Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ok...so I've made this soup by The Pioneer Woman a few times. It was very good the first few times but I didn't think it was very spectacular. So the other night I had some chicken in the freezer, black beans, a can of Rotel, chicken stock, corn tortillas...and absolutely NO plan for dinner. So...I decided to make this soup again and try and add my own flair to it. It was definitely much more flavorful than the previous attempts and I certainly don't mind having a huge pot of it leftover! This soup also freezes really well...so serve half for dinner and freeze the rest. You'll be glad you have some extra!

What you need

- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Dash of salt
- 1 T olive oil
- 1 C chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 C red bell pepper
- 1/4 C green bell pepper
- 1 can Rotel
- 2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 32 oz chicken stock
- 2 C hot water
- Corn tortillas

Optional Toppings:

- Shredded cheese

- Red/Green onion

- Avocado

- Sour Cream

- Corn Chips

- Fresh Cilantro

Directions
- Heat your oven to 375

- Combine the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder and cayenne in a small bowl

- Wash and dry your chicken breasts and place them on a baking sheet

- Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle on the spice mixture. Be generous with it!

- Cook the chicken at 375 for about 20 minutes

- Shred chicken with 2 forks and set aside

- In a large pot or dutch oven heat 1 T olive oil over medium heat

- Add the onions, garlic and peppers and cook for 2 minutes

- Add in the remaining spice mixture and the shredded chicken and stir to coat

- Add in one can of Rotel and stir

- Add the chicken stock, black beans and hot water

- Bring soup to a boil and then simmer for 45 minutes

- Prepare your toppings and set aside

- When the soup is finished simmering, check the seasonings and add salt and pepper to taste

- Before serving the soup, cut a few corn tortillas into strips and add them to the soup

- Top with cheese, onions and whatever else you like. Don't scrimp on the toppings, they add so much flavor!

- Enjoy!

*NOTE: I've made this before without chicken too and it is delicious. Very filling and a good meatless option!