Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Crispy tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Avocado slices
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Cook this mixture for about 30 seconds until the spices become fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices and the chicken broth. Increase the heat slightly and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Add Chicken, Beans, and Corn: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, drained black beans, and frozen or canned corn into the simmering soup.
- Simmer the Soup: Let the soup simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together and the soup to slightly thicken.
- Finish with Lime and Seasonings: Remove the soup from heat and stir in the fresh lime juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with your choice of crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper to taste.
- This soup freezes well for up to 3 months; reheat gently before serving.
- Add a splash of cream or sour cream to enrich the soup if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
