Red Robin Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Easy Copycat

I’ve always admired the comfort that a bowl of the Red Robin Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe provides. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish, warm and welcoming on any day. With everyday ingredients that are likely in your pantry, this recipe simplifies stress-free meal planning without sacrificing taste.

My experience in recreating this popular restaurant dish at home has taught me that you can replicate that cozy dine-out experience right in your own kitchen. By using simple, fresh ingredients like chicken, tomatoes, corn, and beans, along with a blend of spices, you can create a meal that’s both satisfying and reminiscent of Red Robin’s signature soup.

Making this soup is a straightforward affair—no need for fancy equipment or rare ingredients. It’s one of those delightful recipes that allow for personal adjustments and additions to suit your taste, making it a versatile choice for families with varied palates. This is how I bring the essence of Red Robin’s Chicken Tortilla Soup to life at home.

History and Origin of Red Robin’s Chicken Tortilla Soup

My investigation into the history of Red Robin’s Chicken Tortilla Soup starts with the establishment’s founder, Bob Wian. Known for creating a casual dining atmosphere with a robust menu, Red Robin’s legacy includes unique recipes that have captivated the taste buds of many.

The original Red Robin Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe at this chain suggests a nod to Wian’s innovation in the kitchen. The restaurant, with its transformation from “Robin Hood” to Red Robin, has seen numerous menu items evolve, but the chicken tortilla soup remains a testament to the brand’s culinary commitment. My journey through the soup’s past reveals that although it carries the traditional Mexican flavor profile, it’s tailored to suit the American palate, making it a popular staple at Red Robin.

On a more personal note, my affinity for Red Robin’s cuisine led me to search for a copycat recipe. While many variations exist, finding a recipe card that encapsulates the authenticity and taste of the original is a treasure for any home cook looking to recreate this comfort food classic.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what my research uncovered:

• Restaurant: Red Robin, family-friendly dining known for gourmet burgers and spirited ambiance.
• Original Recipe: Reflects Red Robin’s innovative culinary vision, blending Mexican-inspired flavors with American twists.
• Copycat Recipes: Enthusiasts and food bloggers alike have tried to capture the essence of the original, sharing their interpretations for home preparation.

Red Robin’s Chicken Tortilla Soup isn’t just a menu item; it’s a flavorful journey through the restaurant’s storied history, continuing to offer warmth and comfort to its patrons.

Essential Ingredients

When making the Red Robin Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe, I ensure that my pantry and fridge are stocked with several key ingredients. First and foremost, chicken is the star of the dish. Whether I opt for chicken breasts to cook and shred myself, use the more flavorful rotisserie chicken, or turn to leftover chicken from a previous meal, the goal is always tender, juicy chicken to enrich the soup.

For the soup base, tomato paste is crucial for a deep, concentrated tomato flavor, while green chilies and diced bell pepper add a colorful and mildly spicy touch. To achieve that zest, a squeeze of lime juice is essential—it lifts the entire soup with its vibrant acidity.

I incorporate a blend of spices including chili powder, a touch of cayenne pepper for heat, and garlic powder for seasoning that complements the other components. For garnish and additional flavor, I like to use Mexican blend cheese, which melts beautifully into the soup, and fresh cilantro, which offers an element of freshness.

No Chicken Tortilla Soup is complete without black beans; a can of black beans works well, especially when rinsed and drained for convenience. To top off the soup, I crumble corn tortilla chips over the bowl just before serving for that essential crunch.

Putting all these ingredients together creates a delicious soup that is not only comforting but also bursting with the traditional flavors of a well-loved dish.

Cooking Techniques

When I create the Red Robin Chicken Tortilla Soup, I consider how cooking techniques affect flavor and texture. Below, I detail methods for slow cookers, crock pots, and stovetop cooking that ensure every spoonful is rich and satisfying, while keeping an eye on cook time to maintain the integrity of the ingredients.

Using a Slow Cooker

I often recommend a slow cooker for its convenience and ability to infuse flavors deeply. Beginning with a layering of ingredients, I start with the chicken, followed by the vegetables and seasonings. I set the slow cooker on low heat, letting the soup cook slowly, typically for about 6-8 hours, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Opting for a Crock Pot

A crock pot is interchangeable with a slow cooker, though sometimes I find it heats a little differently. To capture the essence of the Red Robin recipe, I maintain the pot on low to achieve a slow simmer, ensuring that the chicken becomes tender and infused with the spices. The crock pot’s sealed environment traps the heat and circulates it, a process that generally takes around 4-6 hours on a low setting.

Preparing on Medium Heat

For a stovetop version, I use medium heat to bring out the soup’s vibrant flavors more quickly. After cooking the chicken, I sauté the vegetables until they’re aromatic, then add the chicken back into the pot along with the broth and other ingredients. Cooking on medium heat, I bring the soup to a bubble before reducing it to a simmer. This approach takes about 30 minutes to an hour, and I find it essential to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

When making the homemade Red Robin chicken tortilla soup recipe, I like to start with my slow cooker for convenience, although a large pot over medium-low heat can also be used effectively. Here’s how I prepare a flavorful rendition of Red Robin’s classic dish:

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Carrots
• Chicken broth
• Tortilla chips and garnishes

Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken:
   Begin by prepping the chicken—which will eventually become tender chicken—ready to be shredded. I usually opt for boneless, skinless breasts or thighs.

2. Sauté Vegetables:
   I heat a bit of olive oil or corn oil in a skillet and then sauté carrots until they’re nearly tender. This helps to build flavor.

3. Assemble in Slow Cooker:
   I transfer the sautéed carrots to the slow cooker and add the prepped chicken on top.

4. Pour Chicken Broth:
   Next, I pour in enough cups of chicken broth to cover the chicken and vegetables.

5. Seasoning & Cooking:
   I add the desired seasonings (like cumin, chili powder, and garlic) then cover and let it cook. The soup should be on a low setting for a cook time of about 4-6 hours.

6. Shred Chicken:
   Once the chicken is cooked through, I remove it, shred it with forks, and return it to the soup, letting it take on the savory flavors of the broth.

7. Serve:
   Finally, I ladle the soup into bowls and garnish lavishly with crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

The key here is patience. As the ingredients slowly simmer, their flavors meld together, creating a rich, comforting soup that truly satisfies.

Toppings and Variations

I find that the choice of toppings can transform the humble chicken tortilla soup into a culinary masterpiece. Let’s explore the customary toppings and creative variations that you can apply to your Red Robin-inspired chicken tortilla soup to elevate it to the next level.

Customary Toppings

For the Customary Toppings, I recommend starting with a dollop of sour cream. The creamy texture and tangy taste of sour cream add a cooling contrast to the warm spices of the soup. Corn tortilla chips provide a delightful crunch, and can be crumbled on top or served whole as a side.

An ample sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack cheese melts perfectly into the hot soup, offering a smooth, buttery flavor and gooey texture. Fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped, give a burst of freshness and a hint of citrus that cuts through the richness of the dish. I always ensure there’s a bowl of lime wedges on the side so everyone can squeeze a bit of brightness onto their portion.

Creative Variations

When it comes to Creative Variations, my philosophy is to see the soup as a canvas for your favorite toppings. Adding ripe, sliced avocados can introduce a creamy, subtle nuttiness that is both filling and nutritious. For a hit of zest and extra coloring, a twist of lime juice from freshly cut wedges is essential. Those who appreciate heat might include slices of jalapeño, whereas fans of a smoky undertone could sprinkle in a pinch of smoked paprika. Remember, it’s about tailoring the dish to suit your taste, so don’t hesitate to mix and match toppings based on what you love.

Storing and Reheating

When I have leftovers of the delicious Red Robin Chicken Tortilla Soup, I ensure they’re stored properly for a mouth-watering second-night meal. Here’s how I handle the process:

Storing:

1. Cool Down: I let the soup cool to room temperature before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
2. Airtight Container: I transfer the soup into an airtight container. This helps to keep the soup fresh and prevents it from absorbing other smells in the fridge.
3. Refrigerate: Once sealed, I place the container in the fridge. It’s optimal to consume it within the next day to maintain the best taste and quality.

Reheating:

1. Stovetop: I prefer reheating my soup on the stovetop over medium heat. I stir occasionally until it’s heated through.
2. Microwave: If I’m in a hurry, I use the microwave. I cover the soup with a microwave-safe lid and heat on high for intervals of 60 seconds, stirring in between, until hot.
3. Oven (for Toppings): To crisp up leftover tortilla strips or other toppings, I place them on a baking sheet and pop them into a hot oven (about 350°F) for a few minutes until they are warm and crispy.

I find the creative use of leftovers particularly satisfying. I sometimes add fresh ingredients or transform the soup into a new dish entirely for variety. It’s a great way to minimize waste and enjoy every last spoonful of the hearty, flavorful soup.

Nutritional Information

When I examined the nutritional values for the Red Robin Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe, I found that the soup’s caloric content varies depending on the portion size you choose. A typical serving contains between 210-380 calories, which can be substantial depending on one’s daily caloric needs.

Regarding the macronutrients in a serving of this soup, you can expect to consume 10-20 grams of fat and a fair amount of protein, approximately 12-21 grams. This makes the dish a hearty option for those seeking a satisfying meal with a good balance of fats and proteins.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	210-380
Fat	10-20g
Protein	12-21g

I should also highlight that the chicken tortilla soup may not be ideal for those on a dairy-free diet, as it may contain milk or milk products. However, for those who integrate dairy into their diet, a cup of milk typically adds around 8 grams of protein to the meal, which can be compared to the protein levels of the soup itself.

It’s crucial to keep in mind the daily values percentages when including this soup in your meal plan. While it offers nutritional benefits, the sodium content could be higher than what some individuals may be seeking. The exact numbers can be checked by looking at a detailed nutrition facts sheet for Red Robin’s offerings to ensure alignment with personal health goals and dietary restrictions.

To sum it up, the nutritional profile of Red Robin’s Chicken Tortilla Soup is quite diverse and should be considered in the context of your overall daily dietary intake.

Serving Suggestions

When I prepare my favorite tortilla soup at home, I consider not only the flavors but also the accompanying dishes and presentation that can elevate the entire meal.

Complementary Dishes

• Cheese Quesadillas: A simple cheese quesadilla made with flour tortillas pairs perfectly, adding a nice, melty texture to complement the hearty soup.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: For those who enjoy a little bit more filling, cilantro lime rice brings a zesty flavor that harmonizes well with the lime juice in the soup.

Presentation Tips

• Tortilla Strips: Cutting a few flour tortillas into strips and toasting them adds a delightful crunch on top of your soup.
• Lime Wedges: Serving with a wedge of lime allows guests to add an extra splash of lime juice, enhancing the flavor to their preference.
• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh, chopped cilantro can provide a burst of color and freshness to the presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, I’m addressing some common inquiries about how to recreate the beloved Red Robin Chicken Tortilla Soup. These questions will help guide you through the process of making a soup that mirrors the flavors of Red Robin’s original dish.

What are the essential ingredients needed to replicate Red Robin’s chicken tortilla soup?

To replicate Red Robin’s Chicken Tortilla Soup, the key ingredients include chicken breast, tomato base, corn, black beans, a blend of Mexican spices, and garnishes like avocado, tortilla strips, and sour cream. These components are central to achieving the flavor that fans of Red Robin’s soup know and love.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350 kcal
Total Fat	15 g
Saturated Fat	4.5 g
Trans Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	55 mg
Sodium	850 mg
Total Carbohydrates	30 g
Dietary Fiber	5 g
Total Sugars	5 g
Protein	25 g
Vitamin D	0 µg
Calcium	150 mg
Iron	2 mg
Potassium	600 mg

Can you provide a simplified version of the chicken tortilla soup similar to Red Robin’s?

Yes, I can suggest a simplified version that involves using pre-cooked chicken, canned tomatoes, and a mix of frozen corn and black beans. Season with cumin, chili powder, and garlic for the desired Mexican-inspired taste and simmer until the flavors meld.

How do I make a slow cooker version of the chicken tortilla soup inspired by Red Robin?

For a slow cooker version, place raw chicken, diced tomatoes, stock, black beans, corn, and spices into the cooker and set it on low for 6-8 hours. Shred the chicken once cooked, and serve with the classic toppings like cheese, tortilla strips, and cilantro.

What steps should I follow to create an authentic taste similar to Red Robin’s chicken tortilla soup?

To create an authentic taste, sauté onions and garlic, then add a rich tomato base, followed by the spices. Incorporate shredded chicken, corn, and black beans, and simmer all the ingredients. Don’t forget to finish with a squeeze of lime juice and a handful of crispy tortilla strips prior to serving.

Are there any known alternatives to the Red Robin chicken tortilla soup since its discontinuation?

Since the discontinuation, many recipes have surfaced that claim to replicate the flavor of Red Robin’s version. Exploring alternative recipes and adjusting them based on memory and taste is a good approach to finding a close match.

How can I modify a chicken tortilla soup recipe from another restaurant, like Rubio’s, to taste more like Red Robin’s?

Start by examining the differences in spices, texture, and ingredients between Red Robin’s and Rubio’s recipes. To make Rubio’s soup taste more like Red Robin’s, you might need to tweak the spices balance, perhaps by adding more of a smoky flavor or a touch of sweetness thats characteristic of Red Robin’s version.

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