Bold Zesty Chicken Lime Soup (Printable)
A vibrant, tangy chicken lime soup with corn, tomatoes, jalapeño, cilantro, and smoky southwest spices.
# What You'll Need:
→ Protein
01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
06 - 2 medium tomatoes, diced
07 - 1½ cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen, about 8 oz)
→ Liquids
08 - 6 cups chicken broth
09 - ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 4 limes)
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - ½ teaspoon chili powder
13 - 1 teaspoon salt
14 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
15 - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
→ Fresh Herbs & Garnishes
16 - ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (about ½ oz)
17 - Lime wedges, for serving
18 - Sliced avocado (optional)
# How To Make:
01 - In a large pot, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and minced jalapeño. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.
02 - Stir in the diced tomatoes, corn, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to begin breaking down and the spices to bloom.
03 - Add the chicken breasts and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
04 - Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred the meat using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
05 - Stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
06 - Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with additional cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced avocado if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The lime juice hits at the very end so every spoonful wakes you up without being sour.
- It uses one pot and about fifteen minutes of actual hands on work.
02 -
- Add the lime juice off the heat or it can turn bitter and flatten the broth.
- Do not skip the smoked paprika because it is the ingredient that makes people close their eyes and ask what is in this.
03 -
- Shred the chicken while it is still hot because once it cools it fights back and turns stringy.
- Roll each lime hard on the counter before juicing and you will get nearly twice as much liquid.