Chicken Tortilla Soup Easy (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Soup Base

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1 teaspoon chilli powder
07 - 450 grams chicken breasts (approximately 2 medium pieces)
08 - 800 grams crushed tomatoes
09 - 950 millilitres chicken broth
10 - 400 grams black beans, drained and rinsed
11 - 400 grams corn, drained and rinsed
12 - 30 grams fresh cilantro, chopped, divided (reserve 1/4 for garnish)
13 - 1 lime, juiced
14 - 1 teaspoon salt, or as needed

→ Homemade Tortilla Strips

15 - 60 millilitres olive oil
16 - 8 corn tortillas (15 cm each)

→ Toppings

17 - 1 large avocado, diced
18 - 1 lime, cut into wedges

# Instructions:

01 - Heat 60 millilitres olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Slice corn tortillas into thin strips and fry in batches until golden and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set aside until serving.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced jalapeño. Sauté until vegetables are softened and aromatic, about 3–4 minutes.
03 - Add chicken breasts, drained corn, rinsed black beans, chilli powder, cumin, crushed tomatoes, salt, 22 grams chopped cilantro, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for at least 25 minutes.
04 - Remove chicken breasts from the soup. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
05 - Simmer soup for an additional 5 minutes. Stir in fresh lime juice and adjust salt to taste.
06 - Ladle soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, reserved fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

# Notes:

01 - Frying the tortilla strips fresh enhances their crisp texture and adds authentic flavour.
02 - Reserve part of the cilantro for garnishing to preserve its vibrant colour and aroma.