Chicken Tortilla Soup

 Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful, comforting Mexican-inspired soup that’s filled with tender chicken, vegetables, and a tangy broth, topped with crispy tortilla strips. Here's a simple recipe to make this delicious soup:

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1 can (4 oz) green chilies, diced

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

4 cups chicken broth

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

1/2 lime, juiced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Tortilla strips (store-bought or homemade)

Shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the chicken:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the chicken breasts or thighs and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly.

Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks.

2. Sauté the vegetables:

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened.

Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

3. Add the broth and seasonings:

Add the diced tomatoes, green chilies, black beans, corn, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.

Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Add the shredded chicken:

Stir the shredded chicken into the soup and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.

5. Finish the soup:

Add the lime juice and fresh cilantro (if using), and taste the soup for seasoning. Adjust with more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.

6. Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, sour cream, and/or avocado slices for added flavor and texture.

This Chicken Tortilla Soup is hearty, flavorful, and customizable to your taste preferences. It’s the perfect meal 

for a cozy evening or when you’re craving something comforting and satisfying!