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Yet another meal that will keep your kitchen cool this summer while satisfying the entire family, especially the cook. My Shredded Chicken Tortilla Soup takes almost no time and dirties few dishes.
Everyone has that go-to dish that is easy to make and always a hit. This is mine. I’ve made it a hundred times, taken it to friends after they’ve had surgery or when a baby is born. It’s gone with me to potlucks and has been our quick and hearty stand-by when I don’t have time to cook. Most recently, I made it for a girlfriend whose son had surgery. Her husband said I can cook for them anytime. The truth is with this dish it’s only a matter of putting the ingredients together and letting your CrockPot do all of the work.
And, yes! I used canned tomatoes, even in the middle of summer. My preference is fresh but if I have no tomatoes or no time, I grab the can opener and get to work. Quite honestly, I used to feel guilty about this and slightly inferior because I couldn’t do it all – work a full-time job, do the laundry, take care of my family, manage the household, do the grocery shopping, cook healthy meals, get the dogs to the vet and the groomer, exercise, blog, meet our community commitments, have some me time, AND always have the freshest seasonal ingredients on hand. But today I accept that I am human with limitations and give myself a break.
With my food requirements, I go to 3 grocery stores, sometimes 4 every week. I’m shooting for that middle of the road where living well and sanity meet. Doing it all is no longer on my radar. Instead, I focus on living true to my values and with integrity. That includes being good to me.
As for the ‘choose your own salsa’ part of this recipe, we don’t like anything too hot around here. We’re all about flavor but are happy to skip the heat. One day we were at Wal-Mart on a Saturday afternoon. I needed a jar of salsa for this soup and was debating about which brand to buy. My husband and I are not big on crowded stores. He grabbed the mild jar of Sam’s Club Salsa, told me that it was going into a soup, and walked off. I have never liked cooking with just any old ingredient, especially an off-brand that I’d never tried before. I quickly decided that I’d let it go if it meant that we got to check out and go home. I was shocked when the salsa was full of great flavors and enhanced the soup. So, that’s what I use. For all of the budget conscious cooks –it’s cheap, too. If you like heat, add your favorite salsa and make this your own.
Maybe you’re looking for a hot, vegetarian version – try Diane’s Chili Piquin Vegetarian Tortilla Soup at The W.H.O.L.E. Gang. Or, if you’re wondering what to make for dinner check out What’s for Dinner Wednesday at The Gluten-Free Homemaker. My Shredded Chicken Tortilla Soup is one of many tasty dinner ideas posted today. As always, thank you Linda for hosting this fun event!
You can also stop by Dining With Debbie for CrockPot Wednesdays.
Update 12.4.09 – this post is linked to Flipping Fast Fridays at The Crazy Kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans of diced tomatoes
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans of chicken broth
- 2 -3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 cup salsa – use your favorite brand
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped in ¼ inch thick rounds
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, uncooked
- 1 bag of your favorite tortilla chips – Xochil is gluten-free & my hubby's favorite
- 8 ounces Monterey jack cheese, shredded or your favorite dairy-free alternative
- 8 ounces light sour cream or your favorite dairy-free alternative
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Combine all of the soup ingredients except the chicken in a 4 – 6 quart slow cooker. Mix well. Add chicken. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- At this point, the chicken should be cooked and easy to shred. Remove the breasts from the soup and shred with forks. Return to the slow cooker and mix well.
- Serve with your choice of topping ingredients. To reduce fat content, you can use reduced fat cheese or no cheese at all. You can also eliminate the avocado. This soup doesn't need any toppings to taste delicious.
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Diane-The Whole Gang
posted on June 24, 2009 at 8:09 am
I love tortilla soup and yours looks great. I do like the chicken in there and the avocado on top. Thanks for the shout out. If you're looking for another version have you checked out Shirley from Gluten Free Easily? Here's the link http://glutenfreeeasily.com/tasty-tortilla-soup/
Keep those GF SF ideas rolling!
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Heather @CeliacFamily
posted on June 24, 2009 at 10:12 am
This sounds like my kind of meal! Love to cook with the slow-cooker and love the ingredients. I'd probably have to add a little heat for me and my husband, but maybe just a few slices of jalapenos in each bowl. That way the kids still get a mild serving.
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Linda
posted on June 24, 2009 at 11:50 am
I'm definitely going to try this. I use canned tomatoes all the time, but that's because I really dislike fresh tomatoes. I've heard of people putting their crock pot outside during the summer to keep the heat out of the kitchen, but I've never tried it. Maybe I will with this soup. Thanks for the recipe!
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glutenfree4goofs
posted on June 24, 2009 at 12:59 pm
You ARE a super mom, fresh produce or none!
I love your tortilla soup idea. A favorite in our house that I haven't made in ages!
Jessie at Blog Schmog
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Gina
posted on June 24, 2009 at 2:20 pm
I love tortilla soup! My sister makes it all the time, but I never have. Thanks for the recipe!
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Amy Green
posted on June 24, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Diane – Thanks for the link to Gluten Free Easily. I will have to drop in and check her version.
Heather – I am sure you have many tricks up your sleeve for keeping the entire family happy with one meal. I love my CrockPot, too.
Linda – So glad you like canned tomatoes too…simplicity has it's place in my life. If I had a screened-in porch I'd put my CrockPot out there.
Jessie – Thanks! We are master jugglers, aren't we?
Gina – Make it once and it becomes a "must!" Thanks for stopping by!!
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jacobithegreat
posted on June 24, 2009 at 6:16 pm
I love this "cool kitchen" series you've got going.
I also love the sugar-free part. my sweet tooth is HUGE and I've been trying to cut back. I am looking forward to getting ideas from your blog.
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Babyfro
posted on June 24, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Oh yum. If only peppers and tomatoes weren't out for me now. *Sigh* sniff sniff. I'm sad.
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Amy Green
posted on June 24, 2009 at 10:10 pm
jacobthegreat – thanks for stopping by and saying hello. glad you like the cool kitchen series. was just reading through your blog and admiring the great pics.
babyfro – i can totally sympathize with food restrictions…seems i'm always substituting something. thanks for stopping by.
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Jen
posted on June 25, 2009 at 12:38 am
Oh man…we are thinking alike. I often feel like it's just too much to keep up with the insanity of life! Yes, I shop at 3 stores and sometimes 4 too! I found that ordering on Amazon really helped out with reducing the grocery store trips.
That recipe looks easy and I love anything that gets made in the crockpot.
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Briana
posted on June 25, 2009 at 9:21 am
I have been looking for a tortilla soup recipe – thank you! And I think you have the right attitude about doing what you can for your health and your family while still keeping your sanity.
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Amy Green
posted on June 25, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Jen – I am going to look into Amazon. Not sure why I haven't done it yet…thanks for the suggestion.
Brianna – Thanks for your feedback. It's a balancing act. BTW – just saw your mango lime popsicle post. Looks oh-so-good! Thanks for stopping by!
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Brian
posted on June 25, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Great meal idea! My wife and I are big fans of Mexican flavors. I'll give this a try soon. Thanks.
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Amy Green
posted on June 25, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Brian – Thanks for stopping by! I love seeing all of recipes from What's for Dinner Wednesday. I was just looking through your blog – I love it! You have some wonderful info and recipes.
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Brian
posted on June 25, 2009 at 11:29 pm
Amy, I posted this in the comment section on my blog, but I'll add it here as well. The ingredients for the GF wraps featured on my blog do not have sugar listed. However, corn syrups solids and honey are on the ingredient list. The wraps are 31 grams of carbs for 1 tortilla. Take care.
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Amy Green
posted on June 26, 2009 at 6:11 am
Brian – Thanks for the extra effort. Darn that corn syrup! It's not on my 'eat' list, nor is honey. They both make me a little crazy. Agave doesn't, though…my best guess is the impact to my blood sugar. I'm just going to have to enjoy you enjoying them.
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gfe--gluten free easily
posted on June 26, 2009 at 8:41 am
I see Diane already told you that we are on the same "wavelength." Your version of tortilla soup looks terrific.
I also found your personal story very inspiring. Sugar is more of a nemesis for me than gluten. I'll be back for more inspiration.
Thanks,
Shirley
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Amy Green
posted on June 26, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Shirley – Great minds think alike.
Yes!! I agree completely. Sugar was such an issue for me for so long. I don't talk about it enough in my postings but I get so much feedback about sugar that maybe I should. Also, I eat everything I post. There's nothing here I wouldn't put in my mouth, which shows you can eat well and maintain a large weight loss over time.
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Reagen !
posted on June 27, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Sounds delicious! Im always looking for great a tortilla soup and now I make one at home! I love the look and feel of your blog and your "voice". Id love to learn how you have manipulated your blog for easier usage.
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Amy Green
posted on June 28, 2009 at 8:32 am
Reagan,
So glad you can hear my 'voice.' After yesterday's class I am convinced that my writing needs some work, yet I have no desire to be overly loquacious and elitist. That's not me. (I had to look up the spelling of loquacious.)
I will most certainly help you with your blog. I'll shoot you an e-mail with a link to the info I used to make some changes to my blog. If you want my help with anything else just let me know.
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darnold23
posted on August 5, 2009 at 9:14 am
Thanks so much for participating in Crock Pot Wednesdays. I make chicken tortialla soup in mine all of the time as well. Good luck to you!
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Amy Reply:
August 5th, 2009 at 10:10 am
Debbie – thanks for stopping by. Would love to see your recipe.
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Amanda
posted on August 6, 2009 at 12:48 am
Yum! I have a similar recipe, but I have never tried it in the crock pot. I can’t wait to try this!!
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Sandy Gillett
posted on November 16, 2009 at 9:32 am
I made this wonderful soup this weekend. I had never made Tortilla Soup before. The blend and amount of spices is perfect. I took the liberty of adding Petite French Green Beans and corn. I love the shredded chicken in this soup instead of chunks of chicken. Another winner Amy!
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Chelsey
posted on December 8, 2009 at 9:42 am
Amy! I’m delighted that you linked up
. This recipe is perfect, just what the doctor ordered. I totally know what you mean about being picky when it come to choice ingredients, I have the same grocery store run going on…Makes food taste fabulous! Although sometimes the hubby helps find new new things because they just don’t care!
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Chels
posted on April 5, 2010 at 7:39 am
I made this for soup for dinner yesterday. I’ve done many tortilla soups and this one is delicious! Along with the toppings suggested, I wound up serving it with left over short grain brown rice, pinto beans and corn tortillas. Yum. Thanks for sharing.
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Patricia
posted on May 4, 2010 at 9:57 am
I made it last week, and I will definitely be making this one again. I’m going to try freezing some next time. Wonderful!
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Shannon
posted on October 20, 2010 at 7:21 pm
Hi there! Great recipe! I made this today. I love cilantro and this was great. The only thing I will change next time is omit the cinnamon and use adobo seasoning or chili powder or something else instead. I guess I just don’t like cinnamon in savory recipes. Every time I’ve tried it, I haven’t really liked it. In this case, it really wasn’t bad, and I only put 1/16 t, so I think I’d be okay without it. But that’s personal preference. My husband LOVED it even with the cinnamon.
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Amy Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 11:43 pm
@Shannon, Thanks for your ideas, Shannon! I’m glad you liked the soup. I like the cinnamon because it brings out the sweetness in the tomatoes. But, not everyone has the same palate so you can always omit it and turn up the heat. Hugs!!
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Rochelle
posted on November 2, 2010 at 6:02 pm
I LOVE this recipe! I made it last week and I was in heaven! My husband loved it too; it was one of his favorite dishes that I have made in a while- so thank you! Definitely making it again soon. I loved the cinnamon in it. My only changes were that I didn’t have cilantro, so I omitted it, and I added some black beans to it just because. YUM!
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Amy Reply:
November 3rd, 2010 at 10:00 am
@Rochelle, Black beans would be fabulous!! Thanks so much for letting me know you liked this – and, yes, it’s a hubby pleaser. Joe loves it too! Hugs, Rochelle!
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Jennifer
posted on August 17, 2011 at 5:36 pm
This soup was fabulous and easy! My 5 yo daughter helped put it all together. For a different twist, I put a whole tortilla in the bowl and served the soup inside it. My husband said he felt like he was at a restaurant. Thanks for the inspiration!
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Amy Reply:
August 18th, 2011 at 9:25 am
@Jennifer, Doesn’t it feel great to make a meal your hubby loves? (I’m getting ready to make Joe a big pork roast in the CrockPot…he loves it.)
Hugs!!
Amy
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Britney Nan
posted on October 13, 2011 at 8:58 pm
Bought the cookbook today and made this soup! The house smells amazing and the soup is delicious!
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Amy Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 2:34 pm
@Britney Nan, Thanks so much for buying my book, Britney! Let me know what else you make. Would love to hear your feedback.
xoxo,
Amy
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Katrina
posted on January 12, 2012 at 11:22 am
I make a similar version of this soup too, so easy. I don’t usually use carrots but I do use black beans!
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Againstallgrain.com
posted on January 12, 2012 at 1:22 pm
I guess our minds are all in the same place! Just shared my Grain-free Mexican Soup on your SIT this week!
After all, it is National Soup Month!
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Amy Reply:
January 12th, 2012 at 3:35 pm
@Againstallgrain.com, Thanks so much for the comment. Just FYI – my blog doesn’t accept links in the comments because of spam.
Hugs,
Amy
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Crysty
posted on March 8, 2012 at 12:29 pm
Mmmmm. I want this right now. My favorite brand of salsa is Herdez….it is so delicious..I need to try this recipe. Thanks for sharing!
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