Are you craving the creamy, comforting chicken tortilla soup from McAlister’s Deli? This copycat recipe lets you enjoy that favorite meal at home. It’s cheesy, has just enough spice, and is easy to make. Enjoy a warm bowl any day of the week.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to recreate this classic dish. We’ll cover the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some pro tips to make sure your soup turns out perfectly every time. Plus, you can easily make a big batch for meal prep, so you have a hearty, satisfying meal ready whenever you need it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just a copycat—it’s a great choice for anyone who loves soup. Here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:
- Authentic Flavor: This soup captures the creamy, slightly spicy taste of McAlister’s original. (McAlister’s Deli Soups – Best Comforting & Flavorful Options, n.d.) Serve it with sweet tea and tortilla chips for a meal that feels just like eating at the restaurant.
- Great for Meal Prep: This soup is perfect to make ahead. Store it in the fridge for up to four days or freeze it for up to three months. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave for a quick meal.
- A Healthier Option: This homemade version has some benefits. It has about the same calories as the restaurant soup, but more protein and less carbs and sodium.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this tasty soup.
For the Chicken Soup:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup minced yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, undrained
- 3 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
- 1 cup shredded Mexican-style cheese blend, at room temperature
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken condensed soup
- 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chiles, undrained
- ½ tablespoon chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
For the Cornstarch Slurry:
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup cornstarch
To Serve:
- Chopped green onions
- White corn tortilla chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to make a great bowl of chicken tortilla soup.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a medium stockpot over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt. Add the minced onion and garlic, and cook for about 5 minutes until they soften.
- Add Spices and Broth: Stir in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, crushed tomatoes, and 3 ½ cups of chicken broth. Let it simmer.
- Prepare the Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk ½ cup chicken broth with the cornstarch until smooth. Pour this into the stockpot and stir.
- Thicken the Soup: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the broth thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Dairy: Take the stockpot off the heat and let it cool for a minute. Slowly stir in the room-temperature heavy cream and shredded cheese until the cheese melts and the cream blends in.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Return the stockpot to the heat. Add the cream of chicken soup, shredded rotisserie chicken, green chiles, cilantro, white wine vinegar, and salt. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Simmer and Serve: Let the soup simmer for 10 more minutes so the flavors come together. Serve in bowls, top with green onions, and add tortilla chips on the side.
Chef’s Tips for Perfect Soup
To make sure your soup turns out creamy and tasty every time, keep these tips in mind.
Use Room Temperature Dairy
Make sure your heavy cream and cheese are at room temperature before adding them to the soup. Cold dairy can curdle or separate in hot soup. If you forget, warm them slowly, but don’t heat them too fast or they might separate.
Let the Broth Cool Slightly
To prevent curdling, remove the stockpot from the heat and let the broth cool for a minute or two before adding the cream and cheese. The smaller the temperature difference between the broth and the dairy, the smoother the result will be.
Customize Your Chicken
This recipe uses one cup of rotisserie chicken, like the original, but you can add more if you want a heartier soup. If you prefer fresh chicken, just boil and shred boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead.
Make it a Meal
This easy McAlister’s Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is great for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prep. It has all the flavor of the restaurant version, but you can make it at home. Your family will love its creamy texture and rich taste.
Next time you want something warm and satisfying, try this recipe. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to bring McAlister’s flavor to your table.
