Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients

• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 14.5-ounce can diced or crushed tomatoes, undrained
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Six 6-inch corn tortillas, cut into strips 1/2 inch wide and 2 to 3 inches long
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves or 3 thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 jalapeños, seeded and minced
• 1/2 teaspoon teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 lime, cut into 6 wedges

Preparation

1. 1. Combine broth and tomatoes in a soup pot, and bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low, and let simmer 10 minutes.
2. 2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add tortilla strips in a couple of batches and cook, stirring once or twice, until light brown and crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove fried strips to paper towels to drain.
3. 3. In same skillet, cook chicken 3 to 5 minutes without stirring, until nicely browned on first side. Add onion, garlic, jalapeños, cumin, and salt; cook 5 minutes or so, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are softened.
4. 4. Add contents of skillet to simmering broth; cook 10 minutes.
5. 5. Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish each with tortilla strips, cheese, and cilantro; serve each bowl with a wedge of lime.