Chicken Tortilla Soup

This is one of our families favorite recipes. It is super easy and really delicious. A dear friend Anna gave me this recipe many years ago. We use as many organic ingredients as possible. It's actually really surprising that there are no seasonings added to this soup, but trust me it is full of flavor! It is especially great on a cold winter day! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Ingredients:

2 cans black beans (may sub 1 can red beans)

1 30 oz can tomato sauce

1 16 oz can chopped tomato w/ jalapenos (or regular canned tomatoes for a mild soup)

2 small cans roasted green chilies

1 cup salsa (you choose spice level)

1 can corn

2-4 chicken breasts

*corn tortilla chips, avocado and cheese for optional toppings

Directions: 

Put all ingredients into a large pot on stove (start on medium, once it begins to bubble turn to low 1-2 hours) or crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours. (I prefer 6 hrs, chicken shreds more easily)

Pull out chicken at end and shred with 2 forks.

Put back into soup pot and simmer 15 more minutes if desired. (not necessary)

Serve warm with desired toppings.

We like to drizzle a little evoo (extra virgin olive oil) on top and add some fresh avocado.

Fresh Basil Tomato Chicken

I was looking for a crockpot recipe to incorporate the ingredients in my cupboard, which were very limited. Online, I found a recipe for Italian chicken using spaghetti sauce, tomatoes and dry spaghetti sauce mix (in a packet). Well, since I didn't have any of those things I am trying my own little concoction. I'll report back this evening to give you the verdict!


Ingredients:

3-4 frozen boneless skinless chicken breast
1 28oz can organic diced tomatoes
1 T extra virgin olive oil
1 bunch fresh basil leaves, torn
fresh ground pepper & sea salt to taste
1/2 - 1 pound cooked gluten free pasta or brown rice
1-3 crushed garlic cloves (optional)


Direcitons:

Place frozen chicken in the bottom of the crockpot.
Pour remaining ingredients on top.
Gently push basil down into tomatoes so it does not dry out during cooking time.
Cook on High for 6 hours or Low for 10 hours.
Serve over cooked gluten free pasta or rice.

THE VERDICT: A winner, my family said they REALLY liked it and that I can make it again! HOORAY!