Description
A flavorful and hearty Spicy Chicken Soup featuring tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices. This comforting soup combines the warmth of chili powder and cumin with the fresh zest of lime and cilantro, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
Spices & Flavorings
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped or 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to spice preference)
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped jalapeños. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped carrots and diced bell peppers. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Brown the Chicken: Push the vegetables to the side of the pot. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and sear them lightly on both sides for about 3-4 minutes each to lock in flavor.
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to evenly coat all ingredients with the spices.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine.
- Finishing Touches: Stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional spices if desired.
- Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Optionally, garnish with extra cilantro, lime wedges, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can use chicken breasts for leaner soup or thighs for a richer flavor.
- Adjust the spiciness by modifying the amount of jalapeños or chili flakes.
- For a heartier soup, add cooked rice or beans before serving.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content.