Cozy Up with Copycat McAlister’s Chicken Tortilla Soup

I still remember the first time I tasted chicken tortilla soup. It was a blustery autumn day, and I was huddled inside a McAlister’s Deli, seeking warmth and comfort. One spoonful of that creamy, savory broth, studded with tender chicken and crunchy tortilla strips, chased away the chill and filled me with a sense of pure satisfaction. From that moment on, I was hooked, determined to recreate that perfect bowl of soup in my own kitchen.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: About 8 servings
• Dietary Type: Not specified. Contains dairy.

Ingredients

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons margarine
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 (14 ounce) cans chicken broth
• 4 cups half-and-half
• 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 (15 ounce) can creamed corn
• 3 cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 1⁄2 tablespoons fajita seasoning mix
• 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 16 ounces tortilla chips
• 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1⁄8 cup green onion, chopped

Equipment Needed

• Large Pot
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing your aromatic base. In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion in the margarine for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This step is crucial for building a flavorful foundation for the soup. Don’t rush it; let the flavors develop slowly.

2. Now, it’s time to create a roux, which will thicken the soup. Add the all-purpose flour to the pot and stir well, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute more, stirring constantly. This cooks out the raw flour taste and helps the soup achieve a smooth, velvety texture.

3. Pour in the chicken broth and half-and-half, stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low.

4. Add the condensed cream of chicken soup, salsa, creamed corn, diced cooked chicken, ground cumin, and fajita seasoning. Incorporate 2 tablespoons of the chopped cilantro. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.

5. Continue to heat the soup on low heat for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. This simmering period is essential for the soup to reach its full flavor potential.

6. While the soup simmers, prepare your toppings. Crumble tortilla chips into individual bowls. Add 1/2 ounce of shredded Monterey Jack cheese to each bowl.

7. Ladle the hot soup into each bowl over the tortilla chips and cheese.

8. Top each bowl with more crumbled tortilla chips, the remaining 1/2 ounce of shredded cheese, the remaining 1 tablespoon of cilantro, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions.

9. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For an extra layer of flavor, consider using a rotisserie chicken instead of plain cooked chicken breasts. The smoky flavor will enhance the overall taste of the soup.
• Adjust the amount of salsa to your liking. If you prefer a spicier soup, use a hotter salsa.
• To make the soup even creamier, you can blend a portion of it with an immersion blender before adding the chicken. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
• If you don’t have fajita seasoning mix on hand, you can create your own blend using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.
• For a richer broth, use homemade chicken stock.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this delightful soup hot, garnished generously with tortilla chips, cheese, cilantro, and green onions. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice can also be added for extra zest.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it halfway through to ensure even heating. The tortilla chips will lose their crunch as they sit in the soup, so it’s best to add fresh chips when reheating. Freezing is not recommended as the dairy may separate and affect the texture.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	450 kcal	23%
Total Fat	25g	38%
Saturated Fat	12g	60%
Cholesterol	50mg	17%
Sodium	800mg	33%
Total Carbohydrate	40g	13%
Dietary Fiber	3g	12%
Sugars	5g	–
Protein	20g	40%

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Add black beans or pinto beans for extra protein and heartiness.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier soup. You could also use a spicier salsa.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the half-and-half with coconut milk or another non-dairy milk alternative.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure your tortilla chips and fajita seasoning mix are gluten-free.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the soup base (before adding the tortilla chips and toppings) up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, or a Mexican cheese blend would all be delicious alternatives to Monterey Jack.

Q: How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
A: Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the soup and simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

Q: What can I do if I don’t have creamed corn?
A: You can substitute with regular corn kernels. Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to achieve a similar creamy consistency.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Freezing is not recommended because the dairy may separate and become grainy upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or store it in the refrigerator for a few days.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat McAlister’s Chicken Tortilla Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy night in or a casual gathering with friends. It’s incredibly customizable, so feel free to experiment with different toppings and variations to create your own signature version. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your feedback! Serve it with a side of warm cornbread or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!