Bj’s Restaurant Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Wanna know what hits the spot every single time? A big ol’ bowl of warm, cozy soup. And not just any soup-I’m talkin’ about Bj’s Restaurant Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe. Oh boy, it’s something special.

It’s got a little kick, a bunch of flavor, and it’s packed with good stuff like tender chicken, sweet corn, and tomatoes. And the best part? All those yummy toppings-cheese, crispy tortilla strips, avocado… yes, please!

This soup feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re having it for lunch, dinner, or even a late-night snack, it always brings the comfort. Let me show you how to make it right at home-it’s easier than you think!

Why You Will Love This Bj’s Restaurant Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Oh my goodness, y’all-this soup is so good! It’s warm, cozy, and full of flavor. Every bite feels like a big, tasty hug.

You’ll love how creamy, cheesy, and a little bit spicy it is. The chicken is tender, the corn is sweet, and those tortilla strips? Crunchy and fun!

It’s super easy to make, too. No fancy stuff-just real, simple food. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a late-night snack. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Ingredients Used in This Bj’s Restaurant Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup frozen corn (or canned)
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (white meat preferred)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 avocado, diced
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips for topping
• Optional: sour cream and lime wedges for serving

Essential Kitchen Equipment Required

1. Large soup pot
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Knife and cutting board
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Ladle
6. Bowls for serving

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4 hearty bowls

How To Make Bj’s Restaurant Chicken Tortilla Soup?

1. Sauté the Base:
In your soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent-about 3 to 4 minutes. Add in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

2. Season It Up:
Sprinkle in your cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir it all around and let the spices toast a little-this is where the flavor magic begins!

3. Build the Soup:
Pour in the chicken broth and canned tomatoes (juice and all). Bring it all to a simmer.

4. Add the Good Stuff:
Stir in the corn and shredded chicken. Let everything simmer together for 10–15 minutes, so the flavors can get to know each other real good.

5. Final Touch:
Right before serving, mix in the chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

6. Serve It Right:
Ladle the soup into bowls and pile on your toppings-chunks of avocado, both cheeses, and those golden, crispy tortilla strips. A dollop of sour cream and a squeeze of lime never hurt anybody either!

Notable Tips to Make This Bj’s Restaurant Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Perfect

Here are some notable tips, that can help you to make this recipe perfect in the very first attempt. Check below

1. Use Leftover Chicken
Got some cooked chicken in the fridge? Use it! This soup is perfect for leftovers.

2. Chop Everything Before You Start
Cut up all your veggies and toppings first. It makes cooking way easier and faster.

3. Don’t Skip the Spices
Cumin, chili powder, and paprika give the soup its big flavor. So don’t leave them out!

4. Let It Simmer
Let the soup bubble gently for a bit. This helps all the yummy flavors come together.

5. Taste As You Go
Always give the soup a taste before serving. You might want a little more salt or spice!

6. Make It Creamy (If You Want!)
Want it creamy? Add a splash of heavy cream or a spoon of sour cream at the end. Yum!

7. Crunchy Toppings Are a Must
Don’t forget those crispy tortilla strips! They add the perfect crunch on top.

8. Add Avocado Last
Put the avocado on top right before you eat. That way it stays fresh and pretty.

9. Want It Spicy?
Add some jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. But only if you like it hot!

10. Make Extra and Freeze It
This soup freezes great (without the toppings). Save some for a busy day later!

Some Delicious Ways to Enjoy This Bj’s Restaurant Chicken Tortilla Soup

Whether it’s a party, family function or you are enjoying this Bj’s Restaurant Chicken Tortilla Soup at your home, the following serving ideas can make your meal more comfortable and delicious to enjoy.

1. With a Crunchy Side Salad
We love serving this soup next to a simple chopped salad like Zaxby’s Asian Slaw, with ranch or cilantro-lime dressing. That cool crunch next to the warm, spicy broth? Chef’s kiss! It’s light, fresh, and perfect for lunch.

2. In a Bread Bowl (Yes, Really!)
Ever tried it in a sourdough bread bowl? Oh honey, it’s a whole experience. The soup soaks into the bread just enough to give you that savory, messy, cozy bite. We usually scoop out a little of the middle to make room-then dip the extra bread in the soup!

3. Topped With a Fried Egg (Trust Us)
Sounds wild, but it works. That creamy yolk running into the spicy broth adds a whole new layer of richness. We tried it once on a whim-and now it’s a favorite for brunch.

4. With Grilled Cheese Dippers
You know how tomato soup gets grilled cheese, like Hot Cheetos Boudin Balls? Well, this one deserves it too. We like to slice the sandwiches into strips and dunk ‘em right in. Melty, cheesy, spicy, and crunchy-yes, yes, and yes.

5. With Rice or Quinoa Stirred In
When we need a little extra “stick to your ribs,” we stir in some cooked rice or quinoa right before serving. It bulks things up and makes it feel like a full-on meal.

6. With a Margarita on the Side
Okay, this one’s not for the kids-but wow, does it work! A cold, citrusy margarita balances out the warm spice of the soup perfectly. We usually go with a classic lime or a jalapeño mango twist. It’s a party in a bowl and a glass!

7. As a Topping for Nachos
Leftover soup? We spoon a little over a tray of tortilla chips, pile on more cheese, and pop it under the broiler for 5 minutes. Boom-instant loaded nachos. Total game-day favorite.

8. With a Warm Tortilla or Cornbread
Sometimes we just keep it classic. A warm flour tortilla rolled up with butter or a slice of jalapeño cornbread on the side makes the perfect companion. That’s Southern comfort with a West Coast twist!

9. With a Scoop of Sour Cream and a Few Pickled Jalapeños
We found this combo by accident-and now we won’t have the soup without it. The sour cream cools everything down while the pickled jalapeños wake your taste buds right back up.

10. Served Family Style with a Toppings Bar
When guests come over, we like to serve the soup in a big pot and set up a DIY toppings bar-avocado chunks, extra cheese, chopped green onion, sour cream, tortilla strips, hot sauce… Let everyone go wild. It’s fun, customizable, and makes dinner feel like an event.

How to Store and Reheat This Bj’s Restaurant Chicken Tortilla Soup Properly

Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If freezing, skip the avocado and toppings-just freeze the base. It’ll stay good for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, and top fresh right before serving.

FAQs on This Bj’s Restaurant Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Bj’s Restaurant Chicken Tortilla Soup that people often ask.

1. What is in the chicken tortilla soup at BJ’s?

From what we’ve tasted and recreated, BJ’s chicken tortilla soup is packed with bold flavor and fresh ingredients. It’s got tender shredded chicken, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a spiced chicken broth. Then it’s topped with creamy avocado, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, fresh cilantro, and crunchy tortilla strips. It’s like a party in a bowl!

2. What is the secret ingredient in chicken tortilla soup?

In our experience, it’s all about the smoked paprika. It gives the soup that warm, smoky depth that really sets it apart from regular chicken soups. A touch of lime juice at the end also brightens everything up beautifully. Don’t skip those-they’re game-changers!

3. What are the ingredients in chicken tortilla soup?

This recipe calls for basic pantry staples with a few fresh toppings. You’ll need chicken broth, onion, garlic, tomatoes with green chilies, corn, and cooked chicken. Then we layer on cilantro, avocado, shredded cheese, and tortilla strips. It’s hearty, colorful, and super satisfying.

4. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?

Oh absolutely! We do it all the time. Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and adds great flavor. Just shred up the white meat and toss it right in-it works perfectly and cuts down the prep time big time.

5. How spicy is this soup?

It has a mild to medium spice level-just enough to tickle your taste buds without setting your mouth on fire. If you like it hotter, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or even a chopped jalapeño. We like to keep it mild so everyone at the table can enjoy it.

6. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You sure can! We’ve swapped the chicken for black or green beans or even chunks of zucchini, and used veggie broth instead of chicken broth. It’s still hearty, flavorful, and just as comforting.

7. How do I get my tortilla strips crispy like BJ’s?

We’ve found that frying sliced corn tortillas in a bit of hot oil until golden works best. But if you’re short on time, store-bought tortilla strips or even crumbled tortilla chips do the trick. Just make sure they’re added right before serving so they stay crisp!

8. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, but with a tip: freeze just the soup base without the toppings like cheese, avocado, or tortilla strips. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it and add your fresh toppings then.

9. Is this soup good for meal prep?

It’s one of our go-to meal prep recipes! The flavors actually get better the next day. Just store the soup and toppings separately, and you’ll have quick, delicious lunches or dinners all week long.

10. What can I serve with chicken tortilla soup?

We love pairing it with a crisp side salad or even a cheesy quesadilla. If you want to go full BJ’s-style, serve it in a bread bowl! But honestly, with all the toppings and flavor, it holds its own as a full meal.

There you have it-BJ’s Restaurant-style Chicken Tortilla Soup, homemade with love and a little kick. Whether you’re pairing it with a fresh salad, cozying up on a rainy night, or sneaking a midnight bowl (I won’t judge), this soup is always a win.

Go ahead and save this recipe-you’ll be coming back to it again and again. Drop a comment on the blog with your feedback-I can’t wait to hear what you think.

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