BJ’s Restaurant Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

BJ’s Restaurant Chicken Tortilla Soup Recip
Capri Koch

BJ’s Restaurant Chicken Tortilla Soup Recip

Make BJ's Restaurant Chicken Tortilla Soup at home with this easy copycat recipe. Loaded with tender chicken, black beans, corn, fire-roasted tomatoes, avocado, and crispy tortilla strips, this hearty Mexican-inspired soup is perfect for lunch or dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

Soup Base
  • 2 tbsp Chicken Breast Extra virgin preferred
  • 1 medium Garlic Diced
  • 3 cloves Onion Minced
  • 1 lb Chicken Breast Boneless and skinless
  • 1.5 tsp Ground Cumin Fresh preferred
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder Adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika Adds smoky flavor
  • 1 tsp Salt Or to taste
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper Fresh ground
  • 1 can Fire-Roasted Tomatoes 14 oz
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste Adds richness
  • 6 cups Chicken Broth Low sodium preferred
  • 1 can Black Beans Drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup Sweet Corn Frozen or canned
  • 1 tbsp Lime Juice Freshly squeezed
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Cilantro Chopped
Toppings
  • 1 medium Avocado Diced
  • 1 cup Tortilla Strips Diced
  • 0.5 cup Monterey Jack Cheese Diced
  • 0.25 cup Sour Cream Optional
  • 1 whole Lime Cut into wedges

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch Oven Large soup pot
  • 1 Wooden spoon Stirring ingredients
  • 1 Chef Knife Chopping vegetables
  • 1 Sharp knife and cutting board Food preparation
  • 1 Measuring Cup Set Accurate measurements
  • 1 Measuring Spoon Set Spices and seasonings
  • 1 Ladle Serving soup
  • 2 Forks Shredding chicken
  • 1 Small Frying Pan Tortilla strip

Method
 

  1. Add diced onion and cook for 4 minutes until softened.
  2. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Stir continuously for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  5. Add chicken breast and coat with the spice mixture.
  6. Add chicken breast and coat with the spice mixture.
  7. Pour in fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth.
  8. Bring to a gentle boil.
  9. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  10. Remove chicken and shred using two forks.
  11. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
  12. Add black beans and corn.
  13. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
  14. Stir in lime juice and fresh cilantro.
  15. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  16. Ladle into serving bowls.
  17. Top with avocado, tortilla strips, cheese, sour cream, and lime wedges.
  18. Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

  • Rotisserie chicken can replace chicken breast for faster preparation.
  • Add jalapeños for extra heat.
  • For a thicker soup, blend 1 cup of the soup and return it to the pot.
  • Fresh lime juice greatly improves the final flavor.
  • Tortilla strips should be added just before serving to maintain crunch.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.

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What Is BJ’s Restaurant Chicken Tortilla Soup?

BJ’s Restaurant Chicken Tortilla Soup is a Tex-Mex-inspired soup made with shredded chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, corn, flavorful broth, avocado, cheese, and crispy tortilla strips. The soup combines smoky, savory, and mildly spicy flavors that create a satisfying meal in a single bowl. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse serves it as one of its most popular soup options.

How To Make BJ’s Chicken Tortilla Soup

The secret to a great chicken tortilla soup is layering flavors. First, onions, garlic, and spices are sautéed to create a flavorful base. Chicken is simmered in broth with tomatoes until tender enough to shred. Black beans and corn add heartiness, while lime juice and cilantro provide freshness. Finally, crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and cheese create the restaurant-style finishing touch.

History of Chicken Tortilla Soup

Tortilla soup, known in Mexico as “Sopa de Tortilla” or “Sopa Azteca,” is a traditional Mexican dish. It originated in central Mexico and is typically prepared using fried tortilla strips, tomatoes, garlic, onions, and broth. Over time, American restaurants developed Tex-Mex variations that include chicken, beans, corn, cheese, and avocado. BJ’s version reflects this modern Tex-Mex style while maintaining the classic tortilla soup foundation.

Why Is This Soup So Popular?

  • Rich and comforting flavor
  • High protein content
  • Perfect balance of textures
  • Customizable toppings
  • Suitable as an appetizer or a full meal
  • Great for colder weather
  • Restaurant-quality taste at home

Best Combinations With Chicken Tortilla Soup

Serve this soup with:

  • Mexican rice
  • Cornbread
  • Cheese quesadillas
  • Grilled chicken tacos
  • Fresh green salad
  • Guacamole and tortilla chips
  • Southwest chicken wraps
  • Mexican street corn

Benefits of Chicken Tortilla Soup

High in Protein

Chicken provides quality protein that helps support muscle growth and satiety.

Rich in Fiber

Black beans and corn contribute dietary fiber that supports digestive health.

Nutrient Dense

Avocado, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Complete Meal

The combination of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates makes it a balanced meal.

Meal Prep Friendly

The soup stores and reheats extremely well for busy weeknights.

Who Should Avoid This Recipe?

This recipe may not be ideal for:

  • People following low-sodium diets
  • Individuals with dairy allergies if using cheese and sour cream
  • Those with corn allergies
  • People sensitive to spicy foods
  • Individuals following strict keto diets

Can I freeze chicken tortilla soup?

Yes. Freeze the soup without toppings for up to 3 months.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes. Rotisserie chicken is one of the easiest substitutions and significantly reduces cooking time.

Is BJ’s Chicken Tortilla Soup spicy?

The soup is mildly spicy with a warm Tex-Mex flavor profile. Additional chili powder or jalapeños can increase the heat level.

What toppings are best?

Avocado, crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, cilantro, sour cream, jalapeños, and lime wedges are the most popular toppings.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours before shredding the chicken.

What makes tortilla soup different from chicken soup?

Tortilla soup includes Mexican-inspired ingredients such as tortilla strips, tomatoes, cumin, lime, cilantro, and often avocado.

Is BJ’s Chicken Tortilla Soup healthy?

Compared to many restaurant soups, it provides a good balance of protein, fiber, and vegetables while remaining relatively moderate in calories.

Sources:

Tortilla Soup

USDA FoodData Central

  • Purpose: Nutrition verification for ingredients like chicken, beans, corn, avocado, and broth.
  • Useful for creating accurate nutrition estimates.