Mexican Chicken Soup: The Perfect Lunch Recipe for Any Day
Enjoy a warm and hearty bowl of Mexican chicken soup. It features tender chicken, vibrant spices, and fresh vegetables for a comforting lunch. Serve it with crunchy tortilla chips or fresh avocado for added flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Ingredientsfor Authentic Mexican Chicken Soup
- Chicken about 1 lb, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Onion 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic 2–3 cloves, minced
- Jalapeño 1 pepper, diced—remove seeds for less heat
- Tomatoes 2–3 medium, diced or 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- Chicken Broth 4–5 cups
- Spices: Cumin chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper (adjust to taste)
- Cooking Oil 2 tablespoons, e.g., olive or vegetable oil
- Cilantro a handful, chopped, plus more for garnish
- Lime 1 or 2 for fresh lime juice
OptionalAdd-Ons and Toppings
- Corn 1 cup frozen or canned
- Black beans 1 can, drained and rinsed
- Avocado sliced
- Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
- Shredded cheese e.g., cheddar, pepper jack
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions
Step 1:Sauté the Aromatics
- Over medium heat, warm two tablespoons of oil in a heavy pot.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Cook for about 3–4 minutes, or until the onions turn translucent.
Step 2:Add Chicken and Spices
- Stir in the chicken pieces (about 1 pound) and diced jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat).
- Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Add cumin, chili powder, and oregano (taste to find the right mix).
- Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the chicken to brown slightly.
Step 3: Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth
- Use diced tomatoes (fresh or canned) and stir well until well mixed.
- Add 4–5 cups of chicken broth.
- Heat until the mixture start boiling, then reduce the heat to low.
Step 4: Simmer
- Cook gently the soup until the chicken is fully cooked. Or, make sure you cook it for at least 20-25 min.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, spices) if necessary.
Step 5:Optional Add-Ons
- For extra flavor and texture, stir in black beans, corn, or other veggies.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 6:Finish with Fresh Herbs
- Turn off the heat.
- Stir in a handful of fresh cilantro and a squash of lime juice to brighten the flavors.