Description
A flavorful and hearty Spicy Chicken Soup packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and bold spices, perfect for warming up any day. This comforting soup combines sautéed aromatics, a blend of spices, and fresh lime juice and cilantro for a zesty finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1–2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (or 1 tsp chili flakes)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Liquids
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lime juice (about half a lime)
- 2 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil)
Spices
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped jalapeños. Sauté until the mixture is fragrant and the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the sliced carrots and diced bell peppers. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
- Brown the Chicken: Push the vegetables to the side of the pot and add the chicken breasts or thighs. Sear the chicken on each side for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned to seal in the flavor.
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the vegetables and chicken with the spices.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine.
- Finishing Touches: Stir in the lime juice and chopped fresh cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or chili if desired.
- Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with extra cilantro or a wedge of lime if preferred.
Notes
- For extra heat, include the jalapeño seeds or add more chili flakes.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for juicier meat.
- Serve with warm tortillas or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the chicken broth used is gluten-free.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
