The Perfect Recipe for a Cozy Night In

Something I’ve come to learn over the years, is that a simple, delicious meal is the ultimate gathering tool. As you sit around the table, no frills, no fuss, the warm food is served, the seats become full, and the bellies of those you love are satisfied. Deeper than that, a simple meal around a table can bring connection to a busy family who have been ships passing in the night, can be the avenue through which you show love and care, and can even be a personally soothing task for the chef…as the spoon stirs, the stress of the work day melts away. The kitchen and the table are two of my favorite places to be, and it’s been in those places, where I’ve recycled tried and true recipes that keep my family asking for seconds!

Among those recipes, you’ll find my Famous Chicken Tortilla Soup. This recipe has been a go-to for years, and is the perfect pick for those blustery, cozy nights we are beginning to enjoy this time of year. This soup is simple, comforting, and delicious – everything you want a soup to be – but also leaves room for adding your own creative flair! Plus: Is there anything better than cooking up a soup at end of the week that uses up the last of all your produce? This soup will fill up young kids and growing men alike, just watch how they’ll lick their bowls!

I hope this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen, and will bring many hungry people to your table this holiday season.

Scroll to the bottom of this post for a free, printable version of this recipe to put in your recipe box or stick up on your fridge!

My Famous Chicken Tortilla Soup

Note: You can easily make this soup in a crockpot if you are pressed for time, but it does make for a tastier soup on the stovetop!

Ingredients:

• 1 whole stewed chicken, deboned and shredded (For a short cut, you can use a rotisserie chicken, or you can cube raw chicken breast and toss that into the crockpot with the rest of the ingredients!)
• 4-6 cups of chicken broth or stock
• 4 peeled and sliced carrots
• 1 bag frozen corn
• 1 tub deli pico de gallo
• 1 can whole pinto beans
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Caldo de pollo bouillon (My go-to secret ingredient & salt substitute!) to taste

Optional Garnish Ingredients:

• Homemade tortilla strips, fried for topping (Or pick some premade ones up!)
• Avocado Slices
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Cilantro
• Lime wedges

Instructions:
Place all ingredients in either the crockpot or stew pot and slow cook until veggies are cooked through. Cooking raw chicken in a crockpot will take about 4-5 hours.

As with all soups and stews, the magic is in your special touches. Add other veggies or kick up the heat with more jalapeños. Use your imagination and enjoy the process!

Until next time,
Terry