Chicken Tortilla Soup
A warm and hearty dish embodying the flavors of southwestern cuisine, perfect for chilly evenings or lunch with a delightful mix of tender chicken, zesty spices, and fresh toppings.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 4 oz can diced green chilies
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1.5 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 lime Juice of 1 lime
- to taste Salt and pepper
For the Tortilla Strips
- 4 small corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the strips)
- to taste Salt (for the tortilla strips)
For Garnishing
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Prepare Tortilla Strips
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Spread the tortilla strips evenly on a baking tray. Brush them with olive oil, sprinkle some salt, and toss gently to ensure they are coated.
- Bake for about 8-10 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Then, set aside to cool.
Make the Soup Base
- In a large soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, and paprika to the pot. Cook for another minute.
Combine Main Ingredients
- Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, diced green chilies, and chicken broth.
- Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Add in the shredded chicken, rinsed black beans, and corn. Mix well and let simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes.
Final Touches
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Squeeze in the fresh juice of one lime and mix.
- Remove the pot from heat and serve.
Notes
For toppings, consider adding crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese (like Monterey Jack or Cheddar), sour cream, sliced avocado, and fresh cilantro.