Chicken Tortilla Soup

I don't usually cook on the weekends but Greg left early this morning to go call some Lil' Dribblers basketball, and Morgan left even earlier to head to a powerlifting meet being held in Navasota, which is almost to Houston. I had run across this recipe in a small magazine that is in our paper on Tuesdays. It sounded easy and I had nearly everything it called for. I put it together while listening to the Baylor girls playing basketball on TV (which the Bears won, by the way). Greg got home about 3:00 PM, and we were both starving. Our breakfast of coffee and cinnamon rolls had run out!! This was really very good soup. It hit the spot!! It is now time for a nap!!

Incredible Chicken Tortilla Soup

2 T. olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, finely chopped
2 T. minced garlic
3 C. chicken broth
1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 C. mild picante sauce
1 (15 oz.) can ranch style beans, undrained
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 C. frozen whole kernel corn
1 T. ground cumin
1/2 teas. black pepper
1/2 teas. dried oregano leaves
1/2 teas. chili powder
1/8 teas. paprika
2 C. chopped cooked chicken breast
1/4 C. chopped cilantro (we LOVE cilantro!)
Tortilla chips, optional (for us Texans it was a necessity)
Sliced avocados, optional (also necessary)
Sour cream, optional (didn't use this--Greg doesn't like it)
Shredded Cheddar cheese

1. Heat olive oil in Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and garlic. Cook until onion is tender, about 6 minutes.

2. Increase heat to high and add broth, tomatoes, picante sauce, beans, corn, and spices. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Add chicken and cilantro. Cook until thoroughly heated.

3. Ladle into soup bowls and top with tortilla chips, sliced avocados, cheese and sour cream, if desired. Serves 6. TIP: If not serving immediately, add the cilantro at serving time for peak flavor.

Nutrition facts per serving: 310 calories, 8g fat, 23g protein, 31g carbohydrates, 8g fiber.


I love soup and comfort food in the wintertime!!