Mexican Corn Chicken Soup

#### Instructions:

1. **Cook the Chicken:**
– In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with a little salt and pepper, and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to rest. After resting, shred the chicken using two forks.

2. **Sauté the Vegetables:**
– In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

3. **Add the Spices:**
– Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Let the spices bloom for 1 minute to release their flavors.

4. **Add the Broth and Tomatoes:**
– Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and the green chilies. Stir to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat.

5. **Add the Corn:**
– Add the corn kernels to the soup and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the soup is heated through and the flavors meld together. If you like a creamier soup, you can stir in the heavy cream at this point for extra richness.

6. **Shred the Chicken and Add to the Soup:**
– Add the shredded chicken back into the soup, stirring to incorporate. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the soup.

7. **Finish the Soup:**
– Stir in the lime juice, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

8. **Serve:**
– Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with tortilla chips or strips, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

#### Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

– **Packed with Flavor:** The combination of cumin, chili powder, and lime juice infuses the soup with bold, zesty flavors that are a signature of Mexican cuisine. The sweetness of the corn balances the richness of the chicken and the spices perfectly.

– **Hearty and Satisfying:** This soup is filling thanks to the tender chicken, corn, and hearty broth. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a meal that warms you from the inside out.

– **Customizable:** You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking. Add extra chili powder or jalapeños for a spicier version, or leave it mild if you prefer. You can also make it creamy with the addition of heavy cream, or keep it lighter without it.

– **Simple and Quick:** Despite the big flavors, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make. It comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a quick weekend treat.

– **Perfect for Leftovers:** Like many soups, this Mexican Corn Chicken Soup gets even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage.

#### Tips for the Best Mexican Corn Chicken Soup:

– **Chicken Variations:** You can use chicken thighs for extra flavor or even rotisserie chicken to save time. Just shred the rotisserie chicken and add it to the soup in place of the cooked breasts.

– **Corn:** If you’re using fresh corn, cut the kernels off 2-3 ears of corn and add them to the soup. Fresh corn gives the soup a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices.

– **Make it Spicy:** For a more authentic Mexican flavor, add a chopped jalapeño along with the onion and garlic, or use hot salsa for extra heat.

– **Toppings:** The toppings are key to making this soup extra special. Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and crispy tortilla chips or strips add the perfect crunch and freshness to the dish.

#### Conclusion:

**Mexican Corn Chicken Soup** is a perfect blend of hearty, flavorful ingredients that come together quickly for a comforting meal. With its savory spices, tender chicken, and sweet corn, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or as a cozy meal on a cold day, it’s the kind of soup that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this flavorful and satisfying soup today!