Ingredients:

  • 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 large Yellow Onion, finely diced
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper (Red or Orange), diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 3 cups Shredded Cooked Chicken (rotisserie chicken preferred)
  • 3 Tbsp Taco Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano (Mexican preferred)
  • Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
  • 1 (15-oz) can Black Beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15-oz) can Pinto Beans (or Kidney), rinsed and drained
  • 1 (14.5-oz) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15-oz) can Whole Kernel Corn, drained
  • 6 cups Low-sodium Chicken Stock
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Coriander (Cilantro), roughly chopped for serving

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Vegetables: Dice the onion and bell pepper. Rinse and drain all canned beans and corn. Shred the cooked chicken.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 6–8 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Bloom the Spices: Add the minced garlic, taco seasoning, smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano. Stir continuously for 60 seconds until fragrant to intensify the flavors.
  4. Add Canned Goods: Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), rinsed beans, and drained corn. Stir well to combine with the spiced base.
  5. Introduce the Stock: Pour in the 6 cups of low-sodium chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
  6. Simmer: Cover the pot partially and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to marry and the vegetables to soften fully.
  7. Add Chicken: Stir in the shredded, cooked chicken. Continue simmering for 5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
  8. The Critical Finish: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper.
  9. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately, garnished generously with fresh coriander, sour cream, shredded cheese, or crushed tortilla chips.