Prepare The Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In your soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and have a golden-brown colour. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to rest.
Saute The Aromatics: In the same pot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Saute them for a few minutes until they become fragrant and the onion turns translucent.
Spice It Up: Stir in the ground cumin, chilli powder, and dried oregano. Allow the spices to toast for about a minute, releasing their flavours.
Add Tomatoes And Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes to let the flavours meld together.
Shred The Chicken: While the soup simmers, use two forks to shred the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
Add The Shredded Chicken: Once the soup has simmered, add the shredded chicken back into the pot.
Tortilla Strips: Cut the corn tortillas into thin strips. You can either add them directly to the soup, allowing them to soften, or you can toast them in a separate pan with a little oil for added crunch. Your choice!
Add Corn And Black Beans: Toss in the frozen corn kernels and drained black beans. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until everything is heated through.
Season And Finish: Squeeze in the juice of one lime for a zesty kick. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Serve: Ladle this delicious soup into your favourite bowls. If you like, garnish with avocado slices, shredded cheese, and extra cilantro.