Recipe: McAlister's Deli Chicken Tortilla Soup

MCALISTER'S DELI CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP

"Because McAlister's Deli is a franchise chain with more than 50 units, its soups are delivered to the restaurants frozen and in plastic bags. However, the local franchisees' representative, Breck Phillips, was able to provide a recipe modified for home use by McAlister's corporate chef. We modified it further, and it's now a close match to what is served in the restaurants."

2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 medium onion, minced
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (28-ounce) can low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons water, divided
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chiles
4 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese (about 1 cup)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
2 cups tortilla chips
1 bunch green onions, sliced

Bring about 1 inch of water to a boil in a skillet large enough to hold the chicken in a single layer. Add chicken, reduce heat to a simmer and cook until chicken is done, about 15 minutes. Drain chicken; cut into 1/2-inch cubes.

In a medium stockpot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; saute until soft.

Stir in chili powder, oregano, tomatoes and their liquid, chicken broth and 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons water.

Stir together cornstarch and remaining 1/4 cup water; stir into stockpot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, until broth is slightly thickened.

Stir in chiles, cheese, cilantro and cooked chicken. Stir until cheese melts, then let simmer for 10 minutes.

Ladle soup into bowls; serve chips on the side (or crumble a few chips over each bowl of soup). Garnish with chopped green onions.

Yield: 4 servings
From: McAlister's Deli
Source: Gordon McKnight - St. Louis Post-Dispatch, October 3, 2007