Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Columbus Foodie's Note:

There was a little restaurant in Lewis Center, OH called Nacho Mama's that had the best chicken tortilla soup I ever tasted. When it went out of business, I had to find out how to reproduce it - once I did, I slowly improved on the recipe until I made it my own.

• Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 8 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 12

• 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 (1 1/4 ounce) packets taco seasoning
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 48 ounces chicken broth
• 1/8 cup lime juice
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel or similar)
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• cumin, to taste
• chili powder, to taste
• salt, to taste

For garnish

• 1 avocado, pitted and cubed
• 8 ounces sour cream
• 8 ounces shredded cheese
• 16 ounces fresh pico de gallo
• 6 ounces corn tortilla strips, deep fried
• 1 bunch cilantro, chopped

Directions:

1. Empty the the taco seasoning packets into a plastic bag, and place the chicken in the bag and shake to coat the chicken with the taco seasoning.
2. On a contact grill, grill the chicken until fully cooked, about 7 minutes.
3. While the chicken is grilling, saute the onion and garlic in a pan with the olive oil, until softened.
4. Sliced the chicken into 1/2 inch slices and place it into the crock pot along with the onions and garlic.
5. Place the following ingredients in the crock pot in this order: chicken broth, tomatoes, corn, and lime juice.
6. Add cumin, salt, and chili powder to taste. Experiment with what your preferences are, being sure to remember that the flavor will deepen and intensify as the soup cooks. In other words, the final result will be stronger, so go light on the seasonings if you don't like it spicy.
7. Cook on high for about 6-8 hours, or low for 10-12 hours.
8. To assemble the final product, in a shallow bowl, place tortilla strips on the bottom, and then spoon the soup over top. Finish with your choice of garnish, all are recommended for the best taste.

Reviews

[ljlinner]

Wow.... AMAZING recipe. Yes, having to grill the chicken in taco seasoning does add an extra step, but the flavor of the grill and seasoning on the chicken is what makes this recipe extra delicious. I didn't have ready-made taco seasoning on hand, so used "Kintencals" on here. Yum yum yum!

Oh, I think adding some black beans would have made it just a touch heartier for my husband who thinks of soup as a starter, not a main dish.

[MelO in Chicago]

Excellent recipe... Easy, but VERY tasty. Great ideas in here, I added a few extra peppers for some heat. Worked great, easy to build on this recipe. Love the avocado on top!

[Yummy in Gilbert Chef #1533166]

My Brother-in-law loves to Cook! I tried this amazing soup! WOW! It hit the spot just right...now my husband wants me to make it for him. The fresh tortilla strips is the key to this recipe! Yummy!