There’s just something so comforting about a big bowl of soup-especially when it’s bursting with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes.
That’s exactly what you get with this BJ’s Chicken Tortilla Soup copycat recipe. It’s loaded with tender shredded chicken, hearty beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and finished with a splash of lime and fresh cilantro.
Warm, zesty, and soul-satisfying-this is weeknight comfort food done right.
What makes this soup extra special is how effortless it is. You’ll start with a quick sauté of onions, peppers, and garlic to build that savory base, then layer in chili powder, cumin, and other bold spices to bring the flavor to life.
Toss in your chicken, let it simmer until tender, and finish with beans, corn, and tomatoes to create a rich, satisfying broth.
And the toppings? That’s where the fun begins. Think crispy tortilla strips, creamy avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of Monterey Jack cheese melting right into the soup. If you already love BJ’s Avocado Egg Rolls or their Broccoli Cheddar Soup, this tortilla soup will definitely earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Why You’ll Love Bj’s Restaurant Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
First off, it’s fast. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful soup that tastes like it simmered all afternoon. It’s the perfect answer to those busy weeknights when you want something warm and filling without spending hours in the kitchen.
Another reason to love it? Flexibility. This soup is all about the toppings and tweaks. Load it up with cheese, avocado, and sour cream, or keep things lighter with just a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cilantro. Want more heat? Toss in some extra chilies. Cooking for kids? Just scale back the chili powder for a milder version.
And finally-it’s a full meal in one bowl. Between the juicy chicken, protein-packed beans, and colorful veggies, you’ve got dinner covered. Add those crispy homemade tortilla strips on top, and it’s the kind of dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients Required for Bj’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Before you start, make sure you have all the following ingredients listed below for this Bj’s Brewhouse Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 white onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce or passata
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
- 1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies (undrained)
- 1 ½ cups corn (frozen or canned)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings: Sour cream, diced avocado, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, tortilla strips
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Tongs
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Skillet (for tortilla strips)
- Forks (for shredding chicken)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Copycat Bj’s Restaurant Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Just follow these easy steps to make your own Bj’s Chicken Tortilla Soup at home
1. Build the flavor base
Start by heating a little olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add your diced onion and red bell pepper, then sauté for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, paprika, and cumin, letting the spices toast for about a minute to really bring out their flavor.
2. Cook the chicken
Pour in the chicken broth and gently place the chicken breasts into the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through. Take the chicken out, shred it with two forks, and return it right back into the pot.
3. Add the veggies and beans
Now it’s time to bulk up that broth! Stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans, green chilies, and corn. Let it simmer together for about 5 minutes so the flavors can meld.
4. Finish with freshness
Before serving, stir in fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Give it a quick taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Make the tortilla strips
While the soup simmers, heat a little vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high. Fry your tortillas (corn or flour) for about 30 seconds on each side until golden and crisp. Slice them into strips while they’re still warm.
6. Serve and enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and pile on the toppings-sour cream, avocado slices, shredded cheese, and those crispy tortilla strips. Dig in while it’s hot!
How to Store Bj’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Properly?
If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stovetop or pop a bowl in the microwave until warm.
keep the tortilla strips separate so they stay nice and crispy. Add them-and any fresh toppings like avocado, cheese, or sour cream-right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What to Pair and Serve with Bj’s Chicken Tortilla Soup
1. With warm cornbread
There’s just something magical about dipping sweet, buttery cornbread into a spicy, savory soup. It’s comfort food at its best and always a hit at the table.
2. Alongside BJ’s Avocado Egg Rolls
Talk about the ultimate BJ’s-inspired meal! The crispy, creamy rolls pair perfectly with the bold, zesty broth for a restaurant-style dinner right at home.
3. Topped with extra cheese
Monterey Jack is classic, but we love experimenting with cheddar, pepper jack, or even a smoky blend. The cheese melts into the hot broth and adds irresistible richness.
4. With a fresh green salad
For a lighter touch, pair your soup with a simple green salad. A tangy lime vinaigrette ties in beautifully with the citrusy finish of the soup.
5. As a starter before tacos
This soup makes the perfect warm-up act for taco night. Serve a small bowl first, and it sets the stage for all the bold flavors to come.
6. Loaded with avocado and sour cream
When you want to take it over the top, go big on the toppings. Creamy avocado chunks and a dollop of sour cream make each spoonful extra indulgent.
7. With crispy quesadillas on the side
Cheesy quesadillas plus tortilla soup? Yes, please. We love dunking them right into the broth-it’s a little messy, but totally worth it.
8. Paired with BJ’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Hosting a crowd? Serve this tortilla soup alongside BJ’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup. One is bold and zesty, the other creamy and comforting-together, they cover all the cravings.
9. Served over rice
For an even heartier meal, ladle the soup over fluffy white or brown rice. It transforms into a cozy, filling stew that will keep you satisfied for hours.
10. With homemade tortilla strips piled high
Never skip the tortilla strips! Fry up a little extra because they always disappear fast-we’ve been known to snack on them before the soup even hits the table.
My Personal Experience With this Recipe and Some Tips
I made this soup on a cold night, and it made me so happy. The warm broth, the soft chicken, and the crunchy strips were perfect together. My family asked for seconds, and we laughed around the table. It felt cozy and special.
Tips for This Recipe
1. Use fresh lime. It makes the soup taste bright and fresh.
2. Shred the chicken. Small pieces soak up more flavor.
3. Add more veggies. Corn, beans, or peppers make it extra yummy.
4. Keep strips crunchy. Don’t put them in until you’re ready to eat.
5. Make it mild. Use less chili if you don’t like spice.
6. Make it ahead. The soup tastes even better the next day.
FAQs on Bj’s Brewhouse Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about the Bj’s Brewhouse Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe.
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! We’ve made it a day in advance, and it tastes even better the next day because the flavors have more time to blend. Just wait to add the tortilla strips and fresh toppings until right before serving.
2. What kind of chicken works best?
We usually use boneless, skinless chicken breasts since they cook quickly and shred easily. But we’ve also tried chicken thighs, and they make the soup even richer.
3. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Absolutely. We’ve done this when we’re short on time. Just skip the simmering step and stir in shredded rotisserie chicken toward the end. It cuts the cooking time in half.
4. Is this soup spicy?
It has a mild kick, but it’s not overly spicy. When we make it for kids, we cut back on the chili powder and green chilies. For spice lovers, we’ll add extra jalapeño or chipotle.
5. How do I make the tortilla strips extra crispy?
We’ve found that frying them in hot oil until golden is the best way. But if we want a lighter version, we bake them in the oven at 400°F until they’re crunchy.
6. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, we’ve frozen it in airtight containers for up to 2 months. We recommend freezing the soup without the toppings and adding fresh cilantro, lime, and tortilla strips after reheating.
7. What toppings taste best?
We love piling on avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, and tortilla strips. Sometimes we even add a few jalapeño slices for extra heat-it feels like restaurant-style.
8. How do I reheat leftovers?
We usually reheat it gently on the stovetop, but the microwave works too for single bowls. Just remember to add new tortilla strips so they stay crispy.
9. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! We’ve swapped the chicken for extra beans and corn, and used veggie broth instead of chicken broth. It’s still hearty and delicious.
10. What can I serve with this soup?
Our go-to pairings are warm cornbread or cheese quesadillas. And when we really want the full BJ’s experience, we’ll serve it alongside their Avocado Egg Rolls.
This BJ’s Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to take all day. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a pot of soup that’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to customize for everyone at the table.
For a true BJ’s-style feast, pair it with starters like the Avocado Egg Rolls or a cozy side of Broccoli Cheddar Soup. It’s the kind of meal that feels restaurant-worthy but comes straight from your own kitchen.
So, grab your pot, crisp up those tortilla strips, and get ready to enjoy bold, zesty flavors tonight. Your family will be asking for this one again and again!
I’d love to hear your thoughts-leave a comment on the blog and let me know How it came out! Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook and YouTube for more delicious updates. Your support truly means everything to me.