If you’re a fan of the Applebee’s Chicken Tortilla Soup, then you’re in luck. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into replicating this beloved dish right in your own kitchen. We’ve got all the tips, tricks, and a step-by-step guide to make sure your homemade version is as mouthwatering as the one served at Applebee’s. So let’s get started, shall we?
The Chicken Tortilla Soup is a staple on the Applebee’s menu. This dish perfectly combines the richness of a creamy base with the spiciness of chili and the crunchiness of tortilla strips. Its heartiness makes it a popular choice, especially during colder seasons.
However, it’s also light enough to enjoy year-round. Today, you’ll learn how to recreate this well-balanced, flavorful dish at home.
Ingredients You Need to Make Applebee’s Chicken Tortilla Soup:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| chicken breasts, cooked and shredded | 2 |
| chicken broth | 4 cups |
| heavy cream | 1 cup |
| red bell pepper, diced | 1 |
| onion, diced | 1 |
| cloves of garlic, minced | 2 |
| black beans | 1 can |
| corn | 1 can |
| diced tomatoes | 1 can |
| chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | to taste |
| Tortilla strips | for garnish |
| Cheddar cheese | for garnish |
| Fresh cilantro | for garnish |
Tools You’ll Need to Make This Hearty Soup:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Cheese grater
Step-By-Step Guide on How to Prepare Applebee’s Chicken Tortilla Soup:
Preparing the Ingredients:
- Cook the chicken breasts by your preferred method (boiling, grilling, or baking). Once cooked, shred the meat using two forks.
- Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and, if using, mince the jalapeño. Set aside.
Starting the Soup:
- Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add vegetable oil.
- Add the diced onion to the pot. Sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and jalapeño (if using), sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Building the Soup:
- Add ground cumin, chili powder, and paprika to the pot. Stir to combine with the sautéed vegetables.
- Add chicken broth to the pot, stirring to combine and make sure that all the bits stuck to the bottom are lifted.
- Add the drained diced tomatoes and black beans to the pot. Stir well.
- Add the shredded chicken and corn kernels to the soup.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
Let It Simmer:
- Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for at least 20-30 minutes to let all the flavors meld together. You can simmer longer for a more intensified flavor.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if needed.
- While the soup is simmering, you can prepare tortilla strips by either baking or frying them, or you can use store-bought crushed tortilla chips.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with tortilla strips, shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, and chopped cilantro, as desired.
And there you have it, a homemade version of Applebee’s Chicken Tortilla Soup! Enjoy this comforting, flavorful soup any time you want a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Soup |
| Cuisine | American/Mexican Fusion |
| Recipe Yield | 6 servings |
| Calories | Approximately 400 per serving |
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour |
Tips on Serving Applebee’s Chicken Tortilla Soup:
- Garnish Galore: Offer a variety of garnishes like shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, and chopped cilantro to let everyone customize their bowl.
- Tortilla Options: You can opt for homemade crispy tortilla strips, or save time by using store-bought crushed tortilla chips.
- Grain Pairing: Serve the soup over a small bed of rice or quinoa for added texture and a more filling meal.
- Vegetable Sides: A light salad or steamed vegetables can round out the meal and add a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy soup.
- Bread Basket: Serve with cornbread or crusty bread for additional heartiness and a different texture.
Why You’ll Love This Applebee’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe?
There’s a lot to love about this homemade version of Applebee’s Chicken Tortilla Soup. First and foremost, the flavor profile is unbeatable spicy, savory, and slightly smoky, it’s a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out. Making this recipe at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients, ensuring a healthier, fresher meal than the restaurant version.
It’s also an incredibly versatile dish; you can easily adjust the spice levels, swap out ingredients, or add extra toppings to make it your own. This soup is not only great for dinner but also makes fantastic leftovers, with the flavors continuing to meld and improve over time. Finally, this recipe is budget-friendly and makes for a delightful family meal or a crowd-pleaser at social gatherings.
Conclusion
We hope this blog post has made your quest to recreate the perfect Applebee’s Chicken Tortilla Soup at home a lot simpler. This soup is a splendid blend of flavors and textures that you can easily prepare yourself. Plus, you can adapt it to fit your personal taste preferences. So why wait? Start cooking, and let this delectable soup warm your soul.