I’ve always been a fan of Chili’s Tortilla Soup, and there’s nothing better than savoring its rich, comforting flavors at home. The blend of savory spices, tender chicken, and crispy tortilla strips creates a bowl of goodness that’s perfect for any occasion.
Recreating this beloved dish was a fun challenge, and I’m excited to share my copycat recipe with you. It’s simple to make and captures all the delicious elements that make Chili’s version so special. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly night or impress your family with a tasty meal, this tortilla soup is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Optional Toppings
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
Tools And Equipment
To master this Chili’s Tortilla Soup copycat recipe, I rely on a few essential tools and equipment that make the cooking process seamless and enjoyable:
- Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven
Perfect for simmering all the rich flavors together, ensuring your soup has a consistent texture.
- Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife
Essential for chopping onions, garlic, bell peppers, and other vegetables with precision.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements are key to balancing the spices and ingredients for that authentic taste.
- Wooden Spoon or Ladle
Ideal for stirring the soup without scratching your pot, helping to blend all the ingredients smoothly.
- Can Opener
Necessary for opening canned diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn effortlessly.
- Blender or Immersion Blender (Optional)
If you prefer a creamier texture, blending a portion of the soup can enhance its richness.
- Toppings Bowls
Handy for organizing and serving optional toppings like avocado, cheddar cheese, cilantro, and lime wedges.
With these tools at your disposal, you’ll be well-equipped to recreate this hearty and flavorful tortilla soup right in your kitchen.
Make-Ahead Instructions
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cook the Chicken: Boil or grill the chicken until fully cooked and tender. Shred or dice it, then let it cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. |
| 2 | Chop the Vegetables: Dice the onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Keep them in separate airtight containers or combine them in one container. Refrigerate until ready to use. |
| 3 | Prepare the Soup Base: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions, garlic, and bell peppers until softened. Add spices, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and let the flavors meld. |
| 4 | Store the Soup Base: Allow the soup base to cool to room temperature. Transfer it to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. Label the containers with the date for easy reference. |
| 5 | Reheat and Assemble: When ready to serve, thaw the soup base if frozen. Reheat it in a large pot over medium heat until hot. Stir in the shredded chicken and heat through. Serve with crispy tortilla strips and your favorite toppings like avocado, cheddar cheese, cilantro, and lime wedges. |
Instructions
Recreating Chili’s Tortilla Soup at home is easier than you think. Follow these steps to make a delicious, hearty soup that rivals the original.
Prep The Ingredients
- Chop Vegetables: Dice one medium onion, three cloves garlic, and two bell peppers. Keep the pieces uniform for even cooking.
- Shred Chicken: Take two cups cooked chicken and shred using forks or your hands.
- Measure Spices: Measure two teaspoons cumin, one teaspoon chili powder, and half a teaspoon paprika.
- Prepare Toppings: Slice one avocado, grate one cup cheddar cheese, chop a handful fresh cilantro, and cut lime wedges into halves.
Cook The Soup
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat two tablespoons olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook until vegetables soften, about five minutes.
- Add Spices: Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Cook for another minute until spices release their aroma.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in four cups chicken broth, one can diced tomatoes, one can black beans (drained and rinsed), and one cup corn. Stir well to mix.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat to low and add the shredded chicken. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 20 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer for an additional five minutes.
Garnish And Serve
- Prepare Tortilla Strips: If using store-bought strips, have them ready. To make your own, cut corn tortillas into strips and bake at 350°F for ten minutes until crispy.
- Assemble Bowls: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top with crispy tortilla strips, avocado slices, cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your homemade Chili’s Tortilla Soup while it’s warm and vibrant.
Optional Toppings
Elevate your Chili’s Tortilla Soup with these delicious optional toppings. Each adds a unique flavor and texture that perfectly complements the rich broth.
Avocado
- Preparation: Slice one ripe avocado into thin wedges.
- Usage: Arrange the avocado slices on top of the soup for a creamy and buttery contrast.
Cheddar Cheese
- Preparation: Grate one cup of sharp cheddar cheese.
- Usage: Sprinkle the grated cheese over the hot soup to let it melt slightly, adding a savory depth.
Fresh Cilantro
- Preparation: Chop a handful of fresh cilantro leaves.
- Usage: Scatter the chopped cilantro over the soup to introduce a fresh, herbal note.
Lime Wedges
- Preparation: Cut one lime into wedges.
- Usage: Squeeze a lime wedge over each serving to add a zesty brightness that balances the soup’s richness.
Sour Cream
- Preparation: Have some sour cream ready.
- Usage: Add a dollop of sour cream on top for a tangy and creamy finish.
Crispy Tortilla Strips
- Preparation: Prepare or use store-bought crispy tortilla strips.
- Usage: Sprinkle the tortilla strips over the soup to introduce an extra crunch and authentic texture.
Jalapeño Slices
- Preparation: Slice one fresh jalapeño thinly.
- Usage: Add jalapeño slices for a spicy kick that enhances the overall heat of the soup.
Feel free to mix and match these toppings to create your perfect bowl of Chili’s Tortilla Soup. Each addition brings its own flair, making your homemade version just as exciting as the original.
Serving Suggestions
Enhance your Chili’s Tortilla Soup with these expert serving ideas:
Perfect Toppings
- Fresh Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado complements the soup’s spices.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich, melty texture.
- Cilantro Leaves: Introduce a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens the flavors.
- Sour Cream: Provides a tangy contrast.
- Crispy Tortilla Strips: Enhance crunch and authenticity.
- Jalapeño Slices: For an extra kick of heat.
Presentation Tips
- Layer the Toppings: Arrange each topping neatly on top of the soup for a vibrant presentation.
- Use Colorful Bowls: Select bowls that highlight the soup’s rich colors.
- Serve with Warm Tortillas: Accompany with warm, grilled tortillas or tortilla chips for added texture.
Complementary Sides
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Offers a sweet and smoky side.
- Fresh Green Salad: Provides a light balance to the hearty soup.
- Mexican Rice: Adds an extra dimension to your meal.
- Churros for Dessert: Finish with a sweet treat that complements the savory soup.
Beverage Pairings
- Margaritas: Classic pairing with Mexican dishes.
- Agua Fresca: A refreshing non-alcoholic option.
- Light Beers: Complements the soup without overpowering its flavors.
By incorporating these serving suggestions, your Chili’s Tortilla Soup will not only taste amazing but also impress your guests with its thoughtful presentation.
Tips And Tricks
As someone who loves reverse engineering popular recipes, I’m excited to share some of my favorite tips to ensure your Chili’s Tortilla Soup turns out just right every time.
Choose Quality Ingredients
Using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes a significant difference. Opt for organic tomatoes and freshly chopped vegetables to enhance the soup’s natural flavors. When selecting chicken, bone-in thighs add more depth to the broth compared to breast meat.
Balance the Spices
Achieving the perfect balance of spices is key. Start with the recommended amounts, but feel free to adjust to your taste. If you prefer a bit more heat, add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper or include some diced jalapeños.
Layer Your Flavors
To build a rich and complex soup, layer your flavors by sautéing the onions, garlic, and bell peppers until they’re caramelized. This step adds a sweet undertone that complements the savory spices and hearty ingredients.
Simmer Low and Slow
Allowing the soup to simmer gently for at least 30 minutes lets the flavors meld beautifully. Don’t rush this process; a slow simmer ensures that the chicken remains tender and the spices fully infuse the broth.
Make Your Own Tortilla Strips
For the crispiest tortilla strips, bake them in the oven instead of frying. Cut corn tortillas into thin strips, toss with a little olive oil and salt, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy. This method ensures they stay crispy longer when added to the soup.
Enhance the Broth
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice or a dash of smoked paprika towards the end of cooking. These additions brighten the soup and add a subtle smokiness that elevates the overall taste.
Customize Your Toppings
Feel free to get creative with your toppings. In addition to the classic avocado, cheddar, and cilantro, try adding a squeeze of fresh lime, a dollop of sour cream, or some freshly chopped green onions. Each topping adds a unique layer of flavor and texture.
Store Properly
If you’re making the soup ahead of time, store the base and toppings separately to maintain their textures. Refrigerate the soup base in an airtight container for up to three days, or freeze it for up to three months. When reheating, bring the soup to a gentle simmer and add the toppings just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
Serve Immediately
For the best experience, assemble and serve the soup right after reheating. This ensures the tortilla strips remain crispy and the flavors are at their peak. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and let everyone add their favorite toppings for a personalized touch.
Experiment with Proteins
While chicken is traditional, don’t hesitate to experiment with other proteins like shredded beef or turkey. This versatility allows you to tailor the soup to your preferences or what you have on hand.
Conclusion
Recreating Chili’s Tortilla Soup at home has been a fun journey for me. It’s amazing how simple ingredients can come together to make something so comforting and delicious.
I hope this recipe brings warmth to your kitchen and joy to your table. Experiment with your favorite toppings and make the soup your own.
Enjoy every spoonful and happy cooking!
