Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, inspired by the popular dish from Max and Erma's. This delectable one-pot meal combines tender chicken, a medley of creamy soups, zesty tomatoes, and a hint of spice to create a heartwarming dish that's perfect for chilly evenings. The recipe yields generously, ensuring you'll have plenty of leftovers to savor on busy weeknights. For those who love a burst of freshness, feel free to add cilantro, although the soup is just as delightful without it. Ideal for families or gatherings, this soup brings warmth and satisfaction to every bowl.
8
Servings
450
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream of Mushroom Soup
2 (15 ounce) cans (canned)
Cream of Chicken Soup
2 (15 ounce) cans (canned)
Cream of Celery Soup
2 (15 ounce) cans (canned)
Chicken Broth
2 (15 ounce) cans (canned)
Cheddar Cheese Soup
2 (15 ounce) cans (canned)
Diced Tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can (canned)
Green Chilies
4 1/2 ounces (canned)
Salsa
1 cup (jarred)
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Fresh Cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped (optional))
Garlic Cloves
4 (minced)
Chili Powder
1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Salt
to taste
Black Pepper
to taste
Chicken Breasts
4 (cut into small chunks)
Tortillas
8 ounces (cut into strips)
Vegetable Oil
for frying
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine the cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, cream of celery, and cheddar cheese soups with the chicken broth. Stir until smooth and well blended.
2
Add the diced tomatoes, green chilies, salsa, chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to incorporate all ingredients.
3
Bring the mixture to a full boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4
While the soup simmers, cut the chicken breasts into small chunks and cook them in a separate pan over medium heat until fully cooked. Set aside.
5
After 1 hour, add the cooked chicken to the soup and continue to simmer for an additional hour. Use this time to adjust the seasoning with more chili powder if desired.
6
During the last hour of cooking, prepare the tortillas. Cut them into thin strips, adding about one-third of the strips to the soup to soften.
7
In a hot skillet with vegetable oil, lightly fry the remaining tortilla strips until they are golden brown and crispy. Set aside for garnish.
8
Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls, topping each serving with crispy tortilla strips and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Nutrition Information
22.5
Fat
28.75
Carbs
25
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup?
It is a rich, comforting one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, a variety of creamy soups, zesty tomatoes, and a hint of spice.
What inspired this specific recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the popular dish from Max and Erma's restaurant.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings, making it ideal for families or gatherings.
What types of cream soups are used in the base?
The base uses cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, cream of celery, and cheddar cheese soup.
How many calories are in each serving?
There are 450 calories per serving of this soup.
What is the total protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 25 grams of protein.
How much fat is in one serving of this soup?
Each serving contains 22.5 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 28.75 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
Is cilantro a required ingredient?
No, cilantro is optional; the soup is just as delightful without it.
How long does the soup need to simmer in total?
The soup simmers for a total of 2 hours, divided into two sessions of 1 hour each.
How should the chicken be prepared before adding it to the soup?
Cut the chicken breasts into small chunks and cook them in a separate pan until fully cooked.
How are the tortillas used in this recipe?
One-third of the strips are added to the soup to soften, while the rest are fried for a crispy garnish.
How do I make the crispy tortilla strip garnish?
Lightly fry tortilla strips in a hot skillet with vegetable oil until they are golden brown and crispy.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?
Yes, you can adjust the seasoning with more chili powder or use a spicier salsa to suit your taste.
What kind of tomatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
What size cans of soup are required?
The recipe uses 15-ounce cans for the cream soups and the chicken broth.
How much garlic is needed for the soup?
The recipe requires 4 minced garlic cloves.
What type of onion is recommended?
The recipe calls for one medium chopped onion.
Are green chilies included in the ingredients?
Yes, the recipe includes 4.5 ounces of canned green chilies.
How much salsa is used in the soup?
You will need 1 cup of jarred salsa.
Is this recipe suitable for preparing in advance?
Yes, it yields generously and provides plenty of leftovers for busy weeknights.
What is the first step in preparing the soup?
The first step is to combine the cream soups, cheddar cheese soup, and chicken broth in a large pot until smooth.
When do I add the spices like salt and pepper?
Add the salt, pepper, and chili powder along with the tomatoes, chilies, salsa, onion, and garlic before the first simmer.
What tags characterize this recipe?
The tags include soup, chicken, tortilla, creamy, Mexican, comfort food, and easy recipe.
How many chicken breasts are used?
The recipe uses 4 chicken breasts cut into small chunks.
What oil is used for frying the tortilla strips?
Vegetable oil is used to fry the remaining tortilla strips until crispy.
Is the soup covered or uncovered while simmering?
The instructions recommend covering the pot during the first hour of simmering.
Is this soup considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a heartwarming dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to every bowl.
How many total ingredients are listed for this soup?
The recipe features 17 total ingredients.
Can I use more chili powder than the recipe suggests?
Yes, the recipe notes that chili powder should be adjusted to taste.