O’Charley’s Chicken Tortilla Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! Loved for its rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and dreamy flavors, this soup has certainly created a fanbase. And today, we’ll share our copycat version of O’Charley’s chicken tortilla soup recipe that you can make in your own kitchen! Get ready for comfort overload!
Ingredients
To start your O’Charley’s chicken tortilla soup recipe, you’ll need some key ingredients.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts form the base of our soup, providing chunks of chicken that are both tender and flavorful.
For the broth, a combination of chicken broth and a splash of heavy cream creates a rich, creamy base.
Black beans and green chiles add texture and a bit of heat.
For the spices, a blend of chili powder, garlic powder, and black pepper gives the soup its signature warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
And of course, no chicken tortilla soup would be complete without the tortilla element—crunchy tortilla strips generously top the soup, providing that crunch we all love!
My favorite part of tortilla soup is usually the toppings – and lots of them! Sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, avocado slices, and green onions are the usual suspects.
What you’ll need
To make O’Charley’s chicken tortilla soup recipe at home, you’ll need a large pot or a dutch oven. If you prefer a hands-off approach, a crock pot can also be used, especially if you’re planning to let the soup cook throughout the day.
Next, you’ll need a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board for prepping your ingredients. Always use separate boards for meat and veggies to avoid cross-contamination.
For blending the chicken stock mixture to the right consistency, a hand blender will come in handy.
As for serving tools, a ladle for serving the soup and a large bowl for each person are essential. If you’re going all out with toppings, small bowls or ramekins for the sour cream, cheddar cheese, and green onions will make your serving setup look like it’s straight out of O’Charley’s restaurant!
Step-by-Step Guide
The first step in your O’Charley’s chicken tortilla soup recipe is to cook the chicken. Place chicken breasts in your large pot or dutch oven with quarts of water and bring to a boil.
Once the chicken is cooked, shred it into bite-sized pieces. This shredded chicken will add texture and absorb the flavors of the soup beautifully.
Next, in the same pot, sauté a little olive oil with garlic powder and green chile peppers. This step releases the natual oils, giving your O’Charley’s chicken tortilla soup recipe a foundation of deep, savory flavors.
Then, pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, black beans, and shredded chicken.
Bring the mixture to a simmer on medium heat, allowing the flavors time to combine.
The final step is to add your spices—chili powder, black pepper, and any additional seasoning you desire. Let the soup simmer for at least 20 minutes. This slow cooking process is essential in any easy soup recipe as it allows the flavors to deepen and develop.
The result? A perfect soup that rivals the original O’Charley’s chicken tortilla soup recipe.
Perfect Sides for Your Soup
When serving O’Charley’s chicken tortilla soup recipe, choosing the right side dishes can turn a simple meal into a feast.
Classic potato skins, loaded with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and green onions, make a great addition. Their crispy texture and hearty filling contrast nicely with the creamy soup.
For a lighter option, a bed of crisp greens topped with freshly sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the soup without overpowering it. This side dish adds a fresh element to your meal, balancing the richness of the O’Charley’s chicken tortilla soup recipe.
Cornbread is another excellent choice. Its sweet and moist texture pairs wonderfully with the spicy and savory flavors of the soup. You can even add corn or jalapeños to the cornbread mix for an extra kick, echoing the flavors in your O’Charley’s chicken tortilla soup recipe.
Dessert Delights
After all the spicy and comforting flavors of O’Charley’s Chicken Tortilla Soup, it’s time to think about the perfect dessert to end your meal. A great dessert after such a flavor-packed soup should balance the taste buds with something sweet and maybe a bit cooling.
Vanilla ice cream, with its creamy texture and subtle sweetness, makes it an ideal dessert to balance the spiciness of the soup. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of indulgence!
For something truly unique, try a dessert that brings a bit more zing. Mandarin oranges in syrup, served over a scoop of vanilla ice cream, create a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors. The bright citrus cuts through the richness of the soup, refreshing your tastebuds. To bring it up a notch, a sprinkle of brown sugar on the oranges, lightly caramelized under a broiler, brings a nice touch to this simple dessert.
What To Avoid
To ensure the perfect bowl of soup every time, look out for these things.
One common mistake is not properly preparing the chicken. Whether you’re using rotisserie chicken or boneless skinless chicken breasts, make sure the chicken is cooked through and shredded properly. Overcooking can lead to dry, tough meat, while undercooking can lead to health risks.
It’s also important to properly season the chicken to infuse it with flavor before it joins the rest of the ingredients in the large pot.
Something else that can happen is in the handling of the spices, particularly chili powder and garlic powder. These spices are key to achieving the authentic flavor of the O’Charley’s Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe. However, adding too much can overpower the other flavors, while too little will leave the soup tasting bland. The trick is to add spices gradually and taste as you go.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of garnishes. The right garnishes, like crunchy tortilla strips, green onions, and cheddar cheese, raise the soup from good to great. Don’t add them too early in the cooking process though because they can lead to soggy tortillas or melted cheese that disappears into the soup.
Instead, add these garnishes just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.
Recipe Variations for Every Taste
O’Charley’s Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for various tweaks to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add more beans, like black beans or pinto beans, to the soup. You can also include other vegetables like bell peppers or corn to add more depth and texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it entirely plant-based.
For those who love a creamier texture, consider adding a swirl of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream to the soup just before serving. This addition transforms the broth into a creamy delight, offering a different yet equally delicious take on the classic O’Charley’s Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe. Alternatively, for a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of cheese or use a low-fat version, and opt for baked tortilla strips instead of fried.
Spice lovers might want to ramp up the heat. Adding extra chili powder, a dash of cayenne pepper, or even some diced jalapeños can turn up the spice level.
For those who prefer a milder soup, reduce the chili powder and green chiles.
These simple adjustments ensure that your version of the O’Charley’s Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe caters to everyone’s palate, making it a versatile dish for all occasions.
Storing and Reheating
O’Charley’s Chicken Tortilla Soup is just as delicious the next day, if not more so, as the flavors deepen. To store the leftover soup, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When storing, it’s best to keep the garnishes separate to maintain their texture. This way, you can enjoy the crunchy tortilla strips and fresh green onions even in your leftovers.
Reheating the soup is easy but requires some care to maintain its quality. The best way to reheat is to pour the desired amount into a pot and warm it over medium heat.
Avoid boiling the soup as this can break down the vegetables and make the chicken tough. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, you can add a little chicken broth or water to thin it to your desired consistency.
For longer storage, O’Charley’s Chicken Tortilla Soup can be frozen. Use freezer bags or airtight containers, leaving some space at the top as the soup will expand when frozen. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To thaw, leave it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it gently on the stove. This way, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of this soup even on busy days when you don’t have time to cook from scratch.
Making Chicken Tortilla Soup Kid-Friendly
Turning the preparation of O’Charley’s Chicken Tortilla Soup into a family activity is a great idea. Kids can help with safe tasks like shredding the chicken (if it’s cool enough), rinsing the beans, or measuring the spices. This not only makes the cooking process fun but also teaches them valuable kitchen skills. Plus, involving kids in cooking often makes them more interested in trying new foods.
To make the recipe more kid-friendly, you might want to tone down the spice level. Use less chili powder and green chiles to ensure the soup is not too spicy for young palates. Instead, focus on the more kid-friendly ingredients like corn, black beans, and shredded chicken. You can always offer chili powder or hot sauce on the side for adults to add to their bowls.
Serving the soup can also be fun for kids. Let them choose their own garnishes from a selection of shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla strips. This not only makes the meal more interactive but also gives them a sense of control over their food, which can be very appealing to children. Remember, the goal is to make the meal enjoyable for the whole family, and these little tweaks can make a big difference in achieving that.
This recipe offers a chance to experiment with flavors and techniques, making each bowl a unique creation. We hope you’ll love our copycat O’Charley’s chicken tortilla soup as much as we do!
Frequently Asked Questions About O’Charley’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
What is Chicken Tortilla Soup Made Of?
O’Charley’s chicken tortilla soup is a flavorful blend that typically includes shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and green chilies. It’s seasoned with spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika. The soup often contains corn and black beans, giving it a robust and hearty texture. Of course, the star element is crispy tortilla strips, added just before serving for that perfect crunch!
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| – Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| – Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 75 mg |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| – Total Sugars | 10 g |
| — Added Sugars | 5 g |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Vitamin D | 0 µg |
| Calcium | 150 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
| Potassium | 300 mg |
How Do You Tone Down Chicken Tortilla Soup?
If your chicken tortilla soup turns out a bit too spicy, don’t sweat it! To mellow the heat, try adding a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt. These dairy products are excellent for balancing spiciness. Another trick is to increase the soup’s volume by adding more broth or water, which dilutes the heat without losing the soup’s essence.
How Can I Thicken My Chicken Tortilla Soup?
To give your chicken tortilla soup a thicker consistency, there are a couple of tricks. First, you can purée some of the beans or vegetables in the soup and stir them back in. Another method is to mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and then add this mixture to the soup, letting it simmer until it reaches your desired thickness.
How Do You Eat Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Serve it hot, garnished with crispy tortilla strips, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and a slice of lime. For added richness, a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices can be a game-changer. Don’t forget to have some extra tortilla strips on the side for that extra crunch with every spoonful!
What is the Liquid in Chicken Soup Called?
The liquid base of any chicken soup, including the O’Charley’s chicken tortilla soup, is typically called “broth” or “stock.” Broth is made by simmering chicken (often with bones) and vegetables. It’s the foundation that carries the soup’s flavors and brings all the ingredients together.
copycat O’Charley’s Chicken Tortilla Soup
Course: DinnerCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutesA copycat recipe that rivals the original. Juicy tender chicken, creamy avocado, tangy tomatoes all in a flavorful broth.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 can (10 oz) green chile peppers, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 cup frozen corn
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
For Garnish:
Sour cream
Shredded cheddar cheese
Crushed tortilla chips
Diced avocado
Sliced green onions
Directions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, chili powder, and cumin, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Essentials: Stir in the green chile peppers and cook for a minute. Pour in the chicken broth, black beans, and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken and frozen corn to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper. Allow the soup to simmer for about 20-30 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Final Touches: Just before serving, stir in the fresh cilantro and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve with Garnishes: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, crushed tortilla chips, diced avocado, and sliced green onions.