Mama Chef - chicken tortilla soup

I cannot believe that I haven't posted this recipe before!  It's a favorite of mine - simple, really fresh, healthy and tasty!  I was introduced to it through my sister and have no other idea where it comes from.  I also don't really have a recipe for it, since I cook this often enough that I just do it and adjust it depending on how much I want to make and how brothy or chunky I want it.  It's a great substitution for chicken noodle if you have a cold too.

Chicken tortilla soup:
What you need:
a little olive oil
3 cooked and shredded chicken breasts (I boil them in salted water and shred with 2 forks, but you really could use any chicken meat you want)
1 large can of diced tomatoes
1 box of chicken broth (up to 2 boxes if you want it more brothy, but you'll need to increase the amount of onion, garlic, and jalapeno too)
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 large onion finely diced
1/2 to 1 fresh jalapeno finely diced -remove the seeds and pith (it won't make it spicy for those of you who are worried, I promise, but it's a flavor you must have - so don't omit it and don't substitute jarred jalapenos)
3 large garlic cloves finely diced
tortilla chips
lime wedges
shredded monteray jack cheese (or your favorite)
avocado - diced
fresh cilantro chopped

What to do:
heat the olive oil in a large soup pot
add onions and sautee until a little translucent and soft
add garlic and jalapeno, sautee just until peppers soften, stir continually to prevent garlic burning
add stock, tomatoes with juice, beans, and chicken
cover and simmer until hot

serve:
ladle soup into bowls
break some tortilla chips over top (some people like to break it into the bottom of the bowl first)
add shredded cheese, a squeeze of lime, some avocado and a sprinkle of cilantro
enjoy!

Comments

[Katie]

this looks yummy, I'm soo gonna try it when I get a chance!

[Marc Benton]

I forwarded your post to my wife and now it looks like I'm making it for her tomorrow night! I'll let you know how it goes.

[kim]

Just made this yesterday and it was divine! My three-year old AND my 9 month old baby both LOVED it... and sadly, there are no leftovers! Thanks for sharing!