Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup with Monterey Jack
This delicious and creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is inspired by the beloved Houston's version. With a rich blend of tender vegetables, savory chicken, and zesty tomatoes, this soup captivates the palate. The combination of corn tortillas and creamy Monterey Jack cheese results in a delightful texture and flavor that's perfect for a comforting family meal or a gathering with friends. Topped with crunchy tortilla chips and fresh cheese, each bowl offers a delightful crunch and warmth that will leave you coming back for seconds. This low-cholesterol recipe is not only satisfying but also aligns with a healthier lifestyle, making it an excellent choice for everyone to enjoy.
6
Servings
400
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (none)
carrot
1 cup (diced)
celery
1 cup (diced)
onion
1 cup (diced)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
chicken broth
4 (14 ounce) cans (none)
diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can (none)
Ro-Tel tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can (diced)
taco seasoning
1 (1 1/4 ounce) packet (none)
soft corn tortillas
10 small (cut into small pieces)
cooked chicken
12 ounces (shredded or diced)
shredded Monterey Jack cheese
8 ounces (divided)
milk
1 cup (none)
corn tortilla chips
to taste (broken into small pieces)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
3
Stir in the diced tomatoes, Ro-Tel tomatoes, taco seasoning, and shredded or diced chicken until well combined.
4
Cut the soft corn tortillas into small pieces and add to the pot. For a thicker consistency, start with 6-8 tortillas and add more as desired.
5
Allow the soup to boil for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the tortillas are fully incorporated and the soup thickens.
6
Reduce the heat to low and stir in 6 ounces of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, allowing it to melt into the soup.
7
Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, then add the milk and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring gently.
8
Serve hot, topped with the remaining Monterey Jack cheese and broken corn tortilla chips for added crunch.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
43g
Carbs
25g
Protein
7g
Fiber
500mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup with Monterey Jack?
It is a rich and creamy soup inspired by Houston's famous version, featuring a blend of chicken, vegetables, and zesty tomatoes thickened with corn tortillas.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
Is this chicken tortilla soup healthy?
Yes, it is described as a low-cholesterol recipe that aligns with a healthier lifestyle while remaining satisfying.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses shredded Monterey Jack cheese for its creamy texture and flavor.
How is the soup thickened?
The soup is thickened by adding small pieces of soft corn tortillas, which fully incorporate into the broth during boiling.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Yes, the recipe calls for 12 ounces of cooked chicken, which can be shredded or diced, making rotisserie chicken a great option.
What vegetables are included in the base?
The base includes 1 cup each of diced carrots, celery, and onions.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 25 grams of protein per serving.
What kind of tomatoes are used in the soup?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes and one 15-ounce can of Ro-Tel tomatoes.
How long do the vegetables need to sauté?
Sauté the carrots, celery, and onions for approximately 5-7 minutes until they are tender.
What seasonings are required?
You will need garlic powder, salt, pepper, and one packet of taco seasoning.
When should the cheese be added?
Add 6 ounces of shredded Monterey Jack cheese after the soup has boiled for 20 minutes and the heat has been reduced to low.
Does this recipe use milk?
Yes, 1 cup of milk is added during the final stages of simmering to enhance the creaminess.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving has 13 grams of fat.
What is the sodium content of this soup?
The soup contains 500mg of sodium per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 43 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber does this soup provide?
This recipe provides 7 grams of fiber per serving.
What is the recommended topping for this soup?
It is best served topped with the remaining Monterey Jack cheese and broken corn tortilla chips.
How many corn tortillas are needed?
The recipe calls for 10 small soft corn tortillas, cut into small pieces.
What type of broth is used?
The recipe requires four 14-ounce cans of chicken broth.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy meal and a weeknight dinner, perfect for busy schedules.
How long is the total boiling time for the tortillas?
The soup should boil for 20 minutes after the tortillas are added to ensure they incorporate properly.
Can I adjust the thickness of the soup?
Yes, you can start with 6-8 tortillas and add more if you desire a thicker consistency.
What category of food does this fall under?
This recipe falls under the categories of soup, Mexican cuisine, and comfort food.
What kind of oil should be used for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
How long do you simmer the soup after adding the milk?
The soup should simmer for an additional 10 minutes after the milk is added.
What preparation is needed for the chicken?
The chicken should be pre-cooked and then either shredded or diced.
Does the recipe include any sugar?
The nutrition facts list the sugar content as null, indicating no significant added sugar.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include soup, chicken, tortilla, low cholesterol, Mexican, comfort food, and healthy.