Chicken Tortilla Soup

So I wanted to start the soup posts with one that is very popular with most crowds. Chicken Tortilla soup is a great mix between Mexican flavors with American influences. Here's how I did it:

Serves: 4

So there are 3 parts to this recipe.

Part 1: Cook the chicken
1 lb     Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 T  Olive oil
1 T     Garlic powder
1 T     Fajita seasoning
1/2 T  Seasoning salt
The juice of half a lemon
The juice of half a lime

Season the chicken with the spices and squeeze the citrus juice and olive oil over the top. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes.

While the chicken is baking, move on to part 2.

Part 2: Start the soup
1 T       Olive Oil
1          Medium onion, chopped
1          Medium green bell pepper, chopped
2 T       Jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
1 tsp    Black pepper
2 tsp    Crushed red pepper flakes
2 cups  Chicken stock (Divided)
2 cans  Fire roasted diced tomatoes
2 T       Cumin
1 tsp     Seasoning salt
1 T       Fajita seasoning
1/2 can Sweet whole kernel corn
1/2 can Black beans

Heat a large pot to medium high heat. When heated, add the olive oil, onion, bell pepper, black pepper and jalapeno peppers and cook until soft. About 10 minutes.

Add 1 cup of chicken stock and both cans of diced tomatoes. Add the remaining seasonings. Stir and cook for 20 minutes.

When the chicken has finished baking, shred with 2 forks and set aside.

After the pot has been cooking for the additional 20 minutes, the mixture should have thickened. Add the rest of the chicken stock, chicken, corn, and black beans and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes.

Part 3: Make the Tortilla Strips
2      Small round flour tortillas
2 T   Olive Oil
2 tsp Paprika
1 tsp Sea salt

Heat a medium skillet with the olive oil.

Cut the tortillas into thin strips.

When the pan is heated, add the tortilla strips (a few at a time) and fry, turning once. About 20 seconds per side, until golden.

Remove from oil and drain on a paper towel. Sprinkle with paprika and salt.



Serve the tortilla strips on top of the soup and enjoy :)