It’s officially spring, but the weather has been a little uncooperative this year! It’s still so chilly in the Philadelphia area. Although I’m looking forward to the warmer weather, more chilly weather does means at least one good thing: I can still enjoy my soup!
A few weeks ago, I tried Chick-fil-A’s tortilla soup for the first time. I believe it’s a limited time item? I’ve tasted other tortilla soups and have to say that I wasn’t a big fan so I didn’t have really high hopes. I was pleasantly surprised! Their version is much creamier than other versions I’ve tried and it is spicy without being too spicy. It’s also heavy on the beans, kind of like a chicken chili – I really enjoyed it. In fact, I enjoyed it so much so that I set out to recreate the soup at home, especially since I’m trying to add more fiber rich foods to my diet.
I didn’t have much luck finding a copycat recipe online so I created my own version and was really happy with the results. I purchased a small bowl from Chick-fil-A to do a side-by-side taste test after my version was finished. My husband also tried both versions and was very complimentary.
Although they tasted quite similar, the homemade soup was much more flavorful and had a much “fresher” taste compared to the fast food version. I suppose that shouldn’t be surprising.
This soup is comfort food that’s actually healthy. Yay! Now, that’s definitely a good thing!
Although I opted to eat the soup plain, it would be even better topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and/or tortilla strips.
chicken tortilla soup
Ingredients
- White beans (Northern or Navy), 32 ounces (2 cans), drained and rinsed
- Black beans , 1 cup (about 1/2 can) drained and rinsed
- Corn , 1 cup (about 1/2 can)
- Green chili peppers , diced (1 small 4.5 ounce can)
- Chicken broth , 3 to 4 cups
- Red bell pepper , 1/2 large, finely diced
- Celery , 1 medium stick, finely diced
- Onion , 1 medium, finely diced
- Garlic , 2 cloves finely minced (or 2 teaspoons garlic powder)
- Canola oil , 2 tablespoons
- Sour cream , 4 tablespoons
- Corn flour (Masa - see photo), 4 tablespoons
- Salt , 1 teaspoon or to taste
- Chili powder , 2 tablespoons
- Cumin , 1 tablespoon
- Fresh lemon juice , 2 tablespoons
- Chicken , 2 small breasts, cooked and shredded
- Tortilla chips , optional to serve
Instructions
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In a large dutch oven, heat canola oil over medium high heat and add onion, celery and garlic and heat until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes
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Add white beans, black beans, corn, green chilis, bell pepper, and chicken broth to the pot and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally
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Add sour cream and continue heating for 1 minute
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Add corn flour, salt, chili powder, cumin, and lemon juice and continue heating for 15 minutes
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Check seasonings, adding more if needed.
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Add shredded chicken and continue cooking until chicken is heated, about 2 more minutes
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Serve with tortilla strips/chips (optional)
Recipe Notes
This soup does not freeze well (if gets very gritty when defrosted); if you'd like to freeze, leave out the corn flour and add it when you rewarm the soup.
Most excellent recipe.
Thank you!
I LOVE this soup!! Pretty darn close to Chick-fil-a’s. This recipe is definitely a keeper
We had a CFA open near us in Dec. and I tried their Tortilla Soup and I was in love. I stop there every week at least once a week to have this soup. So I decided I have to make it. Went online and found several recipes and yours seems like the closest to the real thing and after reading the reviews, I will definitely be using your recipe.
Made this the other day and it was delicious! Followed recipe with just a little extra spice. Will definitely be making again, thanks for a great recipe!
Thanks, Kristee! We have been having cold weather – perfect time for this soup.
This is my favorite copycat recipe. All of the others I have tried have been a pinterest fail, but this one is my favorite thing that I cook ever! My husband even likes it and he doesn’t eat soup!
You hit it out of the park with this recipe! Perfection! We have a Chick fil A here and this taste the same! Thank you for helping me look good in the kitchen.
I, too, am a fan of Chick fil A Tortilla Soup, and look for it every fall, and am disappointed when its gone in the spring ! This recipe is an excellent replica of it. Thanks for sharing !
I love CFA’s chicken tortilla soup and I plan to try this recipe soon! I was wondering why lemon juice instead of lime? Have you ever made it with lime juice? Sorry to question – it’s just that southwestern recipes usually call for the lime. Thoughts appreciated! Thanks!
Hi Rayna – I think lime would be work well, but given the small amount I’m not sure that there’d be a big difference. I used lemon because I usually have them on hand but if you have limes, I’d say go for it!
That makes sense! Thanks so much for responding to my question!
This was so easy to put together and tastes better than Chick Fil A’s version! Thank you!!!