Hearty Chicken Tortilla Soup: A Comforting and Flavorful Mexican Classic

A warm and inviting bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup is the perfect dish to soothe the soul and satisfy your cravings. This Mexican-inspired soup is rich in flavors, combining tender chicken, robust spices, and hearty vegetables, topped with crunchy tortilla strips. It’s a delightful balance of textures and tastes that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 green bell pepper, diced
– 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 6 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
– 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Juice of 1 lime
– Fresh cilantro for garnish
– Tortilla strips for topping
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, avocado slices, sour cream

Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and jalapeño to the pot. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (including the juice). Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Add the black beans, corn, and shredded chicken. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
6. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and lime juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.
7. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and topped with crunchy tortilla strips. Add optional toppings as desired.