One Pot - Chicken Tortilla Soup

I've mentioned before that cooking is like a form of reflection or therapy for me. I find comfort in creating meals no matter the actual meal. As a part of African American/Black culture soul food is important but at this time I am still learning my way through the soul food recipes and I still love for my Grammy to make the soul food meals. With that being said, I am more of the comfort food chef. Those foods can be simple and different, but no matter what they bring comfort to me while making them and comfort to those while we enjoy it. In my mind all food and meals should be comfort food, but in reality life does not always permit time for reflection and indulgence mostly because we find ourselves short on time. The following recipe is easy, able to be prepared in one dish, and in 30 minutes or less.

Recently, I cooked my way out of the holiday blues by making a one pot chicken tortilla soup. It was my first attempt at such and it was quite delicious even without my own bias. The recipe is listed below. Feel free to cook it for your family, and make sure not to forget the main ingredient of love when preparing!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds of chicken (breasts, tenders, or thighs - whatever you prefer)

• 3 tablespoons of butter

• 1 onion diced

• 1 can of black beans

• 2 cans of diced tomatoes

• 1 cup of chicken stock

• 2 cups of water

• 1 lime

• 1 bag of frozen corn (or 1 can of sweet corn)

• Colby Jack Cheese

• 1 bunch of cilantro

• 1 avocado

• Tortilla Strips

• sour cream

• seasoning salt

• chili powder

• ground cumin

• black pepper

• onion powder

• garlic powder

Preparation:

Step 1:

Place large pot on stove and melt butter in the pot.

Step 2:

Saute the onions until they are clear.

Step 3:

Place chicken in the pot with the onions and cover. (chicken should already be washed, dried, and seasoned before placing it in the pot.)

Step 4:

Let chicken cook until fully cooked, which should be between 10 - 15 minutes. Once chicken is cooked all the way through, shred chicken by pulling it apart with two forks.

(If already cooked chicken is being used, then just shred/dice the chicken and add it to the pot).

Step 5:

Add 2 cups of water and 1 cup of chicken stock to the pot.

Step 6:

Add corn, diced tomatoes, and black beans to the pot. Season the mixture with cumin, chili powder, seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder, the juice from 1 lime, and pepper. Seasoning is all to taste and can be amended based on dietary restrictions and preferences.

Step 7:

Stir and let cook together for about 15 minutes, until everything is hot and fully cooked.

Step 8:

Add servings to bowls. Add diced avocado, shredded cheese, cilantro, sour cream, and tortilla strips to taste and for garnish.

Step 9:

Enjoy and try it again!

A bowl of comforting chicken tortilla soup(sans cilantro and sour cream which are not my faves)

Of course everything in this recipe can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer all frozen vegetables, canned, or fresh then do what makes you happy!