Chicken Tortilla Soup

I've never been a big fan of fast food restaurants but I do have to admit that they are offering healthier items on their menus lately.  Fresh salads, healthy soups and even vegetarian options are becoming more common in fast food chains. 

I recently learned that by December 2016, the FDA is going to require any facility that is part of a chain with 20 or more locations will be required to post calories on menus and menu boards and provide other nutrient information in writing to help fill a critical information gap and help consumers make informed and healthful dietary choices.

• Meals from sit-down restaurants
• Foods purchased at drive-through windows
• Take-out food, such as pizza
• Foods, such as made-to-order sandwiches, ordered from a menu or menu board at a grocery store or delicatessen
• Foods you serve yourself from a salad or hot food bar 
• Muffins at a bakery or coffee shop
• Popcorn purchased at a movie theater or amusement park
• A scoop of ice cream, milk shake or sundae from an ice cream store
• Hot dogs or frozen drinks prepared on site in a convenience or warehouse store
• Certain alcoholic beverages

I could probably live without knowing how many calories are in my giant popcorn bucket at the movie theater BUT I love that I will be able to see calorie information about my lunch choices before I order.  A lot of times I will  choose a salad because I assume it would be lower in calories than other menu choices but sometimes, it isn't the healthiest option.

Having calorie counts on the menu board is one of the reasons that I like to go to Chick Fil A.  I have to admit that I was a little surprised by some of the menu items.  I recently learned that a cup of their tortilla soup has 22 grams of protein and only 260 calories - AND its delicious.  I like it so much that I decided to recreate their yummy tortilla soup recipe at home. 

Chicken Tortilla Soup
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
4-oz can diced green chilies
1 taco seasoning packet (use hot or mild depending on your preference)
6 cups chicken broth
15 oz can black beans
15 oz cans navy beans
1 cup frozen corn
3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
2 Tablespoons flour
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup tortilla strips

Heat oil in pot.  Add onions and cook until translucent.

Add green chilies, taco seasoning, beans, 5 cups chicken broth, corn and chicken.

Whisk together remaining 1 cup broth and flour.  Add to soup mixture.

Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes.

Add cream and stir to combine.

I'm pretty sure that the Chick Fil A version of this yummy soup has either less or no heavy cream at all.  I think I'll do some experimenting with the amount of cream next time that I make this.  (Maybe I can even swap it out for low fat milk.)

Someone thought my soup smelled intoxicating. 

I hope that this bowl of hearty warm soup hits the spot on this chilly Tuesday afternoon. 

Ciao!

Click here for a printable version of this recipe