If you’re like me, then you probably adore the warm, spicy comfort of a well-made chicken tortilla soup. And if you’ve had the pleasure of dining at BJ’s, you know they serve a version that is absolutely to die for. Good news! You don’t have to leave home to enjoy this scrumptious meal; you can make BJ’s chicken tortilla soup right in your kitchen. So, let’s get cooking!
The tradition of tortilla soup dates back to the Aztecs, who savored the wholesome goodness of corn and spices. Through the years, this quintessential Mexican dish has been adapted in countless ways, and BJ’s has put their own delectable spin on it. Now, for the first time, we’re bringing this mouthwatering recipe into your home.
Ingredients You Need to Make BJ’s Chicken Tortilla Soup:
To get started, you’ll need to gather up a few essential ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| chicken breasts, boneless and skinless | 2 |
| diced tomatoes | 1 can |
| onion, diced | 1 |
| cloves garlic, minced | 2 |
| chicken broth | 4 cups |
| corn kernels | 1 cup |
| black beans, drained | 1 cup |
| olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| cumin | 1 tsp |
| chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt and pepper | to taste |
| Tortilla chips | for garnish |
| Fresh cilantro | for garnish |
| Cheese(cheddar or Monterey Jack) | for garnish |
Tools You’ll Need to Make This Hearty Soup:
Before diving in, make sure you’ve got the following tools on hand:
- A large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A wooden spoon
- A blender or hand blender
Step-By-Step Guide on How to Prepare BJ’s Chicken Tortilla Soup:
Preparing the Soup:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and jalapeños. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
- Stir in the ground cumin and chili powder. Cook for about a minute, until the spices are fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the can of diced tomatoes (with juice). Place the chicken breasts into the pot.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Take the chicken breasts out of the pot and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Put the shredded chicken back into the pot.
- Add the drained corn and black beans to the pot. Stir well. Adjust the seasoning if needed, and add the juice of one lime.
- Add a handful of chopped fresh cilantro before serving (optional).
Preparing Tortilla Strips:
- In a frying pan, heat about an inch of oil over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the tortilla strips in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Remove the fried strips with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Sprinkle with a little salt while they’re still warm.
Serving:
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with the crispy tortilla strips and your choice of optional toppings like sour cream, avocado slices, shredded cheese, and/or lime wedges.
Details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Soup |
| Cuisine | Mexican-American |
| Recipe Yield | 4 servings |
| Calories | Approximately 350 per serving |
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
Tips on Serving the BJ’s Chicken Tortilla Soup:
- Individual Toppings: Serve additional toppings like diced avocado, lime wedges, shredded cheese, and sour cream on the side, so everyone can customize their bowl to their liking.
- Fresh Tortilla Strips: If you’ve made homemade tortilla strips, keep them separate until serving to maintain their crispiness.
- Serving Bowls: Use wide, shallow bowls to serve the soup. This will allow for a good distribution of chicken, veggies, and broth in each spoonful.
- Pairing: Serve the soup as a standalone meal or pair it with a simple side salad or quesadillas for a heartier fare.
- Herbs: A final sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro can add a burst of flavor and color right before serving.
Why You’ll Love This BJ’s Chicken Tortilla Soup?
You’ll absolutely adore BJ’s Chicken Tortilla Soup for its perfect blend of comfort and complexity, a culinary experience that warms the soul while delighting the senses. Imagine diving into a bowl of rich, flavorful broth infused with a medley of spices, where each spoonful offers the succulent taste of tender shredded chicken balanced by the hearty substance of black beans and corn.
What’s more, the customizable nature of this dish means you can make it your own add a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, or a slice of creamy avocado to fine-tune your experience.
Whether you’re sharing a meal with friends or enjoying a quiet dinner alone, BJ’s Chicken Tortilla Soup offers a deeply satisfying, soul-warming experience that you’ll want to return to time and again.
Conclusion
Creating BJ’s Chicken Tortilla Soup at home is easier than you might think. With the right ingredients and tools, you’re well on your way to enjoying this lip-smacking soup whenever you want. What are you waiting for? Your kitchen is calling!