Southwestern Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of Southwestern cuisine with this creamy chicken tortilla soup. Inspired by the renowned Max & Erma's recipe, this dish combines the convenience of condensed soups with a vibrant medley of ingredients to create a hearty meal that warms both the body and soul. Featuring tender chunks of chicken, zesty tomatoes, and a kick of green chiles, this soup is finished off with crispy tortilla strips and melty cheese, making it the perfect dish for family gatherings, chilly evenings, or a satisfying weeknight dinner. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup
2 (cans (10 3/4 ounces each))
Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup
2 (cans (10 3/4 ounces each))
Campbell's Cream of Celery Soup
2 (cans (10 3/4 ounces each))
Campbell's Cheddar Cheese Soup
2 (cans (10 3/4 ounces each))
Chicken Broth
2 (cans (15 ounces each))
Diced Tomatoes
1 (can (15 ounces))
Picante Salsa
1 (cup (medium hot, Pace brand))
Green Chilies
1 (can (4 1/2 ounces, Ortega brand))
Onion
1 (medium, chopped)
Garlic Cloves
4 (fresh, minced)
Red New Mexico Chile Powder
1 (teaspoon)
Salt and Pepper
to taste
Fresh Cilantro
1/4 (cup, chopped)
Cooked Chicken Breasts
4 (cut into small chunks)
Flour Tortillas
10
Vegetable Oil
1 1/2 (cups, for frying)
Colby Cheese
1/2 (lb, shredded)
Instructions
1
In a large (8-10 quart) stockpot, combine and whisk together all eight cans of soup until smooth and well blended.
2
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the diced tomatoes, picante salsa, green chilies, chopped onion, minced garlic, red New Mexico chile powder, salt, and pepper.
3
Bring the mixture to a full boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
4
After 1 hour, add the chopped cilantro and chicken breast chunks, continue to simmer for another hour.
5
While the soup is simmering, prepare the tortilla toppings: cut the flour tortillas into thin strips and carefully deep fry them in hot vegetable oil until they're lightly browned and crispy. Set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6
Just before serving, shred the colby cheese to be used as a topping.
7
To serve, ladle the hot soup into bowls and top generously with shredded cheese and the crispy fried tortilla strips.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
25g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inspiration for this Southwestern Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup?
This recipe is inspired by the renowned Max & Erma's creamy chicken tortilla soup.
Which four types of canned cream soups are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses Campbell's Cream of Mushroom, Cream of Chicken, Cream of Celery, and Cheddar Cheese soups.
How many total cans of soup are needed?
You will need a total of 8 cans of cream-based soups (2 of each variety).
What brand and heat level of salsa is recommended?
The recipe suggests using one cup of medium hot Pace brand Picante Salsa.
What specific type of chili powder is used in this soup?
The recipe calls for one teaspoon of red New Mexico chile powder.
Should the chicken be cooked before adding it to the soup?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 4 cooked chicken breasts cut into small chunks.
What is the total simmering time for the soup?
The soup simmers for a total of 2 hours: one hour before adding the chicken and cilantro, and one hour after.
When is the fresh cilantro added to the pot?
The 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro is added after the soup has already simmered for one hour.
What type of cheese is recommended for the topping?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of shredded Colby cheese to be used as a topping.
How are the flour tortillas prepared for the soup topping?
The flour tortillas are cut into thin strips and deep-fried in vegetable oil until lightly browned and crispy.
What size stockpot is required for this recipe?
An 8-10 quart stockpot is recommended to accommodate the large volume of ingredients.
How many cloves of garlic does the recipe require?
The recipe uses 4 fresh, minced garlic cloves.
What is the calorie count for a serving of this soup?
There are approximately 250 calories per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving contains 15 grams of protein.
What brand of green chilies is mentioned in the ingredients?
The recipe suggests using a 4 1/2 ounce can of Ortega brand green chilies.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken cut into chunks is a perfect substitute for cooked chicken breasts.
How much fat is in a single serving?
There are 13 grams of fat per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates in one serving.
How many unique ingredients are listed in this recipe?
The recipe has an ingredient count of 17.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
While the recipe calls for 10 flour tortillas, corn tortillas can be used if you prefer a different texture for the fried strips.
What brand of canned soup does the recipe specify?
The recipe specifically lists Campbell's brand for all the cream soups.
How much chicken broth is needed for the base?
You will need two 15-ounce cans of chicken broth.
What is the preparation method for the onion?
One medium onion should be chopped before being added to the soup pot.
Is this soup considered spicy?
With medium hot picante salsa, green chilies, and New Mexico chile powder, it has a zesty Southwestern kick but remains creamy.
Should I shred the cheese in advance?
The instructions suggest shredding the Colby cheese just before serving for the best texture.
How much oil is used for frying the tortilla strips?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of vegetable oil for frying the strips.
How are the salt and pepper measured?
Salt and pepper should be added according to your personal taste.
What is the weight of the cheese used in the topping?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of Colby cheese.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried garlic?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 fresh garlic cloves, minced.
How many flour tortillas are used for the topping?
The recipe utilizes 10 flour tortillas to make the crispy strips.