Applebee’s Chicken Cheese Tortilla Soup – Copycat

🍲👩‍🍳 Sure, I’d be happy to provide you with a detailed response about Applebee’s Chicken Cheese Tortilla Soup! 🍲🧀🐔

What is it?
Applebee’s Chicken Cheese Tortilla Soup is a popular restaurant-style soup known for its rich, cheesy flavor, tender chicken, and crunchy tortilla strips. It’s a comforting and hearty dish that combines elements of Mexican cuisine with American comfort food.

History:
While I don’t have specific information about the exact origin of Applebee’s Chicken Cheese Tortilla Soup, it’s a variation of tortilla soup, a traditional Mexican dish. The modern twist with cheese and chicken is likely an adaptation created by the restaurant chain Applebee’s to appeal to American tastes.

Components:
The key components of this delicious soup include:

• Chicken: Typically, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are used.
• Cheese: Shredded cheese, often a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, provides a creamy and cheesy texture.
• Tortilla Strips: Thinly sliced or fried tortilla strips add a crunchy element.
• Broth: A flavorful chicken broth forms the base of the soup.
• Vegetables: Ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers are common additions.
• Seasonings: Various seasonings, including cumin, chili powder, and garlic, give the soup its distinctive flavor.

Steps to Prepare:
Here’s a simplified version of the steps to prepare Applebee’s Chicken Cheese Tortilla Soup:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and chili powder. Cook them in a skillet until fully cooked, then shred the meat.

2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic until they become tender.

3. Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, and chili powder. Let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Add Shredded Chicken: Add the shredded chicken to the pot and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes.

5. Cheese and Tortilla Strips: Gradually stir in the shredded cheese until it’s fully melted into the soup. Serve the soup hot and garnish with crispy tortilla strips.

Time Needed:
The total time to prepare Applebee’s Chicken Cheese Tortilla Soup depends on your cooking skills and the quantity you’re making. On average, it takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour from start to finish. This includes preparation and cooking time.

Enjoy your homemade Applebee’s Chicken Cheese Tortilla Soup! 🍲🧀🐔😋

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Applebee’s Chicken Cheese Tortilla Soup:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values for a Typical Serving):

• Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240 grams)
• Calories: 250-300 calories
• Total Fat: 15-20 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 6-8 grams
  • Trans Fat: 0 grams
• Cholesterol: 40-60 milligrams
• Sodium: 800-1000 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 2-4 grams
  • Sugars: 2-4 grams
• Protein: 15-20 grams

Health Information:

1. Protein: Chicken is a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle health and overall body function.

2. Fiber: The soup contains some dietary fiber from the vegetables, which can aid in digestion and help you feel full.

3. Calcium: Cheese provides calcium, which is important for strong bones and teeth.

4. Sodium: Be cautious about the sodium content. The soup can be relatively high in sodium, so it’s advisable for individuals with high blood pressure or those watching their salt intake to consume it in moderation.

5. Fat: The soup contains moderate amounts of fat, mainly from the cheese. While some fat is necessary for a balanced diet, it’s important to monitor your overall fat intake.

6. Calories: The calorie content can vary depending on the specific recipe and portion size. It’s important to be mindful of portion control, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake.

7. Customization: You can make the soup healthier by using low-sodium broth, reducing the amount of cheese, and opting for lean cuts of chicken. Adding more vegetables can also increase the nutritional value.

Remember that these values are approximate and can vary based on the recipe and ingredients used. It’s a good idea to check the nutrition label on any packaged ingredients you use and adjust the recipe to fit your dietary preferences and requirements.