I’m beyond excited to share this Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe with you because it’s one of those comforting, flavorful dishes that always hits the spot. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a chilly evening or want an impressive yet effortless meal for guests, this soup has it all—rich, hearty, and packed with that perfect balance of spices and textures.

What I truly love about this Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is how it combines pantry staples and a rotisserie chicken to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up after a busy day, and it will feel like you’ve spent hours making something gourmet and deeply satisfying. Plus, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This list is a beautiful mix of simple, shelf-stable ingredients and fresh touches that play off each other so well. One thing I recommend is grabbing low-sodium canned goods, so you have better control over the saltiness as you cook.

Canola oil: Great for sautéing onions and garlic without overpowering the flavors.
White onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic base to the soup.
Garlic: A couple of cloves give that signature warmth and depth.
Cumin: This spice lends an earthy undertone that’s essential for the flavor profile.
Dried oregano: Adds a gentle herbal touch that rounds out the spices.
Kosher salt: Use carefully—adjust as you go to balance the taste.
Cannellini beans (three cans, undrained): Two cans get pureed for creaminess, while one stays whole for texture.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies: The Rotel-style tomatoes bring a mild kick and freshness.
Cream-style corn: Adds a slight sweetness and silky texture.
Whole kernel corn: Gives a satisfying pop in every bite.
Black beans (undrained): For heartiness and additional protein.
Rotisserie chicken (shredded): Using a pre-cooked chicken is a game-changer for speed and flavor.
Juice of one lime: Adds that bright, tangy finish that makes the flavors pop.
Tortilla strips or chips: The perfect crunchy contrast on top when serving.

Variations

I love tweaking this Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe based on what’s in my pantry or the season. It’s so versatile that you can easily make it your own, and honestly, mixing it up keeps me excited to make it again and again.

Spice level boost: Adding a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne gives it a nice kick. I tried this for a friend who loves heat, and it was a hit.
Vegetarian version: Swap the chicken for extra beans or even roasted cauliflower for a plant-based twist.
Cheese topping: Melting some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack over the bowl adds creamy richness—definitely my indulgent go-to.
Extra veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and nutrition.
Slow cooker option: Assemble everything (except the lime juice and tortilla strips) in a slow cooker for 4-6 hours on low for super easy meal prep.

How to Make Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by heating canola oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic and cook them gently for about 5 minutes until the onions turn translucent and fragrant. This step is crucial because it forms the savory foundation of your soup, releasing those sweet and garlicky aromas that draw you in.

Step 2: Puree the Cannellini Beans

While your onions are working their magic, blend two cans of cannellini beans with their liquid until smooth. This will make your soup wonderfully creamy without needing any dairy. Make sure to keep the beans’ liquid—it adds body and depth to the broth.

Step 3: Combine Everything in the Pot

Now add the pureed beans to your sautéed onion mixture, along with the remaining whole can of cannellini beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream-style corn, whole kernel corn, black beans, and shredded rotisserie chicken. Don’t drain any of the cans—those juices give the soup a beautiful, rich consistency. Stir it all together until everything’s nicely combined.

Step 4: Let the Flavors Meld

Turn the heat to medium and let your soup simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This resting time allows the flavors—from cumin and oregano to the savory chicken and beans—to blend harmoniously. It smells heavenly during this part, so feel free to sneak a taste and adjust salt as needed.

Step 5: Brighten and Serve

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the juice of one fresh lime. This little citrus boost wakes up the entire soup and balances all the savory components perfectly. Serve piping hot, topped with crunchy tortilla strips or chips for that irresistible texture contrast.

How to Serve Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

The image shows a top view of various ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. There are nine white bowls and one white rectangular dish holding the ingredients: a bowl with yellow oil, a small bowl with dried herbs, a bowl with white beans, a bowl with dark red beans, a bowl with chopped white onions, a bowl with green dried herbs, a bowl with light golden oil, a bowl with coarse white salt, a bowl with cooked white meat pieces, and a rectangular dish filled with orange crunchy strips. Two limes are also placed on the surface, one whole and one cut in half showing a fresh green inside. The colors and textures are clearly visible, and everything is neatly arranged in a clean and organized way, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For garnish, I always reach for crispy tortilla strips or chips—there’s nothing like that crunch against the silky soup. Fresh cilantro leaves add a bright herbal note, and if you’re feeling indulgent, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese really elevates it. Avocado slices are another favorite of mine; they add creaminess and a fresh, mellow flavor.

Side Dishes

This soup shines on its own, but I love pairing it with a fresh tortilla or a side salad—something light to balance the hearty soup. Cornbread muffins or a warm, crusty baguette work wonders to soak up every last drop, especially when you’re serving a crowd.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at parties or cozy dinners, I’ve served this soup in mini pumpkin bowls or sturdy bread bowls. It not only looks festive but also adds an edible component that guests love. If you’re bringing it to a potluck, pack the soup and toppings separately so everyone can build their own bowls just the way they like them—it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge, and it lasts beautifully for up to 4 days. Because the beans and chicken soak up the flavors overnight, I actually think it tastes even better the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

If you want to freeze some soup for later, cool it completely and pack it in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room to expand. In my experience, freezing works well without losing any flavor, though the tortilla strips are best added fresh after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help loosen the texture if it’s gotten too thick. When warmed through, finish with a squeeze of fresh lime to brighten it right up.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken in this Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! You can cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs, then add them to the soup. Just make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly beforehand. Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but fresh chicken gives you control over seasoning and texture.
Is this soup spicy like Chick-fil-A’s version?

This Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe has a gentle warmth from the cumin, oregano, and green chilies, but it’s not overly spicy. You can adjust heat easily by adding jalapeños or cayenne if you prefer more kick.
Can I make this soup vegan or vegetarian?

Yes! Skip the chicken and add extra beans or vegetables like roasted zucchini or mushrooms. You might also use vegetable broth for added depth. The pureed cannellini beans help keep it creamy even without dairy or meat.
How long does the Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe keep in the fridge?

Stored in a sealed container, your soup will stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. I always find it tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.
Can I prepare any part of this soup ahead of time?

Definitely! You can chop your aromatics and shred the chicken a day ahead. You can also blend the beans in advance and store them in the fridge. Then when you’re ready, you just heat and combine everything for a quick, delicious meal.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s approachable, forgiving, and packed with comforting, layered flavors that hit all the right notes every time. If you want a quick meal that will wow your family (or yourself!), give this recipe a try—I promise it won’t disappoint!