What’s Cookin? Manic Monday- Lets Go Make Some Soup: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Have I mentioned that I love my crock pot? I should give her a name, but I wouldn’t want to upset Nancy, my GPS. I figured since I use my crock pot a lot, that I would post my favorite recipes for Manic Monday- Let’s Go Make Some Noise. I mean Soup.

Oh, and enjoy!

Ingredients:

Grilled Chicken Breast 2-3 breasts or shredded chicken that was roasted

(If I’m in a hurry I’ll grab a roasted chicken at the supermarket)

Pinto Beans (Cooked) 1-2 cans or 2-3 cups of home cooked

Black Beans (Cooked) 1-2 cans or 2-3 cups of home cooked

Refried Beans (Dry or canned) 1 can or use as much dried refried beans to make a good base.

Water 8-12 cups (as more ingredients are added, serving sizes will almost double depending on how thick)

Stewed Tomatoes 1-2 cans

Cilantro- one large handful

Green Chilies 1-2 small cans

Corn (cooked) 1-2 cups or 1 can

Carrots (shredded) About 2 carrots

Celery (shredded) about 2 celery stalks

Onion (Shredded or cubed small) about 1 large

Garlic 1/2-1 teaspoon of Garlic powder, 1-2 teaspoons of dried garlic, or 1-2 cloves minced
Salt/Pepper- As desired
Chicken Soup Base 2-3 Tablespoons or make broth from chicken bones that you roasted
Taco Seasoning packet or I mix more or less of : 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin.
Cooking oil – As needed for cooking
Potato Flakes to thicken soup if needed

Favorite Soup Toppings:
Corn Tortilla chips or Tortilla Strips (I like “hint of lime” chips)
Chedder, Monterey jack, or Mexican blend cheese, shredded
Sour Cream
Cilantro
Fresh tomatoes or salsa
Fresh Key Limes to squeeze over soup

Preparation:

Saute Carrots, Celery, onions, and garlic in small amount of oil. When done, blend this mixture in your food processor just until combined. Add cilantro and blend once more. (It should be chunky)

Combine: Water, Beans, tomatoes, green chilies, corn, chicken soup base/broth, and chicken together and bring to a boil. Add blended mixture and remanding seasonings. Cook and low for up to 1 hour or put in slow cooker for 6-8 hours.