Cilantro Lime Chicken Soup
Craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than this delicious Cilantro Lime Chicken Soup recipe! With tender chicken, aromatic cilantro, zesty lime, and wholesome veggies, this soup is a delightful fusion of savory and citrusy goodness. Perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, this soup will surely become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Hearty chicken cilantro lime soup
Soup has a special place in many hearts, offering comfort and warmth with every spoonful. Whether it’s a chilly evening, a sick day at home, or simply a craving for something soothing, a hearty bowl of soup is always a welcome treat. And when that soup is infused with the bright flavors of cilantro and lime, it takes comfort to a whole new level.
This chicken soup with cilantro and lime is a celebration of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. It’s a dish that brings together the richness of chicken, the freshness of cilantro, the tanginess of lime, and the earthiness of vegetables in a harmonious blend that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
In this article, we’ll dive into the delightful world of cilantro lime chicken soup, exploring its key highlights, the ingredients that make it shine, step-by-step instructions to prepare it with ease, serving options to elevate your meal, and much more. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that promises warmth, flavor, and satisfaction with every spoonful.
Recipe highlights
- Bursting with vibrant flavors of cilantro and lime.
- Tender chicken adds protein and heartiness to the soup.
- Wholesome vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion provide texture and nutrients.
- Egg noodles soak up the flavorful broth, making each bite a delight.
- Perfect for cozy nights in, gatherings with loved ones, or as a comforting meal anytime.
Ingredients for cilantro lime chicken soup
Skinless Chicken Breasts: chicken breasts serve as the protein base for this soup, providing a tender and lean meat option. They absorb the flavors of the broth and pair perfectly with the cilantro and lime.
Chicken Broth: broth forms the flavorful foundation of the soup. It’s rich, and savory, and adds depth to the dish. You can use homemade broth or store-bought, depending on your preference and availability.
Cilantro: this herb brings a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor to the soup. It adds brightness and complexity, enhancing the overall taste profile. Be sure to chop the cilantro finely for even distribution throughout the soup.
Lime Juice: fresh lime juice adds a zesty kick to the soup, balancing out the richness of the chicken and broth. It provides a tangy and refreshing flavor that elevates the dish to new heights.
Garlic Cloves: garlic cloves impart a robust and aromatic flavor to the soup. They’re minced and sautéed to release their essence, infusing the broth with delicious garlicky goodness.
Onion: it adds sweetness and depth to the soup. They’re sautéed until translucent, creating a flavorful base for the other ingredients to build upon.
Carrots: carrots contribute sweetness and a vibrant orange hue to the soup. They’re diced and added to the pot, providing both flavor and texture.
Celery: adds a subtle earthy flavor and crunchy texture to the soup. It’s chopped and incorporated into the mix, enhancing the overall vegetable medley.
Egg Noodles: add heartiness and substance to the soup. They’re a classic choice for chicken noodle soup, soaking up the flavors of the broth while offering a satisfying bite.
Salt and Pepper to taste: seasoning with salt and pepper allows you to adjust the flavor of the soup according to your preferences. Add them gradually, tasting as you go, to achieve the perfect balance of seasoning.
Substitutions
Protein: if you prefer, you can substitute the chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs or shredded rotisserie chicken for added convenience.
Vegetables: feel free to customize the vegetable mix based on your preferences. You can add ingredients like bell peppers, spinach, or peas for variety.
Noodles: if you don’t have egg noodles on hand, you can use other pasta shapes such as fusilli, penne, or even rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
Broth: for a vegetarian version of the soup, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It will still provide a flavorful base for the dish.
Step-by-step instructions
- Prepare the chicken: start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté the aromatics: in the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, and sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the vegetables: stir in the diced carrots and celery, and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
- Add the broth and simmer: pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Bring the broth to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Shred the chicken: while the broth is simmering, shred the cooked chicken breasts using two forks or your fingers, depending on your preference. Once shredded, add the chicken back to the pot.
- Season and flavor: stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the noodles: in a separate pot, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and add them to the soup, stirring to combine.
- Serve and Enjoy: once the noodles are heated through, ladle the Cilantro Lime Chicken Soup into bowls. Garnish with additional cilantro and a lime wedge if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting goodness!
Extra recipe tips
For added depth of flavor, you can roast the garlic cloves before mincing them for the soup. Simply wrap the cloves in foil and roast them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until they’re soft and golden.
To make the soup ahead of time, you can prepare the base (steps 1-6) and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the soup on the stovetop and add the cooked noodles just before serving.
How to serve
- Serve the Cilantro Lime Chicken Soup as a standalone meal or pair it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a more substantial spread.
- For added richness, you can top each bowl of soup with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese, such as Monterey Jack or cheddar.
- For a touch of heat, garnish the soup with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.
Recipe variations
Cilantro Lime Turkey Soup: Substitute turkey breast or leftover roasted turkey for the chicken to switch up the protein. The combination of cilantro and lime works just as well with turkey, creating a delicious twist on the classic soup.
Cilantro Lime Rice Soup: For a carb-conscious option, omit the egg noodles and add cooked rice instead. Whether it’s white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice, it’ll soak up the flavors of the soup while keeping it light and satisfying.
Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken Soup: To add creaminess to the soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking. This variation adds a luxurious texture and richness to the dish, making it even more indulgent.
Spicy Cilantro Lime Chicken Soup: Amp up the heat by adding diced green chilies, chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup. The spicy kick complements the bright flavors of cilantro and lime, creating a tantalizing flavor fusion.
Vegetarian Cilantro Lime Soup: For a meatless version of the soup, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Load up the soup with additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for a hearty and satisfying vegetarian meal.
How to store and reheat
To store any leftover Cilantro Lime Chicken Soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the soup for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for longer-term storage.
When ready to reheat, you can gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel to prevent splatters.
If the soup has thickened upon refrigeration, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to adjust the consistency as desired. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed before serving.
FAQs
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces such as thighs or drumsticks if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and remove the bones before serving.
Absolutely! You can adapt this recipe for the slow cooker by adding all the ingredients (except the noodles) to the crockpot and cooking on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cooked noodles just before serving.
Cilantro Lime Chicken Soup
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime juiced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 onion diced
- 2 carrots sliced
- 2 stalks celery sliced
- 1 cup uncooked egg noodles
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly.
- In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, and sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the diced carrots and celery, and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Bring the broth to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- While the broth is simmering, shred the cooked chicken breasts using two forks or your fingers, depending on your preference. Once shredded, add the chicken back to the pot.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- In a separate pot, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and add them to the soup, stirring to combine.
- Once the noodles are heated through, ladle the cilantro lime chicken soup into bowls. Garnish with additional cilantro and a lime wedge if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting goodness!
