by Marijo Phelps

Created on: December 16, 2010

It is a cold winter day and you need a little warming up. Here is an easy lunch recipe which can even be made in the crock pot and taken to work to treat your co-workers. Have someone else bring some warm bread or muffins and get another volunteer to bring a green or fruit salad and you will have a wonderful luncheon menu.

The recipe is rich and creamy yet relatively low fat and full of flavor.

This soup also freezes well if you make an extra recipe you will have lunch for later awaiting you in the freezer too. Two lunches for one cooking effort. I've never found anyone who didn't like this recipe.

This recipe serves 6-8 people and could be easily doubled.. 

Chicken Tortilla Soup

1 cooked chicken or 3-4 chicken breasts cooked and cut up

2 cans of cream of chicken soup diluted with water OR use the soup cans full of buttermilk for a sour cream taste OR use the water plus a cup of fat free sour cream if buttermilk makes you squirm.

1 diced onion (can pre-cook first but we like ours raw with a kick) OR may use a bunch of scallions diced if you like a milder onion influence

1 larger can diced green chilies - you may use a couple of jalapenos if you like more warmth in the soup

1 can diced tomatoes

You may use 1 can Rotel (diced chilies and tomatoes)  whatever "heat" you desire instead of the chilies and tomatoes. Rotel comes in mild, original and hot that I know of. Even the mild is sometimes quite full of kick so be careful here unless you are like my husband who grew up thinking jalapenos were to be eaten like candy.

1-2 cups crushed tortilla chips (the flavor is your choice)

Parmesan cheese ½ cup

Grated Mexican cheese ½ cup

May add 1-2 tsp cumin if desired

Mix all together and heat but don’t boil or the milk will curdle (tastes OK that way but doesn’t look so good) I put mine in a crock pot after cooking to keep warm until I serve it.

If you want it with a more spicy flavor you can add some fresh jalapenos - wear gloves when seeding and dicing them. Sautee to pre-cook and do not rub your eyes.

Serve with a tossed salad or a fruit salad, warm muffins or bread and enjoy!

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