I'm forever experimenting with recipes to find the perfect blend of Healthy & Delicious. Bonus points when it's quick and easy. This recipe ticks all those boxes and is a huge crowd pleaser in my house.

So today I'm sharing the recipe with some additional tips & tricks for how to increase the wellness factor along the way.

Let's start with the ingredients in this recipe:

• 4 chicken breasts chopped (or put in whole and pull out later to shred)
• 1 large onion chopped
• 1-2 poblano peppers
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 jalapeño (optional)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika or smoked paprika
• 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 can black beans
• 1 cup organic frozen corn
• Juice of one lime
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Before we jump into directions, let's look at some tips & tricks that will make your ingredients that much healthier.

TIPS & TRICKS

1. Use Organic Ingredients when possible

2. Get the freshest & cleanest ingredients possible.

I love to pick from the garden or get from a local farmer's market whenever possible. 

3. Did you know you should rinse your black beans if using canned?

The liquid in with the beans helps preserve shelf life, but the liquid is mostly starch and salt. I always rinse beans to remove the extra salt, and it also removes the metallic flavour sometimes found in cans. Rinsing helps improve the flavour and texture of your finished dish. Simply dump the beans into a colander over your sink and let the excess liquid drain out completely. Rinse with cool water until the liquid runs clean. 

4. Additionally, make sure you wash all your fresh fruits & veggies

In today’s world, it is unlikely any fruit or vegetable is 100% free of pesticides. Even organic produce may have pesticide residues.

If you want to read more about why washing is so crucial, you can find my blog on this topic HERE

Storebought veggie spray is an added cost I can live without so I make my own.
It's incredible easy:

Use a spray bottle (you can find these at the dollar store), fill it halfway with cheap and cheerful white vinegar and top with cold water. Easy peasy!

5. Chicken Broth

Anytime I make a roast chicken, I make a big pot of bone broth. This is especially easy during the holidays. I pour it into individual mason jars and freeze it. 

Then anytime I need broth, I pull an individual jar out to use and have the healthiest, cleanest bone broth possible. Chocked FULL of immune boosting goodness.

If you don't have homemade bone broth on hand, look for the lowest sodium bone broth you can find (this can be tricky). It's an even better choice if it's organic. 
My favourite brand is Kroma Bone Broth

SOUP DIRECTIONS

Add all ingredients to pot and bring to boil.
Simmer for an hour or longer.

PRO TIP: You can also throw everything in a crockpot on low for 7-8 hours and have ready at the end of a work day!

Play around with your spices to see what you like best. I rarely follow a recipe!