Dive into a bowl of sunshine with our Sopa de Lima, a delightful Mexican Chicken Lime Soup that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Yucatán! This zesty, comforting dish combines tender shredded chicken with the bright flavors of lime, making it the perfect remedy for any day—rainy or sunny. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick cooking time, you can whip up this culinary masterpiece in under an hour. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cooked and shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Juice of 3 limes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla strips for garnish
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by seasoning thighs with salt and pepper, then either grill, bake, or pan-cook until fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the aromatic flavors.
- Sprinkle cumin and oregano into the pot, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic, allowing the spices to bloom and release their essential oils.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the shredded chicken and let it heat through for 5-7 minutes.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice into the soup, stirring to incorporate. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls. Garnish generously with crispy tortilla strips and freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately while hot, with extra lime wedges on the side for additional squeezing if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: For the best flavor and texture, opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They stay juicy during cooking and add depth to the broth.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh limes for the juice to achieve that vibrant, tangy flavor that defines this dish. Avoid bottled lime juice if possible.
- Customize Your Broth: If you have time, make your own chicken broth using the bones from your cooked chicken. This will enhance the flavor of your soup significantly.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to add a pinch of chili powder or diced jalapeños for an extra kick if you like your soup with a bit of heat!
- Garnishing is Key: Don’t skip the crispy tortilla strips and cilantro—they add texture and freshness that elevate the dish to a whole new level.
- Serve Hot: Enjoy your Sopa de Lima immediately after cooking for the best taste, and consider serving it with extra lime wedges for those who love a little more zing!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 110mg
