So flavorful and nutritious, chicken tortilla soup is mildly spicy and easy to make. With black beans, corn, tomatoes, and crispy homemade corn tortilla strips, it's sure to please!
1 ½poundsboneless, skinless chicken breasts(2 to 3 chicken breasts)
4cupschicken broth(low sodium preferred)
1cupfrozen corn(or canned corn)
⅓cupfresh cilantro leaves, finely minced
1tablespoonfresh lime juice
lime wedges, avocado, shredded cheese (Monterey jack or cheddar) for garnishing
Instructions
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, jalapeño, salt, and pepper, and cook until softened and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika; stir and cook for one more minute or until fragrant.
Add tomatoes, beans, chicken, and broth. Increase heat to high to bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to medium-low and partially cover pan to maintain a simmer.
Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Meanwhile, make tortilla strips. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray, avocado oil, or olive oil spray. Arrange tortilla strips in an even layer on prepared baking sheet; spray lightly with cooking spray, avocado oil, or olive oil spray. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring once, until golden brown and crispy. Check frequently to make sure they don’t burn.
Remove chicken breasts from soup. Using two forks, shred chicken. Return it to soup; add corn. Continue to cook the soup until heated through. Add water if soup seems too thick.
Remove from heat and stir in cilantro and lime juice. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
Serve immediately, topped with crispy tortilla strips, lime wedges, avocado slices, and shredded cheese.
Video
Notes
Makes about 12 cups of soup. Nutritional information does ot include toppings.
Option: Instead of raw chicken, use 1 to 2 lbs. shredded cooked chicken breasts or thighs. A rotisserie chicken works well!
Instead of traditional diced tomatoes, try fire-roasted or the variety with green chiles.
Additional toppings: sour cream, fresh cilantro or green onions, cubed avocado, etc.