👨🍳Directions
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1 Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix chicken broth, water, salt, black pepper, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish, pour the marinade over them, and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
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2 Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). Remove chicken from heat, shred using two forks, and set aside.
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3 In a large stockpot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, and black beans. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
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4 Reduce heat to low, add shredded chicken, corn, and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld.
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5 In a separate saucepan, heat chicken milk over medium heat until slightly warmed. Stir in salt, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Pour the warm milk mixture into the soup and stir well.
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6 Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and let soup cool for a few minutes. Stir in chopped cilantro and green onions.
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7 Divide tortilla chips into bowls. Ladle soup into bowls, top with shredded cheese, and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted. Serve with sour cream, lime wedges, and sliced avocado.
🔧Equipment
- Large stockpot
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
- Blender (optional, for smoother sauce)
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Tortilla Soup Works
This Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe from Chick-fil-A is a no-fuss, hearty dish that’s perfect for any gathering—whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a cozy family dinner. It’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to double or share, so it never disappoints when you need something satisfying without the fuss of complicated cooking. Plus, it’s a great way to bring everyone together around a warm, shareable bowl.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Tortilla Soup
What is the key difference between Chick-fil-A’s Chicken Tortilla Soup and a traditional homemade version?
Chick-fil-A’s Chicken Tortilla Soup uses a house-made broth with a light, slightly sweet, and savory base made with chicken, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, including a proprietary blend that gives it a distinct depth. Unlike many homemade versions, it features fresh, high-quality ingredients like shredded chicken breast (not thighs) and house-made tortillas, which are slightly softer and more tender. The soup also includes a hint of citrus (like lime) and a touch of heat from a mild chili powder, but it avoids heavy cream or excessive spices found in some recipes.
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Why does Chick-fil-A’s soup have a “fresh” or “light” broth compared to other versions?
The broth in Chick-fil-A’s soup is designed to be fresh, balanced, and not overly rich to complement the light, zesty chicken and tortilla elements. Unlike some soups that rely on heavy stock or cream-based bases, Chick-fil-A’s version is simpler yet flavorful, with a focus on bright acidity (from tomatoes and lime) and herbs like cilantro and onion. The broth is also not simmered too long, preserving the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables while avoiding a thick, heavy consistency.
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Can I make Chick-fil-A-style Chicken Tortilla Soup at home with the same taste?
Yes! While exact recipes aren’t publicly disclosed, you can get very close by following these key adjustments: – Use light chicken broth (or a mix of light and dark broth) and add a splash of lime juice (about 1–2 tbsp) for brightness. – Shred the chicken yourself (or use rotisserie chicken) and season lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder (Chick-fil-A’s recipe likely uses a minimal amount). – For the tortilla base, use store-bought corn tortillas (slightly warmed) or homemade, but avoid overcooking them—Chick-fil-A’s tortillas are soft and pliable. – Add fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a small amount of diced onion (about ¼ cup) for depth. – For a creamy texture without heavy cream, blend ½ cup of the soup with ¼ cup of milk or coconut milk and stir back in. – Optional: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne (if you like heat) for a subtle kick, similar to Chick-fil-A’s recipe.
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What’s the secret to the perfect tortilla layer in Chick-fil-A’s soup?
Chick-fil-A’s tortilla layer is light, crispy on the outside, and tender inside—here’s how to achieve that: 1. Use warm, pliable tortillas: Soak store-bought corn tortillas in warm water for 30 seconds before layering to soften slightly. Alternatively, use homemade tortillas that are just cooked (not fully hardened). 2. Layer carefully: Place a single tortilla on top of the soup, without overfilling. The tortilla should rest on the broth like a lid, not be submerged. 3. Press gently: Lightly press the tortilla down (like a lid) to trap steam but don’t press too hard—this prevents it from becoming soggy. 4. Bake or broil for crispiness: After assembling, broil for 1–2 minutes (or bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes) until the edges are golden and crispy. This mimics Chick-fil-A’s quick-fry method for a light, crispy texture. 5. Serve immediately: The tortilla should be crispy but still soft—not overly fried or mushy.
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Does Chick-fil-A’s soup contain any dairy products, and how can I make it dairy-free?
Chick-fil-A’s original Chicken Tortilla Soup does not contain dairy (no cream, cheese, or milk), but the dipping sauce (which comes with it) does. For a true dairy-free version, you can: – Skip the dipping sauce (it’s made with mayo, sour cream, and cheese). – Make a dairy-free broth by using coconut milk or cashew cream (blend soaked cashews with water and a splash of lemon juice) for a creamy alternative. – Use avocado or extra cilantro to add richness instead of dairy. – For the tortilla layer, ensure you’re using dairy-free tortillas (most corn tortillas are safe unless cross-contaminated).
If you want a creamy soup base, blend ½ cup of the soup with ¼ cup of silken tofu or cashew cream and stir back in for a light, dairy-free alternative.
