Michele's Hearty Green Chicken Tortilla Soup
This comforting Hearty Green Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful dish bursting with flavor and made with wholesome ingredients. Based on a label from a can of spirited Green Enchilada sauce, this recipe is a fantastic way to use leftover rotisserie chicken, combining it with spicy green chilies, fresh tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices. It's perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, and you can adjust the heat level to suit your taste. Serve it with crunchy tortilla chips, creamy avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a satisfying meal that warms both body and soul!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shredded cooked chicken
1 1/2 lbs (Use leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts.)
Diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can (No preparation needed.)
Hatch green enchilada sauce
1 (14 ounce) can (No preparation needed.)
Diced green chilies
2 (4 ounce) cans (Drain the chilies.)
Pinto beans
1 (15 ounce) can (Rinsed and drained.)
Medium onion
1 (Chopped.)
Minced garlic
2 tablespoons (No preparation needed.)
Water
2 cups (No preparation needed.)
Chicken broth
1 (15 ounce) can (No preparation needed.)
Cumin
2 teaspoons (No preparation needed.)
Chili powder
2 teaspoons (No preparation needed.)
Salt
2 teaspoons (No preparation needed.)
Pepper
2 teaspoons (No preparation needed.)
Corn
15 ounces (Drain the corn.)
Chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons (No preparation needed.)
Avocado
1 (Cubed.)
Sour cream
As desired (For garnish.)
Shredded cheese
As desired (For garnish.)
Tortillas or tortilla chips
As desired (For serving.)
Instructions
1
In a large crock pot, combine the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, green enchilada sauce, diced green chilies, pinto beans, chopped onion, minced garlic, water, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2
Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients.
3
Add the drained corn and mix gently.
4
Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours until everything is well-cooked and flavors meld together.
5
If you used whole chicken breasts, remove them from the pot after cooking, shred them using two forks, and return the shredded chicken back to the soup. Stir well to incorporate.
6
Once ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh avocado cubes, dollops of sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro. Serve with tortilla chips or strips for added crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Michele's Hearty Green Chicken Tortilla Soup?
It is a flavorful, comforting soup made with shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, pinto beans, and green chilies, typically cooked in a slow cooker.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 1.5 lbs of shredded cooked chicken, such as leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts.
How long does it take to cook in a crock pot?
The soup should be cooked on low heat for 6 to 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld properly.
Can I use whole chicken breasts?
Yes, you can cook whole breasts in the pot, then remove and shred them with two forks before returning them to the soup.
Is this soup spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat level from the green chilies and enchilada sauce, which can be adjusted by choosing mild or hot varieties.
What kind of beans are used in this soup?
One 15-ounce can of pinto beans, rinsed and drained, is used in this recipe.
Do I need to drain the canned ingredients?
Yes, you should drain the green chilies, pinto beans, and the corn before adding them to the mixture.
What are the primary spices in this recipe?
The soup is seasoned with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
What liquid base is used for the soup?
The base consists of 2 cups of water and one 15-ounce can of chicken broth.
What type of enchilada sauce is recommended?
The recipe specifically suggests Hatch green enchilada sauce for its distinct flavor.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of minced garlic.
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
While the recipe calls for canned diced tomatoes, you can substitute them with fresh diced tomatoes if preferred.
What garnishes go well with this soup?
Recommended garnishes include cubed avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh chopped cilantro.
When should I add the corn?
Add the drained corn after stirring the main ingredients together, just before covering the crock pot to cook.
How do I serve this soup?
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve with tortilla chips or strips for added crunch.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy as it contains lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and various vegetables.
Can I make this soup on the stovetop?
Yes, you can simmer the ingredients in a large pot on the stove for 30-45 minutes if you do not have a crock pot.
Can I substitute the pinto beans?
Yes, black beans or northern white beans would be excellent substitutes for pinto beans.
How many cans of green chilies are required?
You will need two 4-ounce cans of diced green chilies.
Should the onion be cooked before adding it to the crock pot?
No, the chopped medium onion can be added raw directly into the crock pot.
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, 15 ounces of frozen corn can be used instead of canned corn.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not explicitly stated, the ingredient volume typically serves 6 to 8 people.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you ensure your green enchilada sauce, chicken broth, and tortilla chips are certified gluten-free.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, leaving out the garnishes until serving.
What if the soup is too thick?
You can add a bit more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
What if I want more spice?
You can add cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or use a 'hot' variety of green enchilada sauce.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, by substituting the chicken with extra beans or a meat alternative and using vegetable broth.
What is the origin of the recipe?
The recipe is based on a label from a can of spirited Green Enchilada sauce.
Can I use fresh cilantro during the cooking process?
It is best to add cilantro at the end or as a garnish to preserve its fresh flavor and color.