Whenever you do roast chicken, in my case Beer Can Chicken, you always have leftover. My favorite thing to do is make a simple soup, but with a little kick! You can add Avocado and sliced, baked or fried tortilla strips and voila…Chicken Tortilla Soup!
Note: This soup can be as mild or spicy as you choose. It’s all in the red chile powder you use. I like hot, so we use New Mexico. If you prefer mild, you can use California or even just paprika for a smoky flavor and color. Your choice!
Chicken Soup a la Mexicana:
1 1/2 -2 cups cubed cooked chicken – I used LEFTOVER Beer Can Chicken (you can cook up any inexpensive cut)
2 Tbsp Canola or Olive oil – pantry
1 medium White or Yellow Onion, diced – $.20
1-2 cloves garlic, minced – $.20
1 14 oz Can Dice Tomato – $.69
2 Tbsp Caldo Sabor a Pollo (Chicken Bouillon) – pantry (you must get some in your pantry)
1 qrt Water
1/2 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Mexican Oregano (reg Oregano works too)
1 Tbsp fresh Lemon Juice – $.20
TOPPINGS
* 2 avocados, halved, pitted, peeled, and diced
*1 cup shredded Jack cheese, optional
* 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
* 1 lime, cut in wedges, for serving* Optional toppings – pricing can vary. I use what’s on hand and in season, but this meal is so inexpensive, you can splurge a little on toppings. I mean, really, look at the cost! It’s almost free!
COST: $1.29
Debone leftover roast chicken and cut meat into cubes or shred. You need about 1 1/2 to 2 cups chicken. In large soup pot, heat pan to medium, add oil and sauté onion till translucent (about 4 mins). Add garlic and chicken and sauté a few more minutes.
Add all the rest of the ingredients to the large pot, except bouillon powder and bring to a boil. You can substitute water and bouillon with chicken stock. I just don’t always have it on hand, but I do always have Maggi on hand.
Once to boil, add bouillon. Cook 5 mins and taste. You can add more bouillon and more chile powder here, per your taste. Continue cooking at a high simmer for 30 minutes
Serve hot and top with tortilla chips, lime juice, cilantro, cheese or avocado!
This can be a great, light meal, or maybe make some quesadillas or grilled cheese to go with it. It’s really a wonderful soup for so little money. I hope you enjoy!
GRAND TOTAL: $1.29
