Chicken Enchilada Soup

This is my most requested soup recipe. It is simply fabulous. My picky son (love you, buddy) even eats it if I leave out the can of tomatoes/green chiles that I like to add.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound chicken breast fillets -- (approx. 3 fillets)
1/2 cup diced onion
1 clove garlic -- pressed
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup masa harina (a corn flour that you will find in the Mexican food section)
3 cups water
1 cup enchilada sauce
16 ounces Velveeta
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin

(Note: I usually add in a can of tomatoes with green chiles.)

***garnish***
shredded cheddar cheese
crumbled corn tortilla chips
pico de gallo (see recipe at bottom of page)

Directions

1. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken breasts to pot and brown for 4-5 minutes per side. Set chicken aside.
2. Add onions and garlic to pot and sauté‚ over medium heat for about 2 minutes, or until onions begin to become translucent. Add chicken broth.
3. Combine masa harina with 2 cups of water in a medium bowl and whisk until blended. Add masa mixture to pot with onions, garlic and broth.
4. Add remaining water, enchilada sauce, cheese and spices to pot and bring mixture to a boil.
5. Shred the chicken into small, bite-size pieces and add it to the pot. Reduce heat and simmer soup for 30-40 minutes or until thick.
6. Serve soup in cups or bowls, and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled corn tortilla chips, and pico de gallo.

Makes approximately 12 servings

Pico de Gallo
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup diced Spanish onion
2 teaspoons chopped fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and de-ribbed
2 teaspoons finely minced fresh cilantro
Pinch of salt