J Alexander's Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe : Step By Step Guide

If you’re a fan of hearty, flavorful soups, then J Alexander’s Chicken Tortilla Soup is a recipe you absolutely need to try. Inspired by the famous dish served at J Alexander’s (a popular upscale chain of restaurants known for their American classics), this soup is a crowd-pleaser that combines tender chicken, a rich, flavorful broth, and crispy tortilla strips. It’s a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors, making it a wonderful option for a cozy weeknight dinner or a hearty starter for a larger meal.

What makes this soup so special? It’s the complexity of flavors layered into every spoonful: the deep warmth of roasted tomatoes, the tang of lime, the bite of fresh cilantro, and the delightful crunch of those crispy tortilla strips. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, and once you’ve mastered the recipe, you’ll be whipping it up regularly.

J Alexander’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

The recipe itself is a great balance between traditional and contemporary. You get the comforting qualities of a classic chicken tortilla soup but with some upscale elements thrown in, like the use of roasted tomatoes and a flavorful homemade broth. It’s one of those dishes that feels elevated, but still simple enough to enjoy on a casual night.

Let’s break down the ingredients and cooking process to help you recreate this soup in your own kitchen.

Ingredients Needed

To create this vibrant and savory dish, here’s what you’ll need to gather:

For The Soup

Chicken breasts (2-3 boneless, skinless): These will be poached in the broth, making them tender and juicy.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the broth.
Yellow onion (1 medium, diced): It adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor.
Garlic cloves (3-4, minced): Garlic is essential for giving the soup a rich, aromatic base.
Canned diced tomatoes (2 cans, 14.5 oz): The core of the broth, providing tanginess and body.
Chicken broth (4 cups): A rich, flavorful base for the soup.
Corn tortillas (3-4, cut into strips): These are fried to create the crispy tortilla strips that make the dish so fun.
Spices (cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano): These spices bring the heat and smoky flavor typical of tortilla soup.
Lime (1-2): Fresh lime juice adds a burst of brightness.
Cilantro (fresh, chopped): Adds a herby, slightly citrusy note.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing out all the flavors.

For The Garnishes

Avocado (sliced): Adds creamy richness that contrasts beautifully with the heat of the soup.
Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack): The creamy cheese melts into the hot soup, making it even more indulgent.
Sour cream (for topping): A dollop of sour cream helps balance out the spice and adds richness.
Crispy tortilla strips (from earlier): For that crunch factor.
Lime wedges: Serve alongside to give each person a chance to brighten up their bowl.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, here’s how you’ll cook this delicious chicken tortilla soup.

Step 1: Prepare The Chicken

Poach the chicken: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Once boiling, add your chicken breasts. Reduce the heat and let them simmer for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the broth and shred it using two forks. Set the shredded chicken aside for later.

Step 2: Sauté The Vegetables

Sauté onions and garlic: In a separate large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Build The Broth

Add the canned tomatoes and spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes so the spices release their full flavors.
Add the chicken broth: Pour in the poaching broth (or more chicken broth if needed) and bring everything to a boil again. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Fry The Tortilla Strips

Fry the tortilla strips: While your soup is simmering, heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the cut-up tortilla strips and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Assemble The Soup

Add the shredded chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken into the soup. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
Finish with lime and cilantro: Just before serving, stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a handful of crispy tortilla strips, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a few slices of avocado. Add lime wedges on the side for extra zing.

Ingredient Insights

Here’s a deeper look at some key ingredients in the recipe and why they’re essential:

Chicken breasts: The chicken is the protein star of the dish, and poaching it in the broth not only makes it tender but infuses it with the soup’s rich flavors.
Diced tomatoes: Using canned diced tomatoes creates a smooth, tangy base without the need to roast fresh tomatoes yourself. It also gives the soup a comforting, familiar tomato-based essence.
Tortillas: Frying the tortillas adds texture and crunch to the soup, which is a hallmark of a great tortilla soup.
Spices: The combination of cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano is what makes this soup authentically Mexican. The spices bring the right level of heat and depth of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of brightness that cuts through the richness of the broth and the cheese, helping balance the flavors.

Expert Tips

Want to take your Chicken Tortilla Soup to the next level? Here are some expert tips to make this recipe even better:

Roast your tomatoes: If you want a deeper, richer flavor, you can roast the diced tomatoes before adding them to the soup. This caramelizes the natural sugars and adds a smoky, umami richness.
Use dark meat chicken: While chicken breasts are commonly used for this soup, dark meat like thighs will add more flavor and juiciness. If you prefer thighs, you can follow the same poaching process.
Adjust the heat: If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when building the broth.
Make ahead: This soup actually tastes better the next day! The flavors have more time to meld, so it’s a great make-ahead dish.
Add corn: If you want to add some sweetness and texture, throw in some frozen or fresh corn kernels to the soup when you add the chicken.

Recipe Variations

The beauty of this soup is that it’s flexible. Here are a few variations to suit different tastes:

Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and instead add beans (like black beans or pinto beans) for protein. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a heartier soup.
Spicy version: For a real kick, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the broth.
Creamy version: To make it creamy, you can add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream directly into the soup after the chicken is added.
Taco-inspired: Add taco seasoning to the broth or even mix in some leftover taco meat for a twist on the traditional.

Final Words

This Chicken Tortilla Soup from J Alexander’s is an absolute must-try. It’s the perfect comfort food, with its depth of flavors, satisfying texture, and bright, fresh garnishes. Whether you’re in the mood for something familiar or are looking to impress your guests with an easy yet elevated dish, this soup fits the bill.

It’s a wonderful dish to serve on a chilly day, and it pairs wonderfully with a cold drink and a good conversation around the dinner table. The crispy tortilla strips and creamy avocado make each bite feel like a treat, and the blend of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors will leave you coming back for more.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For J Alexander’s Chicken Tortilla Soup?

The ingredients for J Alexander’s chicken tortilla soup typically include chicken breast, chicken broth, tomatoes, onion, garlic, cilantro, corn, black beans, and tortilla strips. Additionally, it calls for a blend of seasonings such as cumin, chili powder, and salt for flavor.

Can I Substitute The Chicken Breast With Another Protein In J Alexander’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast with other proteins like shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. However, be mindful of cooking times and flavor balance when using different proteins.

What Type Of Chicken Broth Works Best For J Alexander’s Chicken Tortilla Soup?

For the best flavor, it’s recommended to use low-sodium chicken broth. If you prefer a richer taste, you can use regular chicken broth or homemade chicken stock. Make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly if you use regular broth.

How Can I Make J Alexander’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Spicier?

To add more heat to the soup, you can incorporate ingredients such as diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also add more chili powder or swap in a spicy salsa for extra flavor.

Can I Make J Alexander’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Ahead Of Time?

Yes, J Alexander’s chicken tortilla soup can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors develop even more as it sits. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently before serving. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months, but avoid freezing the tortilla strips as they can become soggy.

What Is The Best Way To Store Leftover J Alexander’s Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Leftover soup should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If freezing, place the soup in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. To maintain the soup’s texture, avoid freezing the tortilla strips separately, and add them fresh when reheating.

How Do I Make Homemade Tortilla Strips For J Alexander’s Chicken Tortilla Soup?

To make homemade tortilla strips, cut corn tortillas into thin strips. Heat a bit of oil in a pan and fry the strips until golden and crispy. Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure even crisping.

Is J Alexander’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Suitable For A Gluten-free Diet?

Yes, the recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free tortillas for the strips and ensuring the chicken broth is gluten-free. Additionally, check all packaged ingredients for potential gluten content, such as canned beans or spices.

Can I Add Other Vegetables To J Alexander’s Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Yes, you can add a variety of vegetables to the soup. Common additions include bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. Just ensure the vegetables are chopped small enough to cook quickly and blend well with the rest of the ingredients.

How Do I Make The Soup Thicker If It Is Too Thin?

If the soup is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a longer period to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can add a slurry made from cornstarch and water or blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender to create a creamier texture.