mcalister’s chicken tortilla soup recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best mcalister’s chicken tortilla soup recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite recipe for McAlister’s Chicken Tortilla Soup. This delicious soup is a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in yours too. I first discovered this recipe on a trip to the southern United States, where the warm and comforting flavors of this soup are a staple.

The combination of tender chicken, flavorful tortillas, and rich vegetables creates a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing. What I love most about this recipe is its versatility – it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering with friends, or even a special occasion like a holiday party. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your family’s tastes.

My kids adore helping me chop the veggies and stir in the seasonings, making mealtime a fun and collaborative experience. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as a side dish, this soup is sure to become a crowd-pleaser. And the best part?

It’s surprisingly healthy too! With lean protein from the chicken, fiber-rich veggies, and whole-grain tortillas, you can feel good about what you’re feeding your loved ones. So go ahead, give this recipe a try – your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!

One of the key techniques to mastering this soup is learning how to cook the chicken just right – tender but not overcooked. It’s all about balancing the cooking time with the heat level. Don’t worry if it takes a little practice to get it just right – trust me, it’ll be worth it!

Now that we’ve got our technique down pat, let’s talk about why this soup is such a great choice for any occasion.

McAlister's Chicken Tortilla Soup

McAlister’s Chicken Tortilla Soup

4.7 from 598 votes

A hearty and flavorful soup inspired by the popular McAlister’s Deli version. This recipe features tender chicken, a rich and smoky broth, and crispy tortilla strips for a satisfying meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
4 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
1 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and black pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lime

For the Tortilla Strips

4 (6-inch) corn tortillas
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt

For Garnish

1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1 avocado, diced

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2While the oven heats, cut the corn tortillas into thin strips, about 1/4 inch wide.
3Toss the strips with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon of salt on a baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4Spread the tortilla strips in a single layer on the baking sheet.
5Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy, stirring once halfway through to ensure even browning.
6Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
7Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
8Add the diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until it becomes translucent and soft, stirring occasionally.
9Add the minced garlic, jalapeno, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika to the pot.
10Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
11Be careful not to burn the garlic.
12Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and diced green chiles.
13Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
14Stir in the shredded chicken and frozen corn.
15Continue to simmer for 5 more minutes, until the chicken is heated through and the corn is tender.
16Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the fresh cilantro and lime juice.
17Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
18Ladle the soup into bowls.
19Top each serving with a generous handful of the crispy tortilla strips, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and diced avocado.
Serve immediately.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Baking sheet
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring spoons
Measuring cups

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 55mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

For a spicier soup, leave the seeds in the jalapeno pepper. You can also use rotisserie chicken to save time. The tortilla strips can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container.

Watch Video Of How McAlister’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Works

This McAlister’s Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe has become a staple in our household because of its ease of preparation and delicious flavor profile. When storing leftovers, make sure to cool them to room temperature within an hour of cooking and refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below within two hours.

For reheating ideas, try warming individual portions in the microwave until heated through or simmering larger batches on the stovetop until hot and bubbly. Serving suggestions include garnishing with fresh cilantro or scallions for added color and freshness.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About McAlister’s Chicken Tortilla Soup

Q1: What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

The best type of chicken to use for this recipe is boneless, skinless breast or thighs. You can also use leftover cooked chicken if you have some on hand.

Q2: Can I customize the vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute your favorite veggies to suit your taste preferences.

Q3: How do I store leftovers safely?

To store leftovers safely, cool them to room temperature within an hour of cooking and refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below within two hours.

Q4: Can I reheat this soup in the microwave?

Yes, you can reheat this soup in the microwave in short intervals until warmed through.

Q5: Is this recipe suitable for special diets?

This recipe is suitable for gluten-free diets but may not be suitable for dairy-free diets due to the inclusion of sour cream.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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