BJ’S Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Chicken Tortilla Soup is one of my favorite comfort meals. It’s warm, hearty, and packed with bold Mexican flavors. The first time I tried this soup was at BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, and it was love at first bite.

There’s a little story behind it—some friends and I went out for a lunch girls’ night out, and we decided to try BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse. We ordered the chicken tortilla soup, and from that moment on, it became our go-to dish every time we visited. The smoky, slightly spicy broth, paired with crispy tortilla strips and melted cheese, made every spoonful irresistible.

If you’ve ever enjoyed this dish at BJ’s or simply love a delicious bowl of chicken tortilla soup, you’re in the right place. This easy step-by-step BJ’S Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe will help you bring those same amazing flavors right to your kitchen. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to make: Simple steps and basic ingredients make this soup perfect for beginners.
2. Packed with flavor: Smoky chiles, rich broth, and tender chicken create a delicious combination.
3. Customizable: You can adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your taste.
4. Comforting and hearty: A warm, filling meal that satisfies your cravings.
5. Great for meal prep: Leftovers taste even better the next day!

Ingredients You Will Need

Here’s a quick breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious BJ’s Chicken Tortilla Soup:

• 3 lbs of split chicken breast with ribs – This cut of chicken adds great flavor and makes the broth richer and tastier. You can also use boneless skinless chicken breasts if you prefer.
• Salt and black pepper – Basic seasoning to enhance the chicken’s natural flavors.
• 1 tbsp oil – Used to sear the chicken and create that crispy golden skin.
• 2 bay leaves – These add an earthy, aromatic flavor to the broth.
• 5 tbsp chicken bouillon – The bouillon adds a savory, deep chicken flavor to the soup base.
• 1/2 onion – A small onion for extra flavor in the broth.
• 5 roma tomatoes – These will be blended into the soup, giving it a rich, tomato base.
• 5 New Mexico or guajillo chile pods – These dried chiles will bring a mild smokiness to the soup.
• 1 chile ancho – Adds a bit of heat and a smoky depth to the flavor.
• 3 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce – These chiles add a spicy kick and a smoky undertone to the soup.
• 3 garlic cloves – Garlic brings a warm, savory flavor to the broth.
• 1 tsp ground cumin – This spice adds an earthy warmth to the soup.
• Beans – Feel free to use black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans for added texture and flavor.
• Sweet corn – The corn adds a little sweetness and a nice texture to the soup.
• 20 corn tortillas – These will be fried into crispy strips to top the soup.
• Cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, jalapeños – Toppings that bring the soup to a whole new level!

Possible Substitutions

If you’re missing an ingredient or two, no worries! Here are some possible substitutions for this BJ’s Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe:

• Chicken breast: You can substitute with thighs if you prefer dark meat, or use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version.
• Beans: Any type of beans will work, but black beans are a popular choice for this soup.
• Tortilla strips: If you’re short on time, you can buy pre-made tortilla chips instead of frying your own.
• Cumin: If you don’t have ground cumin, you could use a pinch of taco seasoning for a different twist.
• Chiles: If you can’t find the specific dried chiles listed, feel free to swap them out for any other mild or smoky chiles you can find.

Kitchen Appliances Needed

To make this soup, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:

1. Large Pot – To cook your chicken, simmer the broth, and combine the ingredients.
2. Blender – To blend the roasted chiles, tomatoes, and other ingredients into a smooth mixture.
3. Frying Pan or Pot – To fry the tortilla strips to a crispy golden perfection.
4. Knife and Cutting Board – To chop the chicken, onion, garlic, and other ingredients.
5. Soup Ladle – For serving the soup with all of its delicious toppings.

How to Make BJ’s Chicken Tortilla Soup

Here’s the step-by-step process to make this mouthwatering BJ’s Chicken Tortilla Soup:

Step 1 | Prepare the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry and season them with salt and black pepper. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chicken to the pot and sear it for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.

Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2 | Make the Broth

In the same pot, add the bay leaves, chicken bouillon, and half an onion (roughly chopped). Fill the pot with water, enough to cover the chicken. Let this simmer for about 25 minutes.

Step 3 | Prepare the Tomato and Chile Mixture

While the chicken is simmering, roast the roma tomatoes, New Mexico or guajillo chiles, ancho chile, and chipotle chiles in a hot skillet for about 5 minutes. After roasting, soak the chiles in hot water for 5 minutes to soften them.

Once softened, transfer the tomatoes and chiles to a blender, along with the garlic and onion. Add a little bit of the broth to help blend everything smoothly into a rich and flavorful mixture.

Step 4 | Combine Everything

After 25 minutes, remove the chicken and shred it. Add the blended tomato-chile mixture back into the pot along with the shredded chicken, beans, and sweet corn. Let this simmer for another 15 minutes.

Step 5 | Make the Tortilla Strips

While the soup is simmering, heat some oil in a frying pan. Cut the corn tortillas into strips and fry them until golden and crispy. Set them aside to drain.

Step 6 | Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls, topping with the fried tortilla strips, Mexican shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, and fresh jalapeños if you like some heat!

Tips for Making the Perfect Dish

• Don’t Overcrowd the Chicken: When searing the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pot. If necessary, sear the chicken in batches for the best golden-brown results.
• Adjust the Heat: If you like your soup spicier, you can add more chipotle chiles or even a dash of hot sauce.
• Fry Tortilla Strips Right Before Serving: Fry the tortilla strips just before serving to keep them crisp.

What to Serve With Chicken Tortilla Soup

Let me share some of my favorite dishes that go perfectly with this soup. I’ve tried many combinations, and these are the ones that work best:

1. Fresh Mexican Rice: A scoop of fluffy Mexican rice on the side soaks up all the tasty soup broth. I make mine with tomatoes and a bit of garlic.
2. Simple Green Salad: Sometimes I make a light salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and lime dressing. The fresh crunch goes really well with the warm soup.
3. Quesadillas: When my kids want something extra, I make simple cheese quesadillas for dipping in the soup. They love it!
4. Mexican Street Corn: If you want to make dinner more special, try some corn on the cob with mayo, cheese, and chili powder. We call this elote, and it tastes amazing with the soup.
5. Warm Cornbread: On cold days, nothing beats having some sweet cornbread on the side. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of soup.

How to Store Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy this soup for several days:

Refrigerator Storage:

Let the soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep tortilla strips in a separate container at room temperature to maintain crispiness.

Reheating Instructions:

Warm the soup over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add a little chicken broth if it seems too thick. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval.

Can You Freeze Chicken Tortilla Soup?

This soup freezes beautifully with a few considerations:

Freezing Method:

Cool the soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave about an inch of space for expansion. Label with the date and contents. The soup will maintain best quality for up to 3 months.

Thawing and Reheating:

Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add fresh garnishes and new tortilla strips, as the original ones won’t freeze well.

BJ’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe FAQs

Here are some common frequently asked questions about this recipe:

1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! I’ve done this many times. Put everything except the tortilla strips and toppings in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken before serving. Make your tortilla strips fresh when you’re ready to eat.

2. What if I can’t find all the dried chile peppers?

Don’t worry! You can use just one type of dried chile, or even substitute with 2-3 tablespoons of chili powder. The taste will be a bit different but still good. The most important one is the chipotle in adobo – try to find that if you can.

3. Can I use rotisserie chicken to save time?

Absolutely! I do this on busy weeknights. Use a whole rotisserie chicken, take the meat off the bones, and shred it. Add it near the end of cooking since it’s already cooked. You might want to add extra bouillon since you won’t get the flavor from cooking the chicken in the broth.

4. Why did my tortilla strips get soggy so quickly?

This usually happens if they’re not fried until completely crispy. Make sure your oil is hot enough, and fry them until they’re golden brown. Also, always add them right before eating – don’t let them sit in the soup too long.

5. How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

Let the soup simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can blend some of the beans and add them back to the soup as a natural thickener.

Continue to Content

BJ’S Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Yield: 6-8 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

BJ’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is packed with bold flavors, tender chicken, and crispy tortilla strips. Ready in just 1 hour, this comforting meal is a must-try!

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Ingredients

• 3 lbs split chicken breast with ribs
• 1 tbsp oil
• 2 bay leaves
• 5 tbsp chicken bouillon
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 5 roma tomatoes
• 5 New Mexico or guajillo chile pods
• 1 chile ancho
• 3 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 cup beans (black, pinto, or kidney)
• 1 cup sweet corn
• 20 corn tortillas (for crispy strips)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Toppings:

• Mexican shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Avocado slices
• Jalapeños

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat your chicken breasts dry and season them with salt and black pepper. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chicken to the pot and sear it for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Make the Broth: In the same pot, add the bay leaves, chicken bouillon, and half an onion (roughly chopped). Fill the pot with water, enough to cover the chicken. Let this simmer for about 25 minutes.
3. Prepare the Tomato and Chile Mixture: While the chicken is simmering, roast the roma tomatoes, New Mexico or guajillo chiles, ancho chile, and chipotle chiles in a hot skillet for about 5 minutes. After roasting, soak the chiles in hot water for 5 minutes to soften them. Once softened, transfer the tomatoes and chiles to a blender, along with the garlic and onion. Add a little bit of the broth to help blend everything smoothly into a rich and flavorful mixture.
4. Combine Everything: After 25 minutes, remove the chicken and shred it. Add the blended tomato-chile mixture back into the pot along with the shredded chicken, beans, and sweet corn. Let this simmer for another 15 minutes.
5. Make the Tortilla Strips: While the soup is simmering, heat some oil in a frying pan. Cut the corn tortillas into strips and fry them until golden and crispy. Set them aside to drain.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, topping with the fried tortilla strips, Mexican shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, and fresh jalapeños if you like some heat!
   

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 320Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 850mgCarbohydrates: 35gFiber: 6gSugar: 5gProtein: 28g

Conclusion

Creating BJ’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe at home brings the restaurant experience right to your kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, spicy broth, and crispy tortilla strips creates a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

I hope you’ll try this recipe and discover why it’s become such a favorite. Remember to make it your own by adjusting the spice levels and toppings to your taste.

I’d love to hear about your experience making this soup – share your photos and thoughts with us on Pinterest! Every time I make this soup, it reminds me that the best meals are the ones we share with others.