1tablespoon(17g)chopped chipotle chilis in adobo sauce
1tablespoon(10g)minced jalapenos
¼cup(56g)tomato paste
¾cup(100g)red bell pepper, ¼" dice
1cup(160g)corn kernels, fresh, canned, or frozen
1cup(175g)canned black beans, rinsed and drained
14.5ounce(411g)canned diced fire roasted tomatoes, plus juice
5cups(1.2L)unsalted chicken stock
1 ½teaspoonsdried oregano
1cup(100g)sliced corn tortilla strips, ¼" thick, 2" long strips
1tablespoon(15ml)lime juice
¼cupcilantro leaves
Instructions
Season the Chicken - Lightly season both sides of the flattened chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Cook the Chicken - Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil, add the chicken and cook until lightly browned, about 6 to 7 minutes. Flip and cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), about 5 to 6 minutes.
Cool and Shred - Transfer chicken to a clean plate or cutting board. Cover and rest for 10 minutes. Shred into smaller pieces and set aside.
Cook the Seasonings - In the same pot used to cook the chicken, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Saute the onions and garlic for 1 minute. Add in the cumin, coriander, chili powder, and 1 teaspoon paprika, continuously stirring for 30 seconds.
Cook the Vegetables - Saute the chopped chipotle chilis and jalapenos for 1 minute. Add in tomato paste, stir, and cook for 1 minute. Add in bell pepper and corn, and saute for 1 minute.
Simmer the Soup - Stir in the black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken stock, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, tortilla strips, and shredded chicken. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook until tortillas are softened, about 15 minutes.
To Serve - Stir in lime juice and cilantro leaves. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve hot with desired toppings.
Notes
Storing: Cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Portion out the soup in resealable plastic bags. Freeze the bag flat. Store for up to 6 months. Defrost before using.
Topping Suggestions: Chips or homemade fried tortilla strips, sour cream, sliced jalapenos, lime wedges, green onions, avocado, radish.
Make it Spicy: Add 2 tablespoons of chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, more if you like it really hot!
Make it Faster: Precooked shredded meat, such as roasted, grilled, or baked chicken, can help cut down on preparation time. Use 3 cups of shredded chicken.
Homemade Crunchy Tortilla Strips: Cut corn tortillas into 1/4-inch thick, 2-inch long strips. Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a small saute pan (about 6-inch diameter). Heat oil to 350 to 375°F (177 to 191ºC), and fry tortillas in batches until crispy, about 60 to 90 seconds. Transfer strips to a paper towel-lined plate. Drain excess oil and salt strips.