Chicken Tortilla Soup

Directions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. 2Mix cumin, chili pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
  3. 3Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil on chicken breasts.
  4. 4Sprinkle a small amount of the spice mix on both sides of the chicken breasts.
  5. 5Set aside the rest of the spice mix.
  6. 6Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet.
  7. 7Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until chicken is done.
  8. 8Use two forks to shred the chicken and set it aside.
  9. 9Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat.
  10. 10Add onions, red pepper, green pepper, and minced garlic to the pot.
  11. 11Stir and begin cooking the vegetables.
  12. 12Add the rest of the spice mix and stir to combine.
  13. 13Add the shredded chicken and stir.
  14. 14Pour in Rotel, chicken stock, tomato paste, water, and black beans.
  15. 15Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  16. 16Simmer for 45 minutes, uncovered.
  17. 17Mix cornmeal with a small amount of water.
  18. 18Pour the cornmeal mixture into the soup.
  19. 19Simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
  20. 20Check seasonings, adding more if needed (chili powder for more spice, and ensure it's not undersalted).
  21. 21Turn off heat and allow the soup to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
  22. 22Five minutes before serving, gently stir in the tortilla strips.
  23. 23Ladle the soup into bowls.
  24. 24Top with sour cream, diced red onion, diced avocado, pico de gallo, grated cheese and/or cilantro.

Ingredients

  • 2 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1.5 tsp. cumin
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp. garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp. salt
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 0.25 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 0.25 cup red bell pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (10-oz.) can Rotel tomatoes & green chilies
  • 32 oz. low-sodium chicken stock
  • 3 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • 4 cups hot water
  • 2 (15-oz.) cans black beans, drained
  • 3 Tbsp. cornmeal or masa
  • 5 whole whole corn tortillas, cut into uniform strips around 2 to 3 inches
  • Sour cream, diced red onion, diced avocado, pico de gallo oralsa grated Monterey Jack cheese and/or cilantro

Equipment

ovenbaking sheetpotforksbowls

Tips

  • You can use premade taco seasoning or your own combination of spices for the chicken.
  • Leftover rotisserie chicken can be used instead of baking chicken breasts.
  • If Rotel is not available, a can of diced tomatoes and a can of chopped green chilies can be substituted.
  • Boiling water and chicken bouillon cubes can be used in place of low-sodium chicken broth.
  • Soup tastes better if you turn off the pot and let it sit for a bit before serving.
  • For crispy tortilla strips, you can quickly fry them in oil and add them as a topping.
  • Do not skimp on the toppings as they are part of the full experience.