Spicy Mexican Chicken Soup with Lime and Cilantro

Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe

This hearty and flavorful Mexican Chicken Soup is a comforting bowl of goodness, perfect for those cozy evenings when you want something warm, spicy, and nourishing. The blend of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and savory chicken stock, along with the kick of chili and a touch of lime, makes this soup a deliciously satisfying meal. Ideal as an appetizer or a light main course, it pairs wonderfully with whole wheat stuffed bread sticks or baked Mexican rice.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Note: The nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and preparation methods.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 4

Instructions

1. Heat the Oil: Begin by heating the canola oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic, green chilies, celery, and onions. Sauté the ingredients for 3-4 minutes, or until the onions soften and become translucent.

2. Add Vegetables and Spices: Once the onions have softened, add the chopped carrots, sweet corn, red chili powder, cumin powder, and salt. Mix everything well and sauté for another 2 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse into the vegetables.

3. Add the Chicken Broth: Gradually add the chicken stock to the pan, stirring to combine. Let the soup simmer on low heat for about 10-12 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the flavors to blend.

4. Cook the Tomatoes and Oregano: Once the vegetables are tender and the broth is slightly reduced, add the chopped tomatoes and dried oregano. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the flame and continue to simmer until the tomatoes break down and become mushy.

5. Add Chicken and Lime: Stir in the shredded chicken and lemon juice. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt if needed. Allow the soup to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through.

6. Finish with Coriander: Add the chopped fresh coriander leaves to the soup and stir gently to incorporate. Turn off the heat and let the soup sit for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

7. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh vegetables, such as extra coriander leaves or a sprinkle of lime zest for added freshness. You can also garnish with broken lemongrass for an extra touch of flavor if you like.

8. Optional Pairing: For a complete meal, serve the Mexican Chicken Soup with Whole Wheat Stuffed Bread Sticks or a side of Baked Mexican Rice.

Tips and Variations

• Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier soup, feel free to add extra green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat. For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder and green chilies.

• Vegetarian Option: To make this soup vegetarian, omit the chicken and replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock. You can add extra beans, potatoes, or mushrooms for more heartiness.

• Make It Creamy: For a creamy variation of this Mexican Chicken Soup, you can add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk in the final stages of cooking.

• Toppings: Top the soup with a dollop of sour cream or a handful of grated cheese for a rich, indulgent twist.

• Storage: This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a little extra stock to adjust the consistency.

This Mexican Chicken Soup is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that blends the heat of chilies with the freshness of lime and herbs. It’s a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or as a hearty appetizer, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!