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Mexican Chicken Soup

This vibrant Mexican chicken soup features tender shredded chicken simmered with bright tomatoes, fragrant cumin, and spicy chili powder. Finished with fresh lime juice, cilantro, and optional creamy avocado slices, it offers a comforting, flavorful bowl with a clear broth and lively aroma. Perfect for quick weeknights, it delivers warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts preferably thighs for juiciness
  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes fresh or canned
  • 1 teaspoon cumin toast before using for best flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder adjust to taste
  • 1 lime lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro for garnish
  • 1 avocado avocado sliced, optional
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon oil for sautéing

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed pot
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Ladle
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Method
 

  1. Begin by heating a tablespoon of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering and fragrant.
  2. Add diced onions and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until they become translucent and start to smell fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, toasted cumin, and chili powder, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and slightly thickened.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer, then add the chicken thighs or breasts.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  6. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks, then return it to the soup.
  7. Stir in freshly squeezed lime juice, tasting and adjusting the seasoning with salt, additional lime, or chili if desired.
  8. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnishing each with chopped cilantro and slices of creamy avocado for added freshness and richness.
  9. Serve immediately while steaming hot, enjoying the bright flavors and comforting warmth.

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce during the cooking process. Feel free to customize heat levels with more or less chili powder. The soup tastes best fresh but can be stored refrigerated for 1-2 days.