Max and Erma’s Tortilla Soup Copycat Recipe

Introduction

This Max and Erma’s Tortilla Soup copycat recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and flavorful bowl of comfort. Packed with tender chicken, smoky spices, and cheesy goodness, it’s perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup flour
• 2 tablespoons chicken base
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups milk
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken
• 1 can cream of cheddar soup
• 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes
• 4 ounces green chilis
• 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 8 ounces Velveeta cheese
• 4 tortillas
• 2 tablespoons butter (for tortilla strips)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in ¼ cup butter over medium heat until the onions soften, about 3–5 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for another 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
2. Step 2: Stir in the chicken base, then slowly pour in the water and milk while whisking to combine smoothly without lumps.
3. Step 3: Add the diced cooked chicken, cream of cheddar soup, fire-roasted tomatoes, and green chilis to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4. Step 4: Mix in the chipotle powder, cumin, adobo seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cube or shred the Velveeta cheese and stir it into the soup until fully melted and creamy.
5. Step 5: While the soup simmers, cut the tortillas into thin strips.
6. Step 6: Melt 2 tablespoons butter, dip the tortilla strips into the butter, then spread them in a single layer in an air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for five minutes or until crispy and golden.
7. Step 7: Serve the soup hot, topped with the crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut.
• For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or use hot fire-roasted tomatoes.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the tortilla strips at 400°F for 7–10 minutes until crisp.
• Use sharp cheddar in place of Velveeta for a more natural cheese flavor.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from clumping. Store tortilla strips separately at room temperature to keep them crisp and add them just before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken broth instead of chicken base?

Yes, you can substitute 2 cups of chicken broth for the water and chicken base. This will add more depth of flavor to the soup.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace chicken with beans or extra vegetables, use vegetable broth instead of chicken base, and omit the Velveeta or substitute with a plant-based cheese.