Dive into a world of flavor with our Cilantro Chicken Soup! Imagine tender chicken, peppers, and spices simmering in a vibrant green broth infused with fresh cilantro. It’s comfort in a bowl, with each spoonful promising a burst of zesty goodness. Let the chicken cook right in the broth for maximum flavor, then top it off with a squeeze of lime for the perfect finish. Ready to warm your soul and brighten your day, this soup is a must-have for any occasion!
Cilantro Chicken Soup with Lime Ingredients:
- Olive oil: Provides a flavorful base for sautéing vegetables.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup’s flavor profile.
- Garlic: Infuses the soup with aromatic richness and savory notes.
- Poblano pepper: Offers mild heat and a subtle earthy flavor.
- Jalapeno pepper: Adds a kick of spiciness, adjustable to taste.
- Cilantro: Elevates the soup with its fresh, herbaceous aroma and taste.
- Chicken broth: Forms the hearty and comforting base of the soup.
- Orzo noodles: Adds a satisfying texture and body to the soup.
- Chicken breast: Provides lean protein, cooked to tender perfection in the flavorful broth.
- Cumin and coriander: Spice up the soup with warm, earthy flavors.
- Lime juice: Brightens the soup with a refreshing citrusy tang.
Recipe Tips and FAQs:
Can I use pre cooked chicken for this Cilantro Chicken Soup?
Yes, absolutely! If you have pre-cooked chicken on hand, whether it’s leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even pre-cooked chicken breast from meal prep, you can certainly use it in this recipe. Simply skip the step of cooking raw chicken breasts in the broth and proceed with the recipe as directed, adding the pre-cooked shredded chicken when you would have added the shredded chicken in the original recipe. This can save you time and make the soup even easier to prepare!
How spicy is this Chicken Cilantro Soup with the poblano and jalapeno peppers?
This soup strikes a perfect balance of flavor and spice, thanks to the poblano and jalapeno peppers. While both peppers do add a kick, the cooking process helps mellow out their heat, resulting in a soup that’s flavorful without being overwhelmingly spicy. So, if you’re worried about it being too hot, fear not! The cooking process dilutes the heat quite a bit, making this soup approachable and enjoyable for everyone, even those with milder palates.
Can I make this Cilantro Chicken Soup vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! To make this soup vegetarian or vegan, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. For added protein, consider black beans, chickpeas, or tofu cubes. Black beans infuse richness and hearty texture. Just add drained and rinsed beans to the soup as you would chicken, simmering until heated through. Enjoy a flavorful vegetarian or vegan version of this cilantro soup with these simple adjustments!
How do I store leftover Cilantro Chicken Soup?
To store leftover Cilantro Chicken Soup, let it cool, then transfer it to an airtight container in the fridge where it will stay fresh for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
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Cilantro Chicken Soup with Lime
Equipment
- immersion blender or regular blender
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 poblano pepper diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper diced (seeds removed for less heat, if desired)
- 1 bunch cilantro stems and leaves separated and chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo noodles cooked
- 2 raw chicken breasts about 1.5 lbs
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- juice of 1 lime
- salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro leaves, lime wedges, avocado slices, diced tomatoes, sour cream
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.2 tbsp olive oil, 1 medium onion
- Stir in minced garlic, diced poblano pepper, cilantro stems, and diced jalapeno pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until peppers start to soften.3 cloves garlic, 1 poblano pepper, 1 jalapeno pepper
- Pour in chicken broth and bring the soup to a gentle boil.6 cups chicken broth
- Once the soup is boiling, add raw chicken breasts to the pot. Reduce heat to low and let the chicken breasts simmer in the broth for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through.2 raw chicken breasts
- Remove the chicken breasts from the broth and let them cool slightly. Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks and set aside.
- While the chicken is cooling, using an immersion blender or transferring the soup in batches to a blender, blend the soup until finely puree. Add cilantro leaves and lightly blend the broth again.
- Return the blended soup to the pot. Add cooked orzo noodles, ground cumin, and ground coriander.1 cup orzo noodles, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander
- Stir in lime juice and shredded chicken,. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning if necessary.juice of 1 lime, salt and pepper to taste
- Serve hot, garnished with additional chopped cilantro leaves and any other desired toppings, such as lime wedges, avocado slices, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream.
Video
@cookinglikekate Cilantro Chicken Soup – Full recipe at cookinglikekate.com #cilantrochickensoup #cilantro #cillantrosoup #chickenbreastrecipe #chickenbreast #easymeals #healthyrecipes #healthydinnerideas #easydinnerideas #easyfamilyrecipes #easylunchideas #easylunchideas ♬ Dance You Outta My Head – Cat Janice
Nutrition
Disclaimer: I am a health and wellness coach with a degree in health science from Arizona State University. However, I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. Any information or advice provided on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if you have a medical condition. The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice or a substitute for it.
Loved it! Thank you!
Different type of taste but I really enjoyed it!