Hi. My name is Kristin and I can’t stop making restaurant-inspired soups. There, I said it!
Sorry, but similar to finding the perfect pair of jeans (finally tried Madewell and wasn’t that impressed,) the perfect Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe can be hard to find.
I just can’t get down with the thin, super-brothy styles that are a little too heavy on the lime flavor, know what I mean? When it comes to Chicken Tortilla Soup, I need a thick, stick to yar ribs type dish that’s spiced with the bold flavors of the southwest and piled high with a plethora of crisp, yummy toppings.
You know who does it right? Chili’s. Yeah, me and Chili’s go way back to high school when I used to frequent the southwestern-inspired chain on an alarmingly frequent basis for big, piping-hot bowls of their Chicken Tortilla Soup with my friends. Each spoonful was just spicy enough, and packed with tiny tri-color tortilla chip strips that I just couldn’t get enough of.
Always looking to cure my soup cravings at home, I whipped up a big batch of thick, bold, and satisfying Restaurant-Style Chicken Tortilla Soup to enjoy this week – the first of the season with highs tapping out in the 60s!
Topped with crushed tortilla chips, fresh pico de gallo, and chopped avocado, a bowl of this Restaurant-Style Chicken Tortilla Soup is a meal in itself and, like any good soup, just gets better and better as it sits in the fridge.
Start by adding 2 large chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces and 1 small chopped onion to 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil in a big soup pot over medium heat.
Next sprinkle in 2 Tablespoons taco seasoning (here’s my recipe,) 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 Tablespoon paprika. Not only will these spices give the soup incredible flavor, but they’ll also give it that signature, deep-orange color. Mmm!
Cook until the chicken is cooked through and the onions are soft, about 10 minutes.
Next add in even more southwest spices: 1/2 teaspoon each chili powder and cumin, and just a dash (or two!) of cayenne pepper. I added about 1/4 teaspoon and the soup ended up being about a 6/10 on the spice scale for me.
Saute the spices with the chicken and onion for 1 minute, then add in the rest of the goodies: 3 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, pepper (to taste), 1 can rinsed & drained pinto beans, juice of 1/2 lime, and 3-1/2 cups chicken broth.
Simmer the soup for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While the soup is bubbling away, make a batch of fresh pico de gallo to dollop on top of the finished soup, and chop up 1 avocado. Also stir together 2 Tablespoons gluten-free masa (could use gluten-free all-purpose flour) with 1/2 cup chicken broth in a small bowl. As always, check the labels on store-bought products like masa and chicken broth to ensure they are gluten-free!
The masa will thicken the soup and give it a wonderfully luxurious texture. Don’t panic if you don’t have any on hand – the soup will still be slightly thick and delicious nonetheless! Now, when the soup has simmered for 20 minutes, stir in the masa/chicken broth mixture and let it simmer for 10 more minutes.
Aaaand, we are done here!
Ladle the soup into bowls, then top with lots of crushed tortilla chips, chopped avocado, and pico de gallo.
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Restaurant-Style Chicken Tortilla Soup
Description
Restaurant-Style Chicken Tortilla Soup is a gluten-free, restaurant quality soup you can make at home!
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 Tablespoons taco seasoning or 1 recipe homemade taco seasoning (see notes for recipe)
- 1 Tablespoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2Â teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more or less)
- 3 Tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- pepper
- 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- juice of 1/2 lime
- 32oz gluten-free chicken broth, divided
- 2 Tablespoons gluten-free or regular masa (could use flour)
- Toppings: pico de gallo, chopped avocado, tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, lime wedges
Directions
- Heat oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chicken and onion then sprinkle in taco seasoning, paprika, and salt. Stir well then cook until chicken is cooked through and onions are tender, about 10 minutes. Add cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, then saute for one more minute. Add cilantro, pepper to taste, pinto beans, lime juice, and 3-1/2 cups chicken broth then simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, make pico de gallo, chop avocado, and combine remaining 1/2 cup chicken broth with masa or cornmeal in a small bowl. When soup is done simmering, drizzle in chicken broth/masa mixture, and simmer for 10 more minutes. Serve topped with crushed tortilla chips, chopped avocado, and pico de gallo. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, if desired.
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
The flavors in here could not be more delicious. You can taste just a hint of cilantro and lime – just the way I like it – while the chili powder, paprika, cumin, and oregano give this soup an awesome kick.
Many Chicken Tortilla Soup recipes will tell you to add shredded cheddar or jack cheese on top, which I’m not arguing with – what dish couldn’t benefit from the addition of a little cheese?! – but it’s really not necessary. Perfectly yummy on its own!
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What are your favorite soups to whip up as the temperatures start to cool down?
I can’t wait to make lots, and LOTS of CHILI! Saw some jalapeno cornbread at Whole Foods the other day that looked perfect to pair with!
Mary 09.17.2012
Well, this looks fantastic. Definitely going on the Fall Soups queue. Also, I could not agree with you more about the Loft petite jeans. The only pair of classic straight leg jeans this 4’11 (and 3/4″!!) gal can wear!
Dara @how_to_eat 09.17.2012
I’ve never had chili’s soup before but this makes me want to find a chili’s near me ASAP! Or just make this soup at home!
One of my fave fall stews is a pumpkin chill…spicy, sweet, and comforting all in one.
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles 09.17.2012
Don’t think I’ve ever had Chili’s tortilla soup…next time I’m in the states I’ll have to hunt that down. :-)
I’m thinking a sweet potato and black bean chili needs to happen soon – such a fall food.
Katelyn Rose 09.17.2012
OMG I agree wholeheartedly 99% with this post! The 1% difference is that I’m a tall, not petite haha. I *cannot* wait to make this soup! Have you ever made it for a tailgate? I’m thinking it would be a good for a game late in the season…hopefully my coworkers agree!
Iowa Girl Eats 09.18.2012
I haven’t – but I’m sure it’d be a win (pun intended!) People always seems to like things they can add their own toppings to. :)
Trisha 09.17.2012
I already dove headfirst into fall foods with about a billion pumpkin recipes last week, as well as chili and jalapeno cornbread muffins. I took the chili & muffins to a Packers vs. Bears party at our neighbors. Everyone raved about both. While lying in bed that night, I realized I completely forgot to put the eggs in the muffins. FAIL!
Mrs. McFall 09.17.2012
Physician’s Formula is the BEST! I wish it were more available, though. I wonder if Ulta has it??
Iowa Girl Eats 09.18.2012
That’s where I had to buy it at – nobody else carries it anymore!
Lisa 09.17.2012
Do you take all the photos of your food? If so, you could have a second career in food styling and photography. They’re beautiful photos. And if course good recipes too! :)
Iowa Girl Eats 09.18.2012
I do! Thank you – I find it really fun to do! :)
Angela @ PattycakesnPancakes 09.17.2012
Wow this looks Fabulous! I could really use it for this dreaded head cold that I caught. Now I just need someone to make it for me . :-p
Iowa Girl Eats 09.18.2012
I would if I could! Hope you feel better!
Nikki 09.17.2012
I love the soup recipes!!!!! Did I say “love”…I meant LOVEEEEEEE!!!! One day could you please teach me how to make the Zuppa Toscana soup from olive garden?? Thank u!!!
Lauren 09.17.2012
I’m not sure why you feel the need to title this “restaurant style” because I seriously think just about everything you make is considered “restaurant style.” Looks fantastic as always my dear!
Sarah 09.17.2012
I love the sweet potato black bean chili from GoodLife Eats. Its delicious! I think you would like it. That soup looks delicious. I love tortilla soups!
Iowa Girl Eats 09.18.2012
Yum! Love Katie’s recipes – I will definitely check that out!
Stephanie Doty 09.17.2012
This looks delicious! I’m from south Texas and the tortilla soup that’s served in Tex-Mex restaurants has rice instead of beans. I’ll be trying out this recipe though!
Caitlin 09.17.2012
Sounds delish! I just made your pork chili inspired by that restaurant in Denver and my fiancé an I both LOVED it. I’m definitely getting more into fall foods!
My all tonite favorite soup to make is a shrimp and corn chowder that I’ve adapted a bunch and feel that I’ve finally gotten it just right! Helps that my man loves it, too!
Iowa Girl Eats 09.18.2012
That sounds awesome! Would you be willing to share the recipe? :)
Caitlin 09.18.2012
I can definitely share it. I’ll email the recipe. Hope you like it! It goes really well with biscuits or garlic bread.
Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio 09.17.2012
Tortilla soup takes me back to my San Antonio roots!! Awesome dish Kristin!
Lauren @ Lawfully Wedded Wife 09.17.2012
This looks AWESOME. Can’t wait to try it!
Beth 09.17.2012
I made Pasta Fagioli for dinner tonight…now I must make Chicken Tortilla soup tomorrow! I love this version too!!! My hubby doesn’t like Mexican food (gasp!) so I always freeze a bunch….
Bob 09.17.2012
Wondering how this compares to Pickerman’s here in Des Moines. Thoughts? They have good chicken tortilla too! Thanks for sharing, Kristin!
Iowa Girl Eats 09.18.2012
You know, I’ve never tried their version – I’ll have to check it out sometime!
kim@hungryhealthygirl 09.17.2012
Oh my….I love Chili’s tortilla soup…it’s my favorite tortilla soup too! With the cooler weather I’ve started craving chili and taco soup.
Courtney 09.17.2012
I just had your chicken tortilla soup last week… loved it! Can’t wait to give the new (thicker one!) a go :) My current favorite is turkey chili… seems lighter than beef. Just right to ease me into hearty soups in the coming weeks. Happy Monday!
Kristen 09.17.2012
OMG LOVE!!! I attempted to make a copycat Chili’s Chicken enchilada soup when I was pregnant and it called for Velveta cheese. It was the only time I have ever purchased Velveta cheese. My mom yelled at me for buying it. Good thing I burned it!!!
Melissa 09.17.2012
I just made that last week. You are right. You have to stir, stir, stir and watch it like a hawk.