Yard House Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, flavor-packed soup, the Yard House Chicken Tortilla Soup is an absolute must-try. This vibrant Mexican-inspired dish combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly seasoned broth for a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. With a touch of spice and a tangy lime finish, this soup hits all the right notes for lunch or dinner.

One of the best things about this recipe is its balance of textures. Crispy homemade tortilla strips float on top, offering a delightful crunch alongside the silky soup. Black beans, corn, and shredded chicken add substance and protein, making it a complete meal in a bowl.

Whether you’re new to Mexican cuisine or a seasoned fan, this soup is easy to prepare and endlessly customizable. You can adjust the spice level with jalapeños, add more chicken for protein, or garnish it with avocado, cilantro, and sour cream for that authentic Yard House experience right at home.

My Personal Experience With This Yard House Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

I first made this chicken tortilla soup on a chilly evening, and it instantly became a family favorite. The aroma of sautéed onions, garlic, and jalapeños filled my kitchen, making it almost impossible to wait until it was ready. Every spoonful had a perfect blend of warmth, spice, and savory goodness.

The homemade tortilla strips were a game-changer. Lightly fried until golden and sprinkled with a pinch of salt, they added that iconic crunch that made every bite exciting. I also loved how easy it was to shred the chicken directly in the pot, letting it soak up all the rich flavors of the broth.

What really stood out was the lime juice and cilantro at the end. That small addition brightened the soup in a way I didn’t expect, giving it a fresh and zesty finish. From the first bite to the last, this soup felt like a comforting hug in a bowl a recipe I know I’ll be returning to again and again.

Ingredients Required for Yard House Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Yard House Chicken Tortilla Soup

• 1 lb chicken breasts
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium-large onion, diced
• 2 jalapeños, deseeded and diced (adjust to spice preference)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
• 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 50-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 ½ cups frozen corn
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 ½ tsp chili powder (hot or mild)
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp cracked black pepper
• 4 yellow corn tortillas, cut into ¼-inch strips
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ⅛ tsp salt
• Avocado slices
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced scallions
• Lime wedges

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Dutch oven or large soup pot
2. Sharp knife
3. Cutting board
4. Wooden spoon
5. Paper towels (for draining tortilla strips)
6. Two forks (for shredding chicken)

Preparation & Cooking Time

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes

Copycat Yard House Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Yard House Chicken Tortilla Soup in a delicious way.

1. Crisp the Tortilla Strips: Heat ¼ cup olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cut 4 yellow corn tortillas into ¼-inch strips and fry for about 1 minute until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, then sprinkle lightly with ⅛ tsp salt.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add 1 diced onion, 2 diced jalapeños (adjust spice level), and 3 cloves of pressed or minced garlic. Cook for 4 minutes until the onion softens and the mixture is fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

3. Combine the Soup Base: Add 4 cups chicken broth, 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 can (50 oz) drained black beans, and 1½ cups frozen corn. Season with 1 tsp cumin, 1½ tsp chili powder, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp cracked black pepper. Stir well to combine.

4. Cook the Chicken: Add 1 lb chicken breasts to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and flavors are melded.

5. Shred the Chicken: Remove chicken breasts, shred using two forks, and return them to the soup. Stir thoroughly to coat the chicken with the rich broth. Squeeze in fresh lime juice to add a bright, zesty finish.

6. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, avocado slices, sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, or any preferred garnishes. Serve hot for a comforting, flavorful meal.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Yard House Chicken Tortilla Soup

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Yard House Chicken Tortilla Soup deliciously

1. Loaded with Avocado and Cheese
We always love piling on creamy avocado slices and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. It melts slightly in the hot soup, and the richness balances the tangy lime perfectly.

2. Extra Crunchy Tortilla Strips
We never skimp on the tortilla strips sometimes we double them! That crispy texture with every spoonful makes it feel like a real treat.

3. A Dollop of Sour Cream
For a little creaminess and subtle tang, we like adding sour cream right before serving. It’s a small touch but makes a huge flavor difference.

4. Fresh Cilantro and Green Onions
Sprinkling chopped cilantro or scallions right before eating gives a bright, fresh hit that elevates the soup instantly. We always do this never optional in our house!

5. Squeeze of Lime
A fresh squeeze of lime is non-negotiable for us. It wakes up all the flavors and makes the soup taste even more vibrant.

6. Serve with Warm Tortillas
We love wrapping a spoonful of soup in a soft tortilla or dipping a warm tortilla straight into the bowl. Pure comfort food vibes.

7. Pair with Mexican Street Corn
We’ve tried this with elote or grilled corn on the side it’s smoky, cheesy, and complements the soup beautifully.

8. Add a Side Salad
A crisp, refreshing salad with lime vinaigrette balances the hearty soup perfectly. We usually throw in some radishes or cucumbers for extra crunch.

9. Top with Pickled Jalapeños
For that extra kick, we sometimes add pickled jalapeños on top. It’s tangy, spicy, and we love the way it cuts through the richness.

10. Serve with Chips and Guacamole
We always keep tortilla chips and guacamole nearby. Crunch, creaminess, and saltiness all in one bite total game changer.

Some Notable Tips and Tricks on This Yard House Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Here are some tips and tricks you should follow when trying this recipe.

1. Use fresh tortillas
Cut your tortillas into strips and fry them just before serving. They stay crunchy and yummy!

2. Be careful with jalapeños
If they are spicy, wear gloves. Don’t touch your eyes or you’ll regret it!

3. Cook the onion slowly
Soft onions taste sweeter and make the soup extra yummy.

4. Don’t rush the garlic
Press or mince it fresh. It makes the soup smell amazing.

5. Add beans and corn your way
You can use canned or fresh it all works.

6. Check your spice
Start small with chili powder and add more if you like it hot.

7. Shred the chicken well
Two forks work best. Little pieces soak up all the soup flavor.

8. Taste before serving
Add salt, pepper, or lime juice if it needs more zing.

9. Serve fresh
Add tortilla strips, avocado, and cilantro right before eating. It keeps everything crunchy and bright.

10. Double the tortillas if hungry
We always make extra they disappear fast!

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Yard House Chicken Tortilla Soup Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to restore consistency. Tortilla strips are best added fresh before serving.

FAQs on this Copycat Yard House Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

When you give this Yard House Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. Can I make this soup spicier?

Absolutely! We usually add an extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne. Just taste as you go so it doesn’t get too hot.

2. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

Yes! We’ve done it plenty of times. Just shred the rotisserie chicken and add it near the end so it warms up without overcooking.

3. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Totally! We swap the chicken for extra beans, corn, or even roasted veggies. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

4. How do I keep the tortilla strips crunchy?

We always fry them just before serving and add them on top. If you add them too early, they’ll get soggy.

5. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes! We freeze it without the tortilla strips. When reheating, add fresh strips and avocado it tastes just like freshly made.

6. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?

We’ve tried it, and it works! You’ll need to cook them down a bit longer to get that thick, rich flavor.

7. Can I use a slow cooker?

Definitely. We cook the onions, garlic, and spices first, then put everything in the slow cooker for 3–4 hours on low. Chicken shreds easily afterward.

8. How can I make it creamier?

We sometimes stir in a little sour cream or heavy cream at the end. It makes the soup rich without losing the authentic flavor.

9. What garnishes do you recommend?

From experience, avocado, cilantro, cheese, and extra tortilla strips are must-haves. Lime juice really brightens everything up.

10. Can I add more chicken to make it heartier?

Yes! We often use 1½–2 lbs if we want a “chicken-packed” version. Just adjust the broth slightly to keep it soupy.

This Yard House Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is a perfect mix of flavor, texture, and comfort. Whether you’re enjoying it for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it to guests, it’s bound to impress. Don’t forget to experiment with toppings to make it your own! Try this recipe today and bring a taste of Mexican-inspired warmth to your table.

We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, then drop a comment below to share your thoughts and tips with us.

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