Chicken Tortilla Soup

So I've been super obsessed lately with the Fry's brand of Chicken Tortilla Soup.  So stinkin yummy!  I've never had it before I had it from there, so I didn't know what to expect.  Theirs is creamy and just plain good.  But at $3.99 a pop for a 32oz. container it can get pricey.  So I decided to make my own.  And yes I know it's a bazillion degrees here in Arizona today, but I've been craving this.  Keep reading for the recipe.

Ingredients you'll need:

* Grilled chicken shredded

( I used 1 whole small rotisserie chicken from the grocery store )

* 1 1/2 Cans Black beans ( I added the bean juice too )

* 1 Can Refried beans

* 3 Cans Chicken stock + 1 Can Water

( You can add more liquids if your crockpot has room, this amount filled up my pot )

*  1-2 Cans Diced tomatoes

*  1 Can Corn

*  Cilantro - A big bunch ( Add more if you love it )

*  1-2 Cans Green chili's

( My picture shows jalepenos since that's all I had on hand, use chili's )

*  1 Medium diced onion

*  Celery - About 3 or 4 stalks diced

*  2-3 Carrots small dice 

( I didn't use these, I'm not a huge cooked carrot fan )

*  1/2 Tbs. Garlic powder

*  Salt & Pepper as desired

*  1 Packet of Taco seasoning

*  Potato flakes to thicken soup if needed

 

     

Soup topping ideas:

Corn tortilla chips

( I love club crackers too, don't know why...just do )

Shredded cheese, I prefer the Cheddar/Monterrey jack blend

Sour Cream

Cilantro

Fresh limes to squeeze

Directions:

Add all your canned ingredients into your crockpot.  Now add your chicken, and seasonings. 

Add all your liquids. 

Put on low for 8 hours, or high for 4 - 6 hours.  Stir occasionally.  When it's done cooking if you see that it isn't the consistency you'd like it to be add some of the potato flakes to thicken it up a little.  Just add a little at a time until you've achieved the thickness you desire.  Now put in your lovely bowls, and top with your favorite toppings and enjoy! 

P.S.  I also added sour cream to the actual soup while cooking, I had foud that since I didn't have the green chili's I wanted and all I had on hand was jalepenos that my soup was too spicy for me.  I only added a tablespoon of the jalepenos, but it was fine once I calmed it down with the sour cream.  It didn't turn out the way I was hoping like the Fry's one, but I will have to play around with it I think.  None the less it was still good.  I made so much of it though, I froze some for when the cooler months arrive.  Ha...I could be waiting a while for cooler months! ;D