Chicken Tortilla Soup

This is a thick, stick to your ribs type of Chicken Tortilla Soup that’s spiced with the bold flavors of the southwest, and piled high with a lots of yummy toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 Tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 Tablespoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more or less)
• 3 Tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• pepper
• 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• juice of 1/2 lime
• 32 oz gluten-free chicken broth, divided
• 2 Tablespoons gluten-free or regular masa
• Toppings: pico de gallo, chopped avocado, tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, lime wedges

Directions

Heat oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chicken and onion then sprinkle in taco seasoning, paprika, and salt. Stir well then cook until chicken is cooked through and onions are tender, about 10 minutes. Add cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, then saute for one more minute. Add cilantro, pepper to taste, pinto beans, lime juice, and 3-1/2 cups chicken broth then simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, make pico de gallo, chop avocado, and combine remaining 1/2 cup chicken broth with masa or cornmeal in a small bowl. When soup is done simmering, drizzle in chicken broth/masa mixture, and simmer for 10 more minutes. Serve topped with crushed tortilla chips, chopped avocado, and pico de gallo. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, if desired.