Creamy Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Creamy Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful fusion of flavors inspired by the beloved Max and Erma's Chicken Tortilla Soup. After countless attempts to perfect the recipe, I've crafted a version that's not only reminiscent of the original but also brings a new twist with each bowl. The combination of rich cheese sauce, zesty tomatoes, and tender chicken creates a comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion. It's versatile too; feel free to customize it with your favorite add-ins like black beans or bell peppers for an extra layer of flavor. Ideal for a chilly evening, this soup can be effortlessly prepared in a slow cooker, with the flavors melding beautifully while you go about your day. Grab your toppings and dive into a bowl of creamy goodness that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings!
6
Servings
250
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken broth
12 ounces (none)
cheese sauce
16 ounces (Cheez Whiz or generic, usually generic)
diced tomatoes or diced green chilies
10 ounces (Ro-Tel)
cheddar cheese or cheese soup
18 ounces (Progresso 'Recipe Starters')
chicken breasts
12 ounces (raw, or use cooked chicken)
chili powder
1 teaspoon (none)
crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon (adjust to taste)
cilantro
1 tablespoon (chopped)
salt and pepper
to taste (none)
corn tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
for garnish (none)
shredded cheese
for garnish (none)
Instructions
1
In a slow cooker, combine the chicken broth, cheese sauce, diced tomatoes or green chilies, cheddar cheese, and chicken breasts. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
2
Add the chili powder, crushed red pepper flakes, cilantro, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4
Once the chicken is cooked, shred it inside the slow cooker using two forks and stir to incorporate it into the soup.
5
Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnished with shredded cheese and crunchy tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips for added texture.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
6.7g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inspiration for this Creamy Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Soup?
This recipe is a fusion of flavors inspired by the famous Chicken Tortilla Soup from Max and Erma's.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to be prepared effortlessly in a slow cooker.
How long does the soup need to cook on the low setting?
In a slow cooker, the soup should cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the chicken is tender.
How long does the soup need to cook on the high setting?
If you are in a hurry, you can cook the soup on the high setting for 3 to 4 hours.
What type of cheese sauce is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 16 ounces of Cheez Whiz or a generic brand equivalent.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, while the recipe calls for raw chicken breasts, you can also use pre-cooked chicken to save time.
Is this recipe considered low-carb?
Yes, with only 6.7g of carbohydrates per serving, this soup is tagged as a low-carb meal.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
There are approximately 250 calories per serving.
What are the recommended garnishes for this soup?
It is best served garnished with shredded cheese and crunchy tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips.
How do I shred the chicken once it is cooked?
Once the chicken is tender, you can easily shred it inside the slow cooker using two forks.
Can I add beans to this recipe?
Yes, black beans are a suggested optional add-in to provide extra texture and flavor.
What kind of tomatoes should I use for this soup?
The recipe recommends using 10 ounces of Ro-Tel, which are diced tomatoes with green chilies.
How much protein is in a single serving?
Each serving contains 20 grams of protein.
Can I add other vegetables like bell peppers?
Absolutely, bell peppers are mentioned as a great customization to add an extra layer of flavor.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The soup contains 15 grams of fat per serving.
What type of cheese soup is suggested?
The recipe recommends 18 ounces of Progresso 'Recipe Starters' cheddar cheese soup.
Is this soup spicy?
The soup has a zesty and spicy profile due to the chili powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and green chilies.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?
You can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your personal spice preference.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What ingredients are needed for the base liquid?
The base liquid consists of chicken broth, cheese sauce, and diced tomatoes or green chilies.
Should I use fresh or dried cilantro?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro; fresh cilantro typically provides the best flavor.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be substituted if you prefer a different cut of meat.
Is this a good meal for meal prep?
Yes, the flavors meld beautifully over time, making it excellent for leftovers or meal prepping.
Do I need to stir the ingredients before cooking?
Yes, you should stir the broth, cheese sauce, tomatoes, and chicken well to combine before starting the slow cooker.
What is the sodium content?
The specific sodium content is not provided in the nutritional data, but it will depend on the brands of broth and cheese used.
Does the recipe require salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding salt and pepper to taste.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 11 ingredients required for this recipe, including garnishes.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
While it takes time to cook in the slow cooker, the active preparation time is minimal, making it a quick-prep meal.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker has enough capacity, you can double the ingredients to serve more people.
What makes the soup 'creamy'?
The combination of the cheese sauce and the cheddar cheese soup base creates its signature creamy consistency.