Bright, fresh, and packed with bold flavors, this Cilantro Soup blends vibrant cilantro into a silky, herbaceous broth with tender shredded chicken, orzo, and a touch of lime. Perfect for a cozy meal, this nourishing cilantro soup delivers a delicious balance of warmth and zesty freshness in every spoonful!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Onion & garlic – Build depth and aroma, enhancing the soup’s savory notes.
- Poblano & jalapeño peppers – Provide mild heat and a smoky, slightly spicy flavor.
- Cilantro (stems & leaves) – Blended into the broth for a vibrant color and fresh, herbaceous taste.
- Chicken broth – Forms the soup’s base, adding richness and depth.
- Raw chicken breasts – Cooked in the broth for tender, juicy shredded chicken.
- Orzo noodles – Give the soup a hearty texture and satisfying bite.
- Cumin & coriander – Warm, earthy spices that enhance the soup’s depth.
- Lime juice – Adds a bright, zesty contrast to the rich broth.
Alternative Ingredients
- Poblano pepper – Substitute with Anaheim or green bell pepper for a milder, slightly sweet flavor.
- Jalapeño – Use serrano or cayenne pepper for a similar heat level.
- Orzo – Swap with rice or small pasta for a different but satisfying texture in your cilantro soup.
- Chicken breasts – Try chicken thighs for extra richness or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Lime juice – Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can provide a similar tangy brightness.
Nutritional Benefits
- Boosts immunity – Peppers, lime juice, and cilantro in the soup provide vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Supports digestion – Cilantro and garlic may aid gut health and reduce bloating.
- Rich in protein – Chicken helps with muscle repair and keeps you full longer.
- Provides sustained energy – Orzo or rice supplies complex carbohydrates.
- Heart-healthy – Olive oil and garlic contain compounds that support cardiovascular health.
- Anti-inflammatory properties – Onions, garlic, and cilantro help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Hydrating and nourishing – The broth replenishes fluids and provides essential minerals.
Expert Tips
Blend in batches if needed – If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully blend the broth in batches for a smooth consistency.
Control the heat – Remove jalapeño seeds for a milder cilantro soup or add an extra pepper for more spice.
Toast the orzo – Lightly toasting the orzo in a dry pan before adding it to the soup enhances its nutty flavor.
Don’t overcook the chicken – Simmer gently and remove as soon as it reaches 165°F to keep it tender.
Use fresh lime juice – Bottled juice lacks the bright, fresh flavor that makes this cilantro soup pop.
Make it creamy – Stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream for a richer texture.
FAQs
Yes! Replace the chicken with white beans or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
It has a mild kick, but you can adjust the spice by adding or removing jalapeño seeds or using a milder pepper.
Yes! The flavors deepen overnight, but the orzo may absorb broth, so add extra when reheating.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen it up.
Absolutely! Try rice, quinoa, or small pasta shapes like ditalini or pastina.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cilantro soup with warm crusty bread, a side of tortilla chips, or a light avocado salad for a complete meal. For extra heartiness, pair it with a grilled cheese or quesadilla for a comforting combo.
Storage Suggestions
Store leftover cilantro soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup without the orzo for up to 3 months, adding freshly cooked orzo when reheating.
You’ll also enjoy:
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
Notes
- Make it dairy-free: Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free option.
- Spice level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the heat, or remove the seeds for a milder flavor.
- For a thicker soup: Puree part of the soup before adding the orzo, creating a creamy texture without cream.
- Add more greens: Stir in extra chopped cilantro leaves at the end for an even fresher flavor.
- Storage tip: To prevent orzo from absorbing too much broth, store soup and orzo separately if making ahead.
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!