If you're wanting an easy but comforting soup to cook for your family, this is for you! This soup has been a family favorite for years now.
Ingredients:
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves of minced garlic,
1 small red bell pepper, diced (optional)
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 Tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 15 oz. can of diced tomatoes & chili
1 15 oz. can of black beans, drained & rinsed well
1 can of corn, drained
6 cups of chicken stock
Prepare your chicken: season each side of the chicken with salt and pepper.
In a large soup pot on medium-high heat, add in the vegetable oil. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side. The chicken will NOT be cooked through all the way. It will finish cooking in the soup later.
Remove the chicken to a clean plate. In the same pot, add in the onion and bell pepper. Cook several minutes until tender. Then add in the garlic and cook 1 minute.
Add in all of your spices: chili powder, cumin, oregano; add in the tomato paste as well. Mix together and cook for 1 minute.
Add in your tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Pour in the chicken stock. Season well with salt! Let it come to a boil.
Put your chicken back in and lower the heat to medium. Let it simmer for about 45 minutes.
After 45 minutes, take out the chicken to cool slightly. I always put mine on a cutting board. Cut or shred your chicken (your choice) and put it back in the pot. Turn off the heat and you're ready to serve!
*My must-have toppings are: sour cream, cheese, and cilantro! I crunch up tortilla chips and put them on top as well. THIS SOUP IS SO GOOD!