Introduction
Yard House Chicken Tortilla Soup is a rich and flavorful Tex Mex inspired soup that combines tender chicken, savory broth, roasted peppers, crispy tortilla strips, creamy cheese, and fresh toppings. It has become one of the restaurant’s most popular menu items because it delivers comforting flavors with a satisfying balance of spice, creaminess, and texture.
Traditional tortilla soup originated in Mexico, where cooks combined fried corn tortillas with tomato based broth, chiles, and vegetables. Over time, American restaurants developed creamier versions featuring chicken, cheese, beans, and corn. Yard House’s signature soup stands out because it includes a creamy white cheddar base with roasted pasilla peppers, avocado, cilantro, and crispy tortilla strips.
This homemade copycat recipe recreates the restaurant favorite using simple ingredients while maintaining the rich flavor and hearty texture that make it so popular. Whether served as a starter or a complete meal, this soup delivers restaurant quality results right from your kitchen.
Yard House Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Tex Mex American |
| Course | Soup |
| Preparation Time | 20 Minutes |
| Cooking Time | 40 Minutes |
| Total Time | 1 Hour |
| Servings | 6 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Best Served | Hot |
Yard House Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Ingredients
For the Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 1 roasted pasilla pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Crispy Tortilla Strips
- 4 corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
Garnishes
- Diced avocado
- Fresh cilantro
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream
Yard House Chicken Tortilla Soup Instructions and Steps
Step 1
Cut corn tortillas into thin strips.
Step 2
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet and fry tortilla strips until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and lightly season with salt.
Step 3
In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Step 4
Add onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
Step 5
Add garlic, jalapeño, and roasted pasilla pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 6
Stir in chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
Step 7
Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes.
Step 8
Add black beans and corn. Stir well.
Step 9
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 10
Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 11
Add shredded chicken and continue simmering for another 10 minutes.
Step 12
Stir in heavy cream and shredded white cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 13
Add lime juice and season with salt and pepper.
Step 14
Ladle the soup into serving bowls.
Step 15
Top with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, and additional cheese before serving.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 720mg |
Essential Tips for Yard House Chicken Tortilla Soup
Use Roasted Pasilla Peppers
Yard House specifically mentions roasted pasilla peppers in their soup, which contribute a smoky depth of flavor.
Fry Fresh Tortilla Strips
Freshly fried tortilla strips provide superior crunch and authentic flavor.
Add Cheese Gradually
Slowly incorporate cheese to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth broth.
Use Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie chicken saves time while adding extra flavor.
Simmer Gently
Avoid boiling after adding cream to maintain a silky texture.
Adjust Spice Level
Increase jalapeños or chili powder if you prefer a spicier soup.
Customization and Pairing Ideas
Add Extra Vegetables
- Bell peppers
- Zucchini
- Fire roasted green chiles
- Diced tomatoes
Make It Spicier
- Chipotle peppers
- Cayenne pepper
- Hot sauce
Lower Carb Version
Replace beans and corn with extra vegetables.
Pair With
- Mexican rice
- Cornbread
- Quesadillas
- Grilled chicken
- Fresh salad
- Tortilla chips
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze without garnishes for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium low heat.
Add a splash of broth if the soup becomes too thick.
Garnishes
Always add fresh tortilla strips and avocado just before serving.
Alternatives Substitutes Similar Dishes
| Ingredient | Substitute |
|---|---|
| Pasilla Pepper | Poblano Pepper |
| White Cheddar | Monterey Jack |
| Heavy Cream | Half and Half |
| Black Beans | Pinto Beans |
| Chicken Breast | Rotisserie Chicken |
| Corn Tortillas | Tortilla Chips |
Similar Dishes
- Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
- Southwest Chicken Soup
- White Chicken Chili
- Mexican Street Corn Chowder
- Tortilla Soup with Avocado
- Chicken Taco Soup
What makes Yard House Chicken Tortilla Soup different?
The soup features a creamy white cheddar base along with roasted pasilla peppers, avocado, cilantro, and crispy tortilla strips.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes. The flavors often improve after sitting overnight in the refrigerator.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken works very well and reduces preparation time.
Is Yard House Chicken Tortilla Soup spicy?
It has mild to moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes. Freeze the soup without toppings and add fresh garnishes when serving.
Summary
Yard House Chicken Tortilla Soup combines shredded chicken, black beans, corn, roasted peppers, creamy white cheddar, and crispy tortilla strips into a hearty and satisfying meal. Inspired by the restaurant favorite, this copycat recipe recreates the creamy texture and bold Tex Mex flavors that make the original so popular. Serve it with avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, and fresh tortilla strips for an authentic restaurant style experience that is perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining guests.
References
Yard House Official Menu
https://www.yardhouse.com/menu/chicken-tortilla-soup/prod1130140
Treks and Bites Copycat Version
https://treksandbites.com/chicken-tortilla-soup
Top Secret Recipes Community Discussion
https://www.reddit.com/r/TopSecretRecipes/comments/u6uhbi/yard_house_chicken_tortilla_soup
