Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil (or neutral cooking oil)
  • 1 large Yellow Onion, diced finely
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp Chili Powder (mild or medium)
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • ½ tsp Dried Oregano (Mexican preferred)
  • 1 packet (or 3 tbsp loose) Taco Seasoning Mix (low sodium)
  • 6 cups Chicken Broth (low sodium)
  • 1 (28 oz) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 oz) can Black Beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 oz) can Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 oz) can or 1.5 cups Sweet Corn, drained/thawed
  • 1 (4 oz) can Diced Green Chilies, undrained
  • 3 cups Cooked Chicken, shredded
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
  • Salt and Black Pepper, To taste

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the Onions: Heat olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté gently until softened and translucent (about 5–7 minutes).
  2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not allow the garlic to brown or burn—it will turn bitter.
  3. Bloom the Spices: Reduce the heat slightly. Add the chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, and taco seasoning mix. Stir well and cook for 60 seconds to release the spice oils.
  4. Introduce Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any delicious brown bits (fond) stuck to the bottom of the pot.
  5. Add Canned Goods: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained), rinsed and drained black beans, rinsed and drained kidney beans, corn, and canned diced green chilies.
  6. Bring to a Proper Simmer: Bring the soup mixture up to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Allow the soup to simmer gently, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
  7. Add Chicken: Stir in the shredded, cooked chicken and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly heated through.
  8. Final Adjustments: Remove the soup from the heat. Stir in the fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
  9. Rest and Serve: Allow the soup to rest off the heat for 5 minutes before ladling into bowls. Serve with suggested toppings like cheese and tortilla chips.