The Best Chicken Tortilla Soup
I'm in love with this soup! A very good friend of mine made this for me recently and I fell in love. I'm very picky about my Tortilla Soup and this is by far the best ever. She makes hers in the crock pot and I have to agree, that it's easy and tastes just wonderful! Whatever you do, DO NOT skip the garnishes! They are the icing on the cake! UPDATE April 2010: Obviously I've made this so many times I never even look at the recipe anymore! But I wanted to add some variations that I play around with that are great. Like many reviewers, black beans and corn are great additions. Sometimes I add them to the leftovers (if there are any :-) so that it feels like something new the next day! I have also made it several times with shredded pork which turns it into a pork carnitas type of soup. If you like it on the spicy and smoky side buy a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and mince up one or two and add it. And lastly, a little swizzle of half and half or heavy cream just minutes before serving makes it a creamy tortilla soup that is wonderful and it is also a good way to tone down the heat if it got away from you...
I'm in love with this soup! A very good friend of mine made this for me recently and I fell in love. I'm very picky about my Tortilla Soup and this is by far the best ever. She makes hers in the crock pot and I have to agree, that it's easy and tastes just wonderful! Whatever you do, DO NOT skip the garnishes! They are the icing on the cake! UPDATE April 2010: Obviously I've made this so many times I never even look at the recipe anymore! But I wanted to add some variations that I play around with that are great. Like many reviewers, black beans and corn are great additions. Sometimes I add them to the leftovers (if there are any :-) so that it feels like something new the next day! I have also made it several times with shredded pork which turns it into a pork carnitas type of soup. If you like it on the spicy and smoky side buy a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and mince up one or two and add it. And lastly, a little swizzle of half and half or heavy cream just minutes before serving makes it a creamy tortilla soup that is wonderful and it is also a good way to tone down the heat if it got away from you...
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 can chicken broth
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 avocado chopped
- 1 lime cut into wedges
- 1 jalapeno pepper diced
- 2 tablespoons minced cilantro
- 3 cups cooked chicken shredded (i use rotisserie from the deli)
- 2 anaheim chilies diced
- 3 -4 large tomatoes diced
- 2 teaspoons tabasco sauce (i use the chipotle flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup cilantro pulled from stem
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
- Carbohydrate 14.0072139415432 g
- Cholesterol 84.7 mg
- Fat 22.3348375254667 g
- Fiber 5.15495912134833 g
- Protein 27.7144660463862 g
- Saturated Fat 8.08310682662234 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (344g)
- Sodium 745.305505369042 mg
- Sugar 8.85225482019491 g
- Trans Fat 1.95022015687155 g
- Calories 359 calories
Step-by-step
- Throw everything except the garnishes in your crock pot and let it cook on high for 5-6 hours.
- Dress with garnishes and give it a squeeze of lime (a must:-) and you're good to go!
- Enjoy!
- If you are not using a crock pot, saute the garlic and onion in 2 tablespoons olive oil before adding the remaining ingredients.
- Simmer for at least an hour so that the flavors mix together.
My Go-To Comfort Food: The Best Chicken Tortilla Soup
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and nutritious meals can be a challenge. But let me tell you, this chicken tortilla soup recipe is a lifesaver. It's so easy to make, even on a weeknight, and the flavor is incredible. It's become a family favorite, and I’ve even tweaked it over the years to make it my own.
The beauty of this soup is its versatility. I often make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, and each time it tastes just as delicious as the first. The ingredients are simple and readily available at any grocery store, making it a truly convenient option. Plus, it's a healthy meal packed with protein from the chicken, fiber from the beans (which I sometimes add!), and a variety of vegetables.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how adaptable it is to my family's preferences. My kids love the garnishes – the shredded cheese, avocado, and tortilla chips are always a big hit. Sometimes, I’ll add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra cilantro for an extra layer of flavor. My husband loves it extra spicy, so I'll often add a few extra dashes of chipotle pepper for some extra heat. This soup truly satisfies everyone's taste buds, from the mildest to the most adventurous eater!
Over the years, I've made this soup countless times and experimented with different variations. Adding black beans and corn is a great way to boost the nutritional value and add a different texture. I've also tried it with shredded pork, which gives it a delightful carnitas-like twist. For a creamier soup, a splash of half-and-half or heavy cream just before serving makes all the difference. The possibilities are endless!
This isn't just a quick weeknight meal; it's a comforting hug in a bowl. It's the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly evening, or to serve to friends and family. The vibrant flavors and satisfying texture make it a crowd-pleaser every time. It's more than just a soup; it’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined to create something truly extraordinary.
This recipe has become a staple in my home. It’s a testament to the fact that healthy and delicious don’t have to be mutually exclusive. It's a meal that nourishes both body and soul. I encourage you to try it out and discover the magic for yourself. You might just find your new favorite comfort food too.
Beyond the Bowl: This versatile soup isn't just for a cozy night in. It's fantastic for potlucks, parties, or even a simple lunch at the office. Pack it up in individual containers for a satisfying and flavorful meal on the go. The leftovers are just as delicious the next day, if not better! It’s the perfect dish to have on hand for unexpected guests or busy days.
So, the next time you're looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious meal, look no further than this chicken tortilla soup. It’s a recipe that’s been a constant in my life, adapting to my ever-changing needs and preferences. It’s a testament to the beauty of simple cooking and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.
