Craving that warm, comforting, and undeniably delicious Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup? Forget the drive-through lines and the added cost! This copycat recipe brings the restaurant's signature flavors right to your kitchen, making it a simple and satisfying weeknight meal. This healthy and quick dinner idea is perfect for busy families and anyone who loves a flavorful, homemade bowl of goodness.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for even the busiest cooks. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Tortilla chips, for serving
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
- Avocado, diced, for serving
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Restaurant-Quality Soup at Home
Let's get cooking! This recipe is surprisingly easy and comes together quickly:
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Cook the chicken: Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
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Simmer the soup: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
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Add the remaining ingredients: Stir in the black beans, corn, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Serve it up: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings: tortilla chips, shredded cheddar cheese, avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and fresh cilantro (if using).
Tips and Tricks for Soup Perfection
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder soup, omit it entirely.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner.
- Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred it and add it to the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for extra nutrition and flavor.
Variations: Customize Your Bowl
- Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier soup.
- Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup: Add a chopped jalapeño pepper along with the onion for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Chicken Tortilla Soup: Omit the chicken and add 1 cup of cooked quinoa or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
This delicious and easy-to-make Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and best recipes. Enjoy!