{Chicken Tortilla Soup}

This soup was seriously incredible. Hands down one of the best soups I have ever had!! I made this the other night for dinner and even my kids gobbled not one but two bowls...so wonderful! I just had to put this one on here so that when I am searching for something to make for dinner I will come upon this one and remember how much I adored it and make it again and again!

2-3 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1-½ teaspoon Cumin
1 teaspoon Chili Powder
½ teaspoons Garlic Powder
½ teaspoons Salt
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1 cup Diced Onion
¼ cups Diced Green Bell Pepper
¼ cups Red Bell Pepper
3 cloves Garlic, Minced
1 can Rotel Tomatoes And Green Chilies
32 ounces, fluid Chicken Stock
3 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
4 cups Hot Water
2 cans Black Beans, Drained
3 Tablespoons Cornmeal
5 whole Corn Tortillas, Cut Into Uniform Strips Around 2 To 3 Inches

Garnishes: (You HAVE to add these, it would not be the same experience without em)
Sour Cream
Diced Avocado
Juice of fresh lime
Salsa Or Pico De Gallo
Grated Monterey Jack or cheddar Cheese
Cilantro


Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix cumin, chili pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil on chicken breasts, then sprinkle a small amount of spice mix on both sides. Set aside the rest of the spice mix.
Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until chicken is done. Use two forks to shred chicken. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pot over medium high heat. Add onions, red pepper, green pepper, and minced garlic. Stir and begin cooking, then add the rest of the spice mix. Stir to combine, then add shredded chicken and stir.
Pour in Rotel, chicken stock, tomato paste, water, and black beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 45 minutes, uncovered.
Mix cornmeal with a small amount of water. Pour into the soup, then simmer for an additional 30 minutes. Check seasonings, adding more if needed—add more chili powder if it needs more spice, and be sure not to undersalt. Turn off heat and allow to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Five minutes before serving, gently stir in tortilla strips.
Ladle into bowls, then top with all the yummy garnishes!


Recipe Source: The Pioneer Woman