McAlister’s Copycat Chicken Tortilla Soup – Hungarian Chef

Last Updated on March 19, 2024

For more than 30 years, McAlister’s Deli has been making tasty sandwiches, salads, and soups that everyone loves.

One of their top dishes is the hearty Chicken Tortilla Soup, filled with delicious flavors you can now make at home.

This McAlister’s Copycat Chicken Tortilla Soup copycat recipe that I’ve recreated lets you enjoy the same tasty restaurant-style soup without leaving your kitchen.

Tortilla soup has been enjoyed for a long time, but it became really popular in North America in the late 20th century.

You can whip up a comforting bowl of soup in no time with just a few simple ingredients. Keep reading to find out how!

Want more soup recipes? Check these:

• College Inn Chicken Soup
• Pf Chang’s Wonton Soup
• Skinnytaste Turkey Chili Taco Soup Recipe
• Campbell’s Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Costco Chicken Noodle Soup
• Marcella Hazan Lentil Soup
• Joanna Gaines Potato Soup
• Carrabba’s Minestrone Soup

What is McAlister’s Copycat Chicken Tortilla Soup?

McAlister’s Copycat Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delicious and hearty blend of Mexican flavors. It’s the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and creamy all in one bowl.

The base of this soup is made with onion, garlic, cream of chicken, diced tomatoes, cream corn, cumin, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne. This combination of ingredients creates a flavorful broth that’s packed with flavor.

This soup is then topped off with shredded rotisserie chicken for added protein and texture. The finished product is a comforting bowl of soup that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or light meal.

What does it taste like?

McAlister’s Copycat Chicken Tortilla Soup has a delicious combination of savory, spicy, and creamy flavors. The base is made with onion, garlic, cream of chicken, diced tomatoes, cream corn, cumin, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne for an infusion of flavor.

The addition of shredded rotisserie chicken provides a savory and hearty flavor that is balanced out by the creaminess of the half-and-half.

The soup is then topped with Pico de Gallo, Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, tortilla strips, and avocado for an added layer of texture and flavor.

How did I first get introduced to McAlister’s Copycat Chicken Tortilla Soup?

My first experience with McAlister’s Copycat Chicken Tortilla Soup was when I visited McAlister’s Deli in Georgia. I had heard from friends that their soup was amazing, so I decided to give it a try.

As soon as the bowl of soup arrived, I could smell the delicious combination of savory, spicy, and creamy flavors. I took my first bite and was immediately impressed by the depth of flavor that this soup had.

The base was made with onion, garlic, cream of chicken, diced tomatoes, cream corn, cumin, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne. All of these ingredients created an incredible broth that was packed with flavor.

The soup was then topped off with shredded rotisserie chicken for added protein and texture. This combination provided a savory and hearty flavor that was balanced out by the creaminess of the half-and-half.

After finishing my bowl, I knew that I had to try making this amazing soup at home. So, I went to the grocery store and picked up all of the ingredients.

It only took me a few minutes to prepare this soup, but it tasted just like McAlister’s! Everyone who tasted it was thoroughly impressed with how delicious it was.

Since then, I have made this copycat recipe several times and each time I am reminded of how delicious and comforting this soup is.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy the restaurant-quality flavor of McAlister’s Copycat Chicken Tortilla Soup at home, then this recipe is perfect for you!

How to make McAlister’s Copycat Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Making McAlister’s Copycat Chicken Tortilla Soup is easy and only requires a few simple ingredients & step-by-step instructions.

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Ingredients

• Yellow onion: this is an essential ingredient to give the soup a flavorful base.
• Garlic: adds flavor and depth to the soup.
• Unsalted butter: helps provide a creamy texture to the soup without overpowering it with fat or calories.
• Cream of chicken: provides creaminess and flavor to the soup.
• Diced tomatoes: adds acidity and a slightly sweet flavor.
• Cream corn: adds sweetness and creaminess to the soup.
• Ground cumin: gives the soup an earthy, smoky flavor.
• Chili powder: provides a slight heat to the soup and accentuates other flavors.
• Paprika: adds depth of flavor to the soup without being overpowering.
• Onion powder: adds a subtle onion flavor to the soup without being too intense.
• Cayenne powder: this is optional, but it can give the soup a kick of heat.
• Shredded rotisserie chicken: this is an easy way to add protein and flavor to the soup.
• Chicken broth or stock: adds flavor and liquid to the soup.
• Half and half: this is optional, but it gives the soup a creamy texture without using too much fat.
• Salt and pepper: enhances all of the flavors in the soup.
• Pico de gallo: adds freshness and crunch to the soup.
• Shredded Monterey Jack: adds a sharp, creamy flavor to the soup.
• Sour cream: provides a mild tangy flavor and helps balance out any sweetness in the soup.
• Tortilla strips: adds crunch and texture.
• Sliced avocado: gives the soup a cool, creamy finish.

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1

Saute the onion and garlic in butter until softened.

Step 2

Add the cream of chicken, diced tomatoes, cream corn, cumin, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne (if desired). Simmer for 5 minutes or until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 3

Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken, chicken broth, or stock, and half-and-half (if desired). Simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 4

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5

Finish the soup with your favorite toppings such as pico de gallo, Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, tortilla strips, and avocado.

Tips

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Add more vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
• You can adjust the level of heat by adding or reducing the amount of chili powder and cayenne powder.
• For a creamy soup, use half-and-half or cream instead of chicken broth.

Nutrition Information

What to serve with McAlister’s Copycat Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Here are some great side dishes to serve with McAlister’s Copycat Chicken Tortilla Soup:

• Warmed tortillas: This is a great accompaniment to the soup and adds an extra layer of texture.
• Quinoa: For added protein and carbs, serve with cooked rice or quinoa.
• Fresh fruit salad: A fresh fruit salad makes for a light and refreshing side dish.
• Guacamole: Homemade guacamole adds a cool and creamy flavor to each bite.
• Cornbread: Cornbread is a classic pairing for soup that provides an extra layer of texture.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasting your favorite seasonal vegetables brings out their natural sweetness.
• Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing makes for a light and refreshing side.
• Sourdough bread: Serve with crusty sourdough bread for an extra layer of flavor.
• Crackers: To add some crunch, serve the soup with your favorite crackers.
• Jalapeno poppers: For those who like a bit of heat, jalapeno poppers are the perfect accompaniment.
• Cheese dip: For an extra layer of cheesy goodness, serve the soup with a delicious cheese dip.
• Margaritas: What better way to complete your meal than with a refreshing margarita?
• Churros: Sweet churros make for a great dessert after you’ve enjoyed your soup.

How to store leftover McAlister’s Copycat Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Leftover McAlister’s Copycat Chicken Tortilla Soup should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the soup in a pot on the stove over medium heat until warmed through.

You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or until hot. If you’d like to freeze the soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.

To thaw, simply place the container of soup in the refrigerator overnight or until fully thawed. You can then reheat it as instructed above.

Can pregnant women eat this?

Yes, pregnant women can safely eat McAlister’s Copycat Chicken Tortilla Soup as long as it is cooked thoroughly and the ingredients used are fresh.

Pregnant women should be aware that some of the ingredients in this soup may contain high levels of sodium and saturated fat, so they should consume it in moderation. Additionally, all of the ingredients should be cooked thoroughly to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

When preparing McAlister’s Copycat Chicken Tortilla Soup for pregnant women, it is important to pay special attention to food safety guidelines and use only fresh ingredients. Pregnant women should also ensure that all meats are cooked through before consuming them.

FAQs 

Wrapping Up

McAlister’s Copycat Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delicious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed any time of year. With its creamy texture, mild yet distinctive flavor, and an array of toppings, this soup is sure to become a favorite for all who try it.

Whether you are looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a hearty meal to feed a crowd, McAlister’s Copycat Chicken Tortilla Soup is sure to fit the bill.

Not only is it incredibly simple to prepare, but it can also be easily customized with your favorite toppings and added vegetables for an extra layer of flavor. So what are you waiting for?

Thank you for reading through our McAlister’s Copycat Chicken Tortilla Soup Guide! We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family so they can enjoy it too!

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