Why You’ll Love this Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup
This homemade chicken tortilla soup is an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights when you’re craving something warm and satisfying. With just five simple ingredients and minimal prep time, I’m talking dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Who doesn’t love that kind of efficiency?
What makes this recipe truly special is how it perfectly replicates McCallister’s beloved version without the restaurant price tag. The creamy Velveeta creates that luxurious texture while the Rotel tomatoes add just enough kick to wake up your taste buds. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—throw in some corn, black beans, or avocado if you’re feeling fancy. The crispy tortilla chips provide that essential crunch factor, making each spoonful a perfect balance of textures. Can you imagine a more comforting meal on a chilly evening?
What Ingredients are in Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup?
McCallister’s Deli chicken tortilla soup is one of those comfort foods that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. The beauty of this recipe is how simple yet flavorful it is. With just a handful of ingredients, you can recreate this restaurant favorite at home in no time. The rich, cheesy broth combined with tender chicken and zesty tomatoes creates that signature taste that keeps people coming back for more.
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters but don’t overthink it. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, that works perfectly as a substitute for the canned version. The Rotel tomatoes provide that perfect kick of heat, but you could use mild if you’re sensitive to spice. And while some purists might raise an eyebrow at Velveeta, it’s actually what gives this soup its signature creamy texture that doesn’t separate when heated. The tortilla chips aren’t just a garnish—they’re an essential part of the experience, adding that necessary crunch to complement the smooth soup.
- 2 (32 ounce) containers chicken broth
- 1 (13 ounce) can cooked chicken, chunked (or any leftover chicken)
- 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel Tomatoes
- 1 (16 ounce) package Velveeta cheese
- Tortilla chips for serving
How to Make this Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup
Making this McCallister’s-style soup couldn’t be simpler, and it’s perfect for those nights when you want something warm and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Start by heating 2 (32 ounce) containers of chicken broth in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 (13 ounce) can of chunked chicken—or if you’ve got leftover chicken from yesterday’s dinner, that works beautifully too. Let these two ingredients warm up together, creating that wonderful savory base we all crave in a good tortilla soup.
While your broth is heating, take 1 (16 ounce) package of Velveeta cheese and cube it into small pieces that will melt quickly. Drain 1 (10 ounce) can of Rotel tomatoes thoroughly—this step prevents the soup from becoming too watery. Once your broth and chicken mixture is nice and hot, gently stir in those cubed chunks of Velveeta and the drained Rotel tomatoes. The cheese will slowly transform from firm cubes to a velvety smooth consistency that gives this soup its signature rich texture. For a delicious variation, you could sear some additional chicken strips on a cast iron grill pan for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation. Keep stirring occasionally until all the cheese has completely melted and your soup looks gloriously smooth.
The finishing touch to this delightful soup is a generous handful of tortilla chips. I love to serve the chips on the side so everyone can crumble as many as they want into their own bowl—some like them soggy, some like them crunchy. You could also garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for extra brightness, though that’s not in the original recipe. The beauty of this soup is how quickly it comes together—in just about 15 minutes, you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal that tastes like it simmered all day.
Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup Substitutions and Variations
While this easy recipe captures the essence of McCallister’s famous soup, one of the joys of home cooking is making it your own. I’m a firm believer in kitchen creativity, especially with soups.
Don’t have canned chicken? Use rotisserie chicken instead—simply shred about 2 cups. Prefer a healthier option? Swap Velveeta for 2 cups of shredded cheddar and a splash of milk for creaminess. Looking to spice things up? Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of cumin and chili powder.
For a heartier version, toss in a can of black beans or corn. Vegetarians can substitute vegetable broth and omit the chicken. And those garnishes? Go wild with avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime. The possibilities are endless.
What to Serve with Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup
A perfect chicken tortilla soup deserves equally perfect companions on your dinner table. I love pairing this McCallister’s-style soup with a simple side salad dressed in lime vinaigrette—the crispness balances the soup’s richness beautifully.
For heartier appetites, quesadillas filled with melty cheese and a sprinkle of cilantro make wonderful dippers. Can you imagine that cheesy goodness alongside a spoonful of soup? Divine.
Don’t forget about toppings, which practically count as sides themselves. Fresh avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, extra tortilla strips, and chopped cilantro transform each bowl into a meal. For drinks, an ice-cold horchata or Mexican limeade complements the soup’s spicy notes.
Simple. Satisfying. Sublime.
Final Thoughts
After discovering this McCallister’s-style chicken tortilla soup recipe, I’ve become convinced that homemade versions truly outshine restaurant offerings. The simplicity of just five ingredients transforms into something magical—creamy, spicy, and absolutely comforting on those days when you need a warm hug in a bowl.
What makes this recipe special is how customizable it is. Want more heat? Add extra Rotel. Prefer it cheesier? Toss in another handful of Velveeta. The beauty lies in making it your own while maintaining that distinctive McCallister’s flavor profile that keeps people coming back.
Truth be told, you might never order this soup at a restaurant again. Why would you, when the homemade version costs less, tastes fresher, and gives you those wonderful leftovers to enjoy tomorrow?
