Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was designed for its original yield. Ingredient amounts will adjust automatically if scaled, but cooking steps remain the same. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original Yield: 5 servings

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 3 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, divided
• 2 (10-ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Ro*TEL)
• 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn
• 1 (15-ounce) can cream-style corn
• 1 (15-ounce) can seasoned black beans
• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Tri-color tortilla strips, for garnish

Directions

1. In a large stock pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and saut for about 3 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and ground cumin. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to release the flavors.
3. While the onions and spices cook, place 2 cans of cannellini beans in a blender and puree until smooth.
4. Add the pureed beans, the remaining can of cannellini beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, both cans of corn, black beans, and shredded chicken to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the lime juice for a bright finishing touch.
7. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tri-color tortilla strips for added crunch and color.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 869
• Total Fat: 18g (23% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 4g (21% DV)
• Cholesterol: 76mg (25% DV)
• Sodium: 772mg (34% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 128g (47% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 27g (98% DV)
• Total Sugars: 9g
• Protein: 58g (116% DV)
• Vitamin C: 19mg (21% DV)
• Calcium: 319mg (25% DV)
• Iron: 14mg (80% DV)
• Potassium: 2383mg (51% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient information is based on available data and may not be complete for all ingredients.

The Story Behind Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken tortilla soup has its roots in traditional Mexican cuisine, originating in the southern regions of Mexico, particularly in the states of Veracruz and Yucatn. Originally, it was a way for families to use leftover tortillas and combine them with simple ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and broth to create a hearty, warming meal. Over time, the dish evolved into a staple comfort food across Mexico and later gained popularity in the United States, especially in Tex-Mex cuisine. The modern version, like the Chick-fil-A copycat recipe, simplifies preparation while keeping the essence of the original flavors.

Regional Variations

Regional variations of chicken tortilla soup often reflect local ingredients and preferences. In the Yucatn Peninsula, the soup may include achiote for color and subtle spice, along with citrus marinades for the chicken. In northern Mexico, you might find more emphasis on tomatoes, chili peppers, and fried tortilla strips as a garnish. Tex-Mex versions, such as the one popularized by Chick-fil-A, are often creamier and include beans, corn, and mild diced tomatoes for a slightly sweeter, milder flavor suited to broader palates.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Unlike standard chicken soups, chicken tortilla soup features a combination of pureed beans and corn, giving it a thicker texture and slightly sweet undertone. The addition of lime juice at the end distinguishes it from other brothy chicken dishes, adding a refreshing tang. Compared to Mexican pozole or caldo tlalpeo, tortilla soup is less spicy and more accessible to those who prefer milder flavors while still retaining the signature tortilla crispiness and smoky undertones from cumin and oregano.

Where Its Commonly Served

Chicken tortilla soup is versatile in dining settings. In Mexico, it is traditionally served in homes, casual restaurants, and during festive occasions. In the U.S., particularly in chains like Chick-fil-A, it is offered as a seasonal menu item, often during fall and winter, when hearty, warming soups are in demand. It pairs well with quesadillas, fresh tortillas, or a light salad, making it popular both as a lunch or a light dinner option.

Fun and Interesting Facts

• The use of tortilla strips as a garnish originally came from a practical solution to utilize leftover tortillas, which would otherwise go stale.
• Chicken tortilla soup is sometimes topped with avocado, cheese, or sour cream in modern variations, which adds richness and creaminess to the broth.
• In Tex-Mex cuisine, canned ingredients like corn, beans, and diced tomatoes are commonly used to speed up preparation without compromising flavor, which is why the Chick-fil-A copycat recipe is so accessible for home cooks.
• The lime juice added at the end not only brightens the flavor but also preserves the vibrant color of the soup, making it visually appealing.
• This soup has inspired countless regional and restaurant-specific adaptations, from spicy southwestern versions to mild, creamy renditions in chain restaurants.

Overall, chicken tortilla soup is a dish that blends history, regional diversity, and practical home cooking, offering both comfort and flavor in every bowl.

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