Creamy Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Delight
Indulge in the rich and satisfying flavors of our Creamy Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Delight. This heartwarming soup combines tender pieces of chicken with a velvety, cheese-infused broth, perfectly accented by the crunch of crispy tortilla strips. Inspired by the classic Applebee's favorite, this recipe is ideal for cozy nights and gatherings with family and friends. Top it off with fresh cilantro for an herbaceous finish and enjoy a comforting bowl that truly warms the soul.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
yellow onion
1 medium (chopped (1 cup))
fresh garlic
2 teaspoons (minced)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
chicken stock
4 cups
green pepper
1/4 cup (chopped (optional))
tomato puree
1 (15 ounce) can
jalapeno pepper
1 tablespoon (finely minced (optional))
salt
1/2 teaspoon
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ((optional))
granulated sugar
1 teaspoon
chili powder
1 teaspoon ((optional))
Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon
hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon ((optional))
flour
4 tablespoons
water
1/2 cup
cooked chicken
1 lb (cubed or pulled)
cream
1 cup
sour cream
1/4 cup
processed cheese
8 ounces (cut into 1-inch cubes)
corn tortillas
10 (6 inch) (cut into 1/4-inch strips and fried)
fresh cilantro
to taste (roughly chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
In a large pan or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2
Pour in the chicken stock, followed by the tomato puree, chopped green pepper (if using), jalapeno (if using), salt, pepper (if using), granulated sugar, chili powder (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using). Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a low boil.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4
While the soup is simmering, prepare the tortilla strips. Cut the tortillas into 1/4-inch strips. You can either fry these in oil until golden brown and crispy or spray them lightly with oil and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, until crisp. Optionally, sprinkle with salt after cooking.
5
In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the flour with the water to create a smooth slurry. Gradually whisk this mixture into the simmering soup. Bring the soup back to a low boil and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to thicken.
6
Add the cooked chicken pieces to the soup and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes until heated through.
7
Remove the soup from heat and stir in the cream and sour cream until fully incorporated. Then, gently fold in the processed cheese, ensuring it melts completely and the soup reaches a serving temperature of 165°F.
8
Serve the soup hot in bowls, and create a 'haystack' shape with the fried tortilla strips on top. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Delight?
It is a rich and heartwarming soup that combines tender chicken with a velvety, cheese-infused broth, topped with crispy tortilla strips.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of cooked chicken, which can be either cubed or pulled.
How do I prepare the tortilla strips?
Cut ten 6-inch corn tortillas into 1/4-inch strips and either fry them until golden or bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes.
What type of cheese is used in the soup?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of processed cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes for easy melting.
How do I thicken the soup?
Create a smooth slurry by mixing 4 tablespoons of flour with 1/2 cup of water and whisk it gradually into the simmering soup.
What is the initial simmering time for the broth?
Once the stock and spices are combined and brought to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Yes, you can add optional ingredients like 1 tablespoon of minced jalapeno, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of hot sauce.
When should the cream be added?
Remove the soup from the heat before stirring in the 1 cup of cream and 1/4 cup of sour cream.
What is the recommended serving temperature?
The soup should reach a serving temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit after the cheese is fully melted.
What garnishes are suggested for this dish?
Top the soup with a 'haystack' of crispy tortilla strips and freshly chopped cilantro to taste.
How much garlic is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of minced fresh garlic.
What kind of onion should I use?
One medium yellow onion, which should yield about 1 cup when chopped.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar to balance the flavors.
Which vegetables are sautéed first?
The chopped onion and minced garlic are sautéed in vegetable oil until soft and fragrant.
What is the base liquid for the soup?
The base consists of 4 cups of chicken stock and one 15-ounce can of tomato puree.
Can I add green peppers to the soup?
Yes, 1/4 cup of chopped green pepper is an optional ingredient that can be added with the stock.
What role does Worcestershire sauce play?
One teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce is added to enhance the depth and savory profile of the broth.
How long do I cook the soup after adding the chicken?
Continue to simmer the soup for another 5 minutes after adding the cooked chicken pieces to ensure they are heated through.
Is salt added to the tortilla strips?
Optionally, you can sprinkle the tortilla strips with salt immediately after frying or baking.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 21 ingredients listed in this recipe, including optional items and garnishes.
What equipment is best for cooking this soup?
A large pan or a Dutch oven is ideal for preparing this recipe.
Can I use store-bought tortilla chips instead?
While the recipe provides instructions for fresh corn tortillas, store-bought chips can be used as a quick substitute for the crunch.
Is this soup inspired by a restaurant dish?
Yes, the recipe is inspired by a classic favorite from Applebee's.
How long do I simmer the soup after adding the flour slurry?
Simmer for an additional 5 minutes after whisking in the slurry to allow the soup to thicken properly.
What is the amount of vegetable oil needed?
Two tablespoons of vegetable oil are used for sautéing the aromatics.
Does the recipe use black pepper?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper is listed as an optional ingredient.
How much sour cream is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of sour cream to be mixed in at the end.
Can I use heavy cream?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of cream, which usually implies heavy cream or light cream for the desired richness.
What is the serving style for the garnish?
The tortilla strips should be arranged in a haystack shape on top of the soup in each bowl.
Is this considered a comfort food recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food recipe ideal for cozy nights and family gatherings.