Ingredients

  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 1/4 cup chopped green pepper (optional)
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato puree
  • 1 teaspoon finely minced jalapeno pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 4 teaspoons flour
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 lb cooked chicken, cubed
  • 1 cup cream
  • 1/4 cup fat free sour cream
  • 8 ounces processed cheese, 1-inch cubes
  • 10 (6 inch) corn tortillas, 1/4-inch strips, fried
  • fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)

Method

  • Saute oil, garlic and onions in large pan or Dutch oven until soft.
  • Add ingredients 4 through 13. Bring to low boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes.
  • Cut tortillas into 1/4-inch strips and fry in oil or spray with oil and bake at 400°F (while soup is cooking). Sprinkle with salt if desired.
  • Thoroughly mix flour and water, then whisk into soup. Bring to a low boil, then simmer 5 minutes.
  • Add chicken and simmer 5 minutes.
  • Stir in sour cream and cheese (more or less of each, depending on taste). Ensure 165°F serving temperature.
  • After serving soup, pile tortilla strips into a "haystack" shape on top of the soup.
  • Optional: garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.