Chicken Tortilla Soup

This is a recipe that I've had lying around for several years now and I had forgotten how good it is. It is a light eater's friend. A clear soup loaded with veggies and lean protein. You can kick up the heat or tone it down. I like to serve it much the same way as I do chili, with a variety of toppings, like queso fresco or feta cheese, diced avocado, light sour cream or greek yogurt,cilantro, cut limes and of-course tortilla strips.

Serves 8-10

6-8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 large onion diced
2 large jalapenos,ribs and seeds removed, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 15 oz cans of diced fire roasted tomatoes
2 quarts of chicken stock
3 cups frozen corn kernels
salt and pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chipoltle chili powder or 1 chili in adobo diced(if you want it spicy)
1/4 cup diced cilantro
8 corn tortillas
canola oil

Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt, pepper and 2 teaspoons of paprika. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet on medium/high. When the pan is hot, add the chicken and cook until the outside has developed a crust and the inside is cooked through about 8-10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large stock pot, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil and saute the onion and jalapenos. Add the corn and season with salt and pepper. Add the chili powder, cumin and remaining paprika. If you are adding a heat element add it now. Add the tomatoes and their juice. Pour the stock over all. When chicken is done, remove it from the pan and let it cool. Cut the chicken into bit-sized pieces and add to the soup. Bring it to a boil and adjust the seasoning to taste. Let the soup simmer for 45 minutes. Cut the tortillas into strips. Toss them in a bowl with a small amount of oil and salt. Lay the strips out onto a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 375 for about 15 minutes or until they are crisp. Add the cilantro to the soup. Serve topped with your favorite toppings(listed above) and the tortilla strips.