Yard House Tortilla Soup Recipe

Get ready to discover the deliciousness of Yard House Chicken Tortilla Soup made by your own hands!

This delightful dish combines hearty chicken, zesty spices, and crispy tortilla strips for a comforting yet exciting bowl of soup.

If you’re like me, you’ll love how the smoky paprika and fresh cilantro add layers of flavor to every bite.

One trick I swear by:

Make your own tortilla strips by baking them until they’re perfectly golden and crunchy.

Using fresh jalapeños gives the soup a subtle kick that elevates its taste.

How to Make Yard House Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 14 cups Water
• 3/4 Onion
• 1/2 Garlic (clove)
• 1 handful Cilantro
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 1 tsp Whole Pepper
• 5 tsp Chicken Bouillon
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 Jalapeno Pepper (diced)
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 3 cups Chicken Breast (cooked and shredded)
• 1 can Tomatoes (14.5 oz., diced)
• 1 cup Corn (frozen or fresh)
• 1 cup Black Beans (canned, drained)
• 4 cups Chicken Broth
• Corn Tortillas (cut into strips)
• Salt (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Cut corn tortillas into thin strips.

Toss them with light olive oil, smoked paprika, and salt.

Step 2:

Spread the tortilla strips on a lined baking sheet.

Bake them until crispy and golden brown, then set aside.

This should take about 10 minutes.

Step 3:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced jalapeno pepper.

Sauté until onions are translucent and peppers soften, about 5 minutes.

Step 4:

Pour 14 cups of water into the large pot.

Add three-quarters of an onion, half of the garlic, a handful of cilantro, two bay leaves, whole pepper, and chicken bouillon.

Bring to a boil.

Step 5:

Add the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, and chicken broth to the pot.

Simmer for about 20 minutes.

Ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Fresh Ingredients for Best Flavor

Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially cilantro and jalapeno.

The freshness can make a big difference in the taste of your soup!

Adjust the Heat to Your Liking

Customize the spiciness by adding more or less jalapeno to meet your heat preference.

You can also toss in some hot sauce if you like it spicy!

Tortilla Strips Storage

Store any leftover tortilla strips in an airtight container to keep them crispy.

They make a great topping for salads and other soups too!

Serving Ideas

Serve the soup with a side of cornbread or a refreshing salad.

It’s a perfect way to enjoy this delightful dish.

What to Serve with Yard House Tortilla Soup

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Pairing a grilled cheese sandwich with Yard House Tortilla Soup is a surefire way to make both kids and adults smile.

The creamy cheese contrasts perfectly with the spicy broth.

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making extra sandwiches because they disappear fast!

Jalapeño Cornbread

Spicy jalapeño cornbread complements the flavors of the soup beautifully.

The slight heat from the jalapeños adds a nice kick.

Plus, the cornbread’s slightly sweet flavor works wonders with the savory soup.

Cucumber Jicama Slaw

For a refreshing side, try cucumber jicama slaw.

It’s light, crunchy, and has a slight sweetness that balances the spice of the soup.

This salad is perfect for summer days when you want something cool and crisp.

Avocado Fries

If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, avocado fries are a fantastic choice.

They’re crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.

Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Polenta Fries

Polenta fries are another unique and delicious option.

They’re crispy, salty, and make a great alternative to traditional French fries.

Season them with a bit of paprika or chili powder for added zest.

Taquitos

For a fun and extra tasty side, consider taquitos.

These rolled and fried tortillas filled with beef or chicken are a hit.

Dip them in salsa or guacamole for an added treat.

Variations and Substitutions

To add some extra heat, you can swap out the jalapeno for a serrano pepper.

If you want a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

You can add beans like black beans or pinto beans for a different texture and added protein.

Gluten-free tortilla strips can be used in place of regular ones if you need a gluten-free option.

Creamy Twist

For a creamier version, consider adding a cup of heavy cream or a can of coconut milk at the end of cooking.

Cheese Options

Feel free to mix up the cheeses you use. Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack can add a nice kick.

Spicy Kick

If you love spice, consider adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Playing with these variations can keep the recipe fresh and exciting every time you make it! Have fun experimenting!

How to Store Leftover Yard House Tortilla Soup

Allow the Soup to Cool

Before storing your leftover Yard House Tortilla Soup, make sure you let it cool down to room temperature.

This step helps prevent condensation, which can cause your soup to become watery.

However, don’t leave it out for more than two hours to avoid bacterial growth.

Proper Containers

Use airtight containers to store the soup.

Glass containers work well because they don’t absorb odors or stains.

If using plastic containers, make sure they are food safe and have a tight seal.

Refrigerator Storage

Place the soup in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within 3-4 days.

The fridge temperature should be set at or below 40°F.

Label your containers with the date so you can keep track of freshness.

Freezing the Soup

For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions for easier reheating later.

Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.

Frozen soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer without losing its flavor.

Safety Tips

Always keep the soup out of the “danger zone” — which is between 40°F and 140°F.

Bacteria can multiply quickly in this range, making the soup unsafe to eat.

Use a refrigerator thermometer to ensure your soup stays in a safe range.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing the Wrong Tortillas

Using the wrong type of tortillas can affect the texture of your soup.

Corn tortillas are ideal since they crisp up perfectly after baking.

Flour tortillas can become too soggy in the soup.

Overcooking the Chicken

Chicken that is overcooked will be tough and dry.

Keep an eye on the cooking time and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Incorrect Spice Quantities

Spices are crucial for the flavor, but it’s easy to get them wrong.

Too much can overwhelm, while too little can leave the soup bland.

Follow the recipe closely for balanced seasoning!