Welcome to your new favorite kitchen staple: a homemade, gluten-free, and dairy-free **Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup**! Imagine a rich, creamy, and flavorful soup, brimming with tender shredded chicken, hearty black beans, sweet corn, diced tomatoes, and a gentle warmth from green chiles and jalapeños. This easy-to-make slow cooker recipe brings the beloved taste of Chick-fil-A’s seasonal offering right to your table, any time of year. Top it off with our crispy homemade tortilla strips, creamy avocado, a dollop of dairy-free sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an utterly satisfying and family-friendly meal that’s both delicious and health-conscious.
Why This Copycat Chick-fil-A Tortilla Soup Recipe is a Must-Try
The original Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup holds a special place in many hearts, but it comes with a couple of significant drawbacks. Firstly, it’s a seasonal delight, appearing only for a limited time each year, leaving fans craving it for months. Secondly, for those with dietary restrictions, particularly gluten sensitivities, the original recipe is unfortunately not gluten-free. This presented a clear need for a version that could be enjoyed year-round, without compromise.
Our **gluten-free Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup copycat recipe** addresses these issues head-on. Crafted to replicate the authentic flavor and creamy texture of the restaurant’s famous soup, our version is not only **gluten-free** but also **dairy-free**, making it accessible to a wider audience. We’ve meticulously balanced the flavors to ensure that every spoonful delivers that familiar comfort and satisfying kick you love, all while using wholesome, accessible ingredients. This means you can indulge in your favorite chicken tortilla soup whenever the craving strikes, knowing it’s made with care and customized to your dietary needs. It’s truly a healthier twist on a classic, without sacrificing an ounce of taste!
Serving this soup is an experience in itself. Beyond its rich flavor, the opportunity to personalize each bowl with an array of fresh toppings makes it incredibly appealing for all ages. Imagine customizing your perfect bowl with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese (or a dairy-free alternative), vibrant diced avocado, a cooling swirl of sour cream (dairy or dairy-free), a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness, fragrant cilantro, and, of course, our irresistible homemade crispy tortilla strips. These additions elevate the soup from a simple meal to a delightful culinary adventure, ensuring every member of the family finds their ideal combination.
Recipe Highlights for Your Home Kitchen
- Authentic Flavor Profile: Tastes remarkably similar to the popular Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup, ensuring a satisfying culinary experience.
- Effortless Preparation: Designed as an easy slow cooker recipe, with a convenient Instant Pot option for quicker results, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Year-Round Enjoyment: Say goodbye to seasonal cravings! This recipe allows you to savor delicious chicken tortilla soup any time you wish.
- Dietary Friendly: Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, catering to various dietary needs without compromising on taste.
- Endless Customization: Offers a vast array of topping options, allowing everyone to personalize their bowl to perfection.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with fresh vegetables, lean protein, and robust spices for a nutritious and hearty meal.
- Family Favorite: A crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a beloved dish for family dinners and gatherings.
Key Ingredients for Your Delicious Tortilla Soup
For the Flavorful Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup Base
Chicken Breasts: We recommend using about 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, which typically equates to about three medium-sized breasts. These will cook to tender perfection in the slow cooker, making them incredibly easy to shred into the soup for that classic tortilla soup texture. You can adjust the quantity based on your preference for a meatier soup. For an even quicker meal, pre-cooked shredded chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken can be substituted, drastically reducing the slow cooker time.
Vibrant Vegetables: The heartiness of this soup comes from a medley of canned and fresh vegetables. This recipe features canned corn for its sweetness and texture, canned diced tomatoes (with their juices for added liquid and flavor), and canned diced green chiles to introduce a mild, authentic Southwestern heat. Freshly diced onions and minced garlic form the aromatic foundation, while a finely diced jalapeño (seeded for less heat, or left with seeds for a spicier kick) adds a wonderful layer of fresh zest and warmth.
Enchilada Sauce: This is a key ingredient for the signature rich, savory, and slightly tangy flavor of the soup. We personally love the Siete Foods brand for its excellent taste and commitment to gluten-free and dairy-free products. However, if Siete Foods isn’t available or you prefer a milder flavor, a 15 oz can of plain tomato sauce can be used as a substitute. Be aware that substituting with plain tomato sauce will alter the flavor profile slightly, making it less complex, so you might consider adding a bit more chili powder or cumin to compensate.
Black Beans: These legumes contribute not only to the soup’s texture and body but also add a significant amount of plant-based protein and fiber, making the soup more filling and nutritious. While black beans are our top recommendation for their creamy texture and earthy flavor, you can certainly experiment with other varieties like Navy beans (cannellini beans) or Pinto beans if you wish. Remember to drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly before adding them to the slow cooker to reduce excess sodium.
Essential Seasonings: A well-balanced blend of spices is crucial for capturing the authentic flavor. Our recipe uses garlic powder and oregano for foundational savory notes, cumin and chili powder for that unmistakable Tex-Mex warmth and depth, paprika for a touch of smoky sweetness and vibrant color, and salt to enhance all the flavors. Feel free to adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your personal taste at the end of the cooking process.
Crafting Your Own Crispy Homemade Tortilla Strips
Corn Tortillas: The secret to truly exceptional tortilla strips lies in the base. We highly recommend using high-quality corn tortillas, such as the almond flour tortillas from the Siete Foods brand, which are excellent for those following a gluten-free diet and fry up beautifully. However, any good quality corn tortilla will work. You can also opt for other gluten-free tortilla varieties if almond flour isn’t your preference. The key is to choose tortillas that will crisp up nicely when baked or fried.
Avocado Oil: For preparing the tortilla strips, avocado oil spray is our preferred choice due to its high smoke point, which means it can withstand higher temperatures without burning. This results in perfectly crispy, golden-brown tortilla strips. If you don’t have avocado oil, olive oil or another high-heat cooking oil can be used, but avocado oil provides a neutral flavor that allows the corn tortilla taste to shine.
Sea Salt: A simple sprinkle of sea salt after lightly coating the strips with oil is all you need to enhance their flavor. The salt brings out the natural taste of the corn and adds that irresistible savory crunch. You can adjust the amount of sea salt to your liking; omit it entirely if you’re trying to reduce sodium intake, or add a pinch of chili-lime seasoning for an extra flavor boost.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Copycat Tortilla Soup
- Combine Ingredients: Begin by adding all the soup ingredients, excluding the corn tortillas for the strips, into your slow cooker. This includes the chicken breasts, diced onion, minced garlic, diced jalapeño, canned diced green chiles, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, red enchilada sauce, chicken broth, black beans (drained and rinsed), and canned corn (drained and rinsed).
- Stir and Cook: Give all the ingredients a thorough stir to ensure they are well combined and the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Place the lid on your slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours, or if you prefer a longer, slower cook, set it to low for 7-8 hours. The chicken will become incredibly tender and easy to shred during this time, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the soup has finished cooking and the chicken is fully tender, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker using tongs. On a cutting board or in a shallow bowl, use two forks to easily shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Then, return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring it back into the rich soup base.
- Final Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may wish to add additional salt, a pinch of black pepper, or even a dash more chili powder for extra warmth, depending on your preference. Stir everything together one last time before serving to ensure the flavors are perfectly balanced.
Crafting Your Homemade Tortilla Strips
- Prepare Tortillas: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Stack your corn tortillas and use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to slice them into vertical strips, approximately ¼ to ½ inch wide.
- Cut into Strips: Once you have vertical strips, cut them again horizontally through the middle, creating shorter, more manageable tortilla strips. Aim for pieces that are about 1-2 inches long, perfect for garnishing your soup.
- Season and Bake: Evenly spread the tortilla strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Spray them generously with avocado oil, ensuring each strip is lightly coated. Then, sprinkle them with sea salt to taste.
- Bake to Crispy Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 7-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, checking frequently, as they can go from perfectly golden to burnt quickly. Bake until they are lightly browned and wonderfully crispy. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside to cool, allowing them to crisp up further as they cool.
Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Copycat Tortilla Soup
Instant Pot Method for Speed: If you’re short on time but still crave this incredible soup, your Instant Pot is your best friend! Simply add all the soup ingredients (again, saving the tortillas for later) into the inner pot. Stir everything thoroughly to combine. Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for just 12 minutes. Once cooked, perform a quick release of the pressure. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. With this method, you can have your delicious Chick-fil-A tortilla soup ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes, perfect for those last-minute meal decisions!
Storage and Reheating: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through, or use your microwave for individual servings. It’s crucial to store any homemade tortilla strips and other fresh toppings (like avocado, cheese, or sour cream) separately. This prevents the tortilla strips from becoming soggy and keeps the fresh toppings at their best for when you’re ready to serve.
Chicken Shortcuts: For those days when even the slow cooker feels too slow, utilizing cooked chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Instead of raw chicken breasts, incorporate cooked rotisserie chicken, leftover shredded chicken, or even pre-cooked chicken from your freezer. If using pre-cooked chicken, your slow cooker cooking time can be significantly reduced to just 1 hour on high, as you only need the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften. Alternatively, you can skip the slow cooker entirely by adding all ingredients (with cooked chicken) to a large pot and simmering over medium heat on the stovetop for about 20-30 minutes, until everything is heated through and flavors have melded.
Stovetop Cooking Variation: Don’t have a slow cooker or Instant Pot? No problem! This soup can easily be made on the stovetop. In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, combine all the soup ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it simmer for approximately 30-45 minutes, or until the chicken is fork-tender and easily shreddable. Once tender, remove the chicken, shred it, and stir it back into the soup. This method allows you to have more control over the cooking process and achieve similar delicious results.
Customize Your Toppings: The beauty of tortilla soup lies in its customizable toppings! Elevate your bowl with a vibrant selection beyond the basics. Think crispy homemade tortilla strips, a generous sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese (or a dairy-free alternative), a dollop of creamy sour cream or Greek yogurt (or a dairy-free substitute), a handful of fresh cilantro, diced avocado for richness, a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness, thinly sliced green onions, or even a few pickled jalapeños for an extra kick. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and enjoy!
Keeping it Dairy-Free: This recipe is intentionally crafted without dairy, ensuring a delicious base for those with dairy sensitivities or allergies. However, many traditional tortilla soup toppings do contain dairy. To keep your entire meal dairy-free, simply opt for plant-based alternatives. Dairy-free shredded cheese substitutes are widely available and melt beautifully, and there are many excellent dairy-free sour cream or yogurt substitutes that provide the same creamy tang without the dairy. Read labels carefully to ensure all your chosen toppings align with your dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Tortilla Soup
According to the official Chick-fil-A website, their traditional chicken tortilla soup is unfortunately NOT gluten-free and also contains dairy. This is precisely why we created this delicious copycat recipe, ensuring it is 100% gluten-free and dairy-free, allowing everyone to enjoy this comfort food without dietary concerns.
While this copycat chicken tortilla soup is packed with protein, it is not considered keto-friendly in its original form. This is primarily due to the inclusion of ingredients like black beans and corn, which are relatively high in carbohydrates. However, you can easily modify this recipe to make it more suitable for a keto diet by omitting the beans and corn. Instead, you could add more low-carb vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach, and ensure your enchilada sauce is also low in sugar and carbs.
Absolutely! This chicken tortilla soup freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep or saving for a quick future dinner. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely after cooking. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 5 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, defrost the soup overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s warmed through. Remember, it’s best to freeze the soup base without the homemade tortilla strips or other fresh toppings, as these are best made fresh just before serving to maintain their texture and quality.
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Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup
Equipment
-
Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, I used 3 breasts
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 jalapeño, seeded & diced
- 4.5 oz can diced green chiles
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- 1.5 tsp salt, more to taste
- 15 oz can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 15 oz jar red enchilada sauce, I used Siete Foods brand. You can also sub 15 oz plain tomato sauce if preferred.
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz canned corn, drained and rinsed
Homemade Tortilla Strips
- 6 Siete Foods almond flour tortillas , or tortillas of choice
- Avocado oil spray
- sea salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients (except for the tortillas) into your slow cooker and give it a good stir. Cook on high for 4 hours, or low for 7-8 hours.
- While the soup is cooking, make the homemade tortilla strips.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Stack the tortillas and use a pizza cutter to cut them into vertical strips, and then again once horizontally to cut those strips in half.
- Add the strips to the baking sheet and spread them out evenly. Spray generously with avocado oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake for 7-10 minutes, checking often, until they are beginning to brown and are crispy. Set aside.
- When the soup is done, remove the chicken and shred it using 2 forks, then return it to the pot. Stir and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve the soup topped with the crispy tortilla strips, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and avocado or toppings of choice. Enjoy!
Notes
Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. Store homemade tortilla strips and other toppings separately.
Chicken: If you’re in a rush and you don’t have time for the slow cooker to cook the chicken breasts, you can use cooked rotisserie chicken. This will significantly decrease the cooking time in the slow cooker to 1 hour on high. You could also skip the slow cooker and put all ingredients into a large pot and simmer over medium heat on the stovetop for about 20-30 minutes.
Stovetop: To make this soup in a pot on the stove, add all ingredients into a large stock pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30-45 minutes until the chicken is tender enough to shred. Shred it, then add it back into the pot and stir.
Toppings: Serve the soup topped with crispy tortilla strips, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and avocado or toppings of choice. Enjoy!
Dairy Free: This recipe does not include dairy, however, many of the suggested toppings do. You can use a dairy-free shredded cheese substitute to keep this recipe dairy free, as well as your favorite sour cream substitute.
Nutrition
All nutrition facts are an estimate and automatically calculated. While I fact check them using My Fitness Pal, please note that they may not always be 100% accurate and depend on ingredients used. Weigh your total and divide by the number of servings for the most accurate grams per serving size.