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Sisters are the best! Most of you don't know this, but I have three sisters. Sadly, we're spread out all over the country, though we do love to get together whenever we have the opportunity. We have a zillion things in common and can spend hours together talking, laughing and reminiscing; but one of our favorite things to do together is .......... cook! Yup, we're all quite crazy about cooking!
This past week, Scott and I had the opportunity to spend a few days with my sister Dana and her husband in Flagstafff, Arizona, as part of our visit to the west coast. Dana is a sweetheart - along with being a fabulous cook and wonderful hostess! She can entertain a crowd with ease and has a charm like no one you've ever seen. She makes it all look super simple and always has a ton of great ideas and wonderful recipes up her sleeve.
The second evening of our visit, Dana hosted a dinner party for some friends she wanted us to meet. She served ten at the table that night and all the food was prepared ahead. I loved how calm she was and decided it was a great example for me, as I'm often running around like a chicken with my head cut off before the guests arrive.
One of the delightful courses Dana served was this Chicken Tortilla Appetizer Soup. You can see from the pictures how pretty it was. Everyone went crazy over it and there were lots of oohs and aahs going around the table. When I found out how simple it was to prepare, I could hardly believe it. It's actually ridiculously easy, with just four ingredients plus the toppings. It comes together in less than fifteen minutes and that includes shredding the rottiserie chicken and dicing the tomato and avocado for topping/garnish.
If you've got a dinner party coming up or just want to treat your family/friends to a delicious, fun and light soup, this is it! But you might want to keep it to yourself as far as how simple it is .......... unless you spill the beans, no one will ever guess, and they'll think it was a long, slow process to achieve such great flavor!
Oh, and if you're looking for something a bit heartier, we got you covered there too. Check out this delicious meal-in-a-bowl Chicken Tortilla Soup. Everyone who's tried it, loves it - check out the comments at the bottom of the post for happy customers!
P.S. Check back tomorrow. Scott will be sharing photos of the second half of our road trip, along with some travel tips, including how we found and stayed at really nice hotels for really great prices during this trip.
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Chicken Tortilla Appetizer Soup
Ingredients
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 12- ounce jar mild Pace picante sauce
- 1 envelope taco seasoning, Dana uses McCormick
- 2 cups shredded chicken breast, rotisserie chicken works great
- Toppings:
- 1 ½ cups chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 large, ripe avocado, chopped
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ cup Cojita or Queso Fresco cheese
- tortilla chips
- lime wedges
Instructions
- Combine chicken broth, picante sauce and taco seasoning in a medium-size pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add chicken and stir to combine.
- Serve in small pretty bowls topped with fresh chopped tomato, avocado, cheese and cilantro. Garnish with fresh lime wedges and serve with tortilla chips.
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You are all so pretty. What a delicious looking soup, I’ll have to try! Pinned!
Gorgeous ladies! I always missed having a sister. Being the youngest with four brothers was quite a challenge. No matter how hot it gets outside tortilla soup always sounds good!
I made this last week, it was a huge hit! I had made salsa with habaneros last fall so I used that....amazing how delicious this was with so few ingredients. Thanks for sharing.
So pretty, I love the colors! What a great idea to serve soup as a starter!
Your sisters are just like my sisters! We all love to cook, too. And I think I need a few lessons from Dana on hosting a dinner party! I am usually a crazy woman till the first guest arrives.! Plus I'd love some more of her amazing recipes 🙂
You are all so pretty - what fun to have all those sisters. Glad you had a good visit. Love this soup - and it does sound perfectly simple! Yum! Being calm when people are coming for dinner is not one of my gifts - haha
Dear Chris, you and your sisters look absolutely beautiful - how nice that you all get along so famously and that you share a passion for cooking! You are blessed indeed!
As far as that wonderful "appetizer soup" is concerned (love that expression) - if it tastes as good as it looks, then this is a true winning recipe. Easy, pretty, delicious, family and party fare - I so appreciate recipes that can be prepared in advance of hosting guests.
Looking forward to more lovely photos from your trip,
Andrea & Thank You, Scott for your kind comment
What a delicious appetizer soup you sister served! The Mexican bowls are gorgeous.... Enjoy your time with your sisters! I miss mine who is far away in Brazil.
Grandchildren AND sisters - my envy grows. 🙂 So nice to meet Dana and her appetizer soup. Tell her thank you from all of us!
How wonderful to have 3 other sisters that you have so much in common. with, especially the cooking. Looks like a great soup. Pinned.
Beautiful soup, Chris. I can't wait for the second half of your travel post!
Pretty girls..and soup!
Sounds like a great soup and like you had a fun visit:@)
Love the photo of you and your sisters and that soup looksvery tempting!
A group of charming ladies!
The appetizer soup looks delish, Chris.
Such delicious looking soup! I’ll have to save it for my next party. Chris, you and your sisters all look so much alike. Have a great weekend!
Oh my gosh, you are all beautiful, young looking blondes!
What a great time and what a great soup. I never think of soups as appetizers, but this looks delicious and the perfect portion.
Nice summer treat since the weather had been cool then hot here in New York. Have fun on your trip. My hubby loves anything Arizona. Thanks for sharing as always
Chicken Tortilla Soup is always delicious. I love the simplicity of this one!
This look really delicious Chris!