Craving that beloved, creamy Chick Fil A Chicken Tortilla Soup but devastated it’s only available for a limited time? You’ve come to the right place. This ultimate copycat recipe captures the exact flavor and comforting texture of the original, allowing you to enjoy this seasonal favorite all year long. We’ve cracked the code to bring you a soup that is rich, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make right in your own kitchen.
This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a ticket to enjoying a restaurant classic without leaving the house. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Why This Chick Fil A Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Works
What makes this copycat recipe stand out is its unwavering commitment to authenticity. We’ve focused on replicating the three key elements that make the Chick-fil-A version so irresistible: the creamy base, the precise blend of spices, and the tender shredded chicken. Unlike other recipes that use flour as a thickener, we use a traditional blend of corn masa and cream cheese to achieve that signature velvety texture. This ensures every spoonful is as rich and satisfying as you remember.
Furthermore, this recipe is designed for home cooks. The instructions are straightforward, and the ingredients are easy to find. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting, you can successfully recreate this iconic Chick Fil A Chicken Tortilla Soup with confidence. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day, and it makes for fantastic leftovers.
The Secret Ingredients for an Authentic Copycat Soup
The magic of this soup lies in its specific combination of ingredients. Each one is chosen to build layers of flavor that perfectly mimic the restaurant classic. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
For the Soup Base
The foundation of our soup starts with classic aromatics like onion, garlic, and celery to build a savory base. We use a combination of chicken broth and a touch of tomato paste for depth. The real secret, however, is using corn masa harina. This special corn flour is what gives the soup its distinct, authentic texture and subtle corn flavor, setting this recipe apart from the rest.
The Chicken and Beans
For the chicken, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked and shredded right in the soup, which infuses the broth with even more flavor. If you’re short on time, a store-bought rotisserie chicken works beautifully. The soup features a hearty mix of navy beans and black beans, adding protein, fiber, and that classic tortilla soup substance. We also include corn, a non-negotiable for that signature Chick-fil-A taste.
For the Creaminess and Spice
To achieve that famously creamy consistency, we stir in a block of softened cream cheese and a splash of heavy cream at the end. This is the key to a rich, luxurious texture without making the soup overly heavy. A blend of chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne provides a gentle, warming heat that’s flavorful but not overwhelmingly spicy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect bowl of copycat Chick Fil A Chicken Tortilla Soup. It’s a straightforward process that yields incredibly delicious results.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Broth: Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cook for one minute to toast the spices. Add the chicken broth, corn masa harina, and sugar, whisking until the masa harina is dissolved.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the drained and rinsed navy beans, black beans, and corn. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened, cubed cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir gently until the cream cheese has completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For a fantastic one-pan meal, you might also love these easy one-pan dinners. They make cleanup just as simple as this soup!
Tips for the Perfect Bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup
To elevate your soup from great to unforgettable, keep these simple tips in mind. They are small adjustments that make a big difference in the final result.
- Use a Rotisserie Chicken: For a super quick version, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the meat and add it in step 5.
- Don’t Boil the Cream: After adding the cream cheese and heavy cream, keep the heat on low and do not let the soup boil. Boiling can cause the dairy to curdle and separate.
- Let it Rest: Like many soups, this Chick Fil A Chicken Tortilla Soup tastes even better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld and deepen overnight.
- Adjust Spice to Taste: This recipe has a mild, family-friendly heat. If you prefer a spicier soup, add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
How to Make Crispy Tortilla Strips
The crunchy tortilla strips are a signature part of this dish. Making them at home is easy and far more delicious than store-bought versions.
Simply slice corn tortillas into thin strips. You can either pan-fry them in a skillet with a little vegetable oil until golden and crisp or bake them. To bake, toss the strips with a light coating of oil and salt, spread them on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until crispy.
Topping and Serving Suggestions
Part of the fun of any tortilla soup is the toppings! Set up a small toppings bar so everyone can customize their own bowl. Some classic and delicious ideas include:
- Freshly made crispy tortilla strips
- Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
- Diced avocado
- Fresh chopped cilantro
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice
*A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
This soup is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a side salad or a cheesy quesadilla, much like our popular ground beef quesadillas recipe.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
This soup makes for excellent leftovers. To store, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Because of the dairy content, freezing can sometimes alter the texture. However, if you need to freeze it, allow it to cool completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the creamy base to separate. Another great soup to try that stores well is our creamy vegetarian gnocchi soup.
Chick Fil A Chicken Tortilla Soup: Your Questions Answered
Absolutely! To adapt this for a slow cooker, add all ingredients except the cream cheese and heavy cream to the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken and return it to the pot, then stir in the softened cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth.
When stored properly in an airtight container, the soup will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often become even better on the second day!
The original Chick-fil-A soup has a very mild level of spice, designed to be flavorful rather than hot. Our copycat recipe mimics this with a gentle heat from chili powder and a pinch of cayenne, making it family-friendly. You can easily adjust the cayenne pepper to increase the spice level if you prefer.
Yes, Chick-fil-A typically offers their Chicken Tortilla Soup as a seasonal menu item during the colder, winter months. That’s the best part about this recipe—you can now make and enjoy it any time of the year!
If you want to substitute heavy cream, you can use half-and-half for a slightly lighter, but still creamy, result. For a non-dairy option, full-fat canned coconut milk can work, but it may impart a subtle coconut flavor to the soup.
Craving More Cozy Soups?
If you loved this recipe, you’re sure to enjoy some of our other comforting soup creations. They’re perfect for any night of the week!
The Best Chick Fil A Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Chick Fil A Chicken Tortilla Soup (The Ultimate Copycat Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cook for one minute to toast the spices. Add the chicken broth, corn masa harina, and sugar, whisking until the masa harina is dissolved.
- Add the chicken breasts to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the drained and rinsed navy beans, black beans, and corn. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened, cubed cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir gently until the cream cheese has completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid boiling after the cream has been added.
Share Your Creation!
We are so excited for you to try this copycat Chick Fil A Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe! It brings all the flavor of the restaurant favorite into your home, ready to be enjoyed whenever the craving strikes. If you make this recipe, please leave a comment below to let us know how it turned out. We love hearing from you! Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite soup board on Pinterest!
