BEST CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP

Best Chicken Tortilla Soup image

Chock-full of veggies and autumn color, this soup is ideal for using up fresh garden bounty. Add richness by first grilling the chicken and vegetables. -Kathy Averbeck, Dousman, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 55m

Yield 3-1/2 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 21

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Ingredients

2 medium tomatoes
1 small onion, cut into wedges
1 garlic clove, peeled
4 teaspoons canola oil, divided
1 boneless skinless chicken breast half (6 ounces)
1/4 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 corn tortillas (6 inches)
1/2 cup diced zucchini
2 tablespoons chopped carrot
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup Spicy Hot V8 juice
1/3 cup frozen corn
2 tablespoons tomato puree
1-1/2 teaspoons chopped seeded jalapeno pepper
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup cubed or sliced avocado
1/4 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

Steps:

Brush the tomatoes, onion and garlic with 1 teaspoon oil. Broil 4 in. from the heat for 6-8 minutes or until tender, turning once. Peel and discard charred skins from tomatoes; place tomatoes in a blender. Add onion and garlic; cover and process for 1-2 minutes or until smooth., Sprinkle chicken with lemon pepper and salt; broil for 5-6 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 170°. Cut one tortilla into 1/4-in. strips; coarsely chop remaining tortilla. , In a large saucepan, heat remaining oil. Fry tortilla strips until crisp and browned; remove with a slotted spoon., In the same pan, cook the zucchini, carrot, cilantro, cumin, chili powder and chopped tortilla over medium heat for 4 minutes. Stir in the tomato mixture, broth, V8 juice, corn, tomato puree, jalapeno and bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. , Cut chicken into strips and add to soup; heat through. Discard bay leaf. Garnish with the avocado, cheese and tortilla strips.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 284 calories, Fat 14g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 40mg cholesterol, Sodium 617mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 18g protein.