Get ready to transform your kitchen into a Mexican culinary paradise with this soul-warming Spicy Chicken Soup that promises to tantalize your taste buds and warm you from the inside out! Imagine tender shredded chicken swimming alongside pillowy masa dumplings in a rich, aromatic broth that packs just the right amount of heat. This isn't just another soup recipe - it's a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico with every single spoonful!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, diced
- 1 cup masa harina
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Water as needed
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and diced jalapeño to the pot, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the pre-cooked shredded chicken and allow the soup to heat through completely.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine masa harina, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add water while mixing to create a smooth dumpling dough that holds together but isn't too wet.
- Using wet hands, form small golf ball-sized dumplings from the masa mixture. Gently drop the dumplings into the simmering soup.
- Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they float to the surface and appear puffy and cooked through.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If desired, add additional diced jalapeño for extra heat.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro. The soup should be hearty with tender chicken and soft masa dumplings.
Tips
- Use warm water when mixing your masa dough to help it come together more smoothly and create lighter, more tender dumplings.
- Keep your hands slightly wet when forming dumplings to prevent the masa mixture from sticking to your fingers.
- Don't overcrowd the pot - give your dumplings enough space to expand and cook evenly.
- For extra flavor, consider roasting your jalapeño before dicing to add a smoky dimension to the soup.
- If you prefer less heat, remove the jalapeño seeds before chopping, or substitute with a milder green chile.
- Make sure your chicken is pre-cooked and shredded to save time and ensure even cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasonings gradually - you can always add more salt or spice, but you can't take it away!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 70mg
