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Healthy Mexican Chicken Soup

Healthy Mexican Chicken Soup
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Healthy Mexican Chicken Soup is a vibrant and nourishing recipe combining lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and bold Mexican spices to create a comforting, immune-boosting meal that’s quick to prepare and customizable to your taste and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1–2 bell peppers, finely chopped
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes or 1 cup fire-roasted salsa

Liquids

  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Spices & Herbs

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Pinch of salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Optional Variations & Garnishes

  • Diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper (for spice)
  • Black beans or chickpeas (vegetarian option)
  • Zucchini, carrots, or spinach (extra veggies)
  • Cooked quinoa or brown rice (grain boost)
  • Sliced avocado, Greek yogurt or sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla strips, queso fresco, cotija cheese, pickled jalapeños (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken and vegetables: Start by dicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop onions, garlic, and bell peppers finely to build flavor right from the start.
  2. Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat one tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the onions and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Add chicken and spices: Add the diced chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are lightly browned. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt to coat the chicken with seasoning.
  4. Pour in broth and add vegetables: Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the pot. Then add the bell peppers, corn kernels, and chopped tomatoes or fire-roasted salsa. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
  5. Simmer and meld flavors: Let the soup simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through fully and the flavors to blend harmoniously.
  6. Finish with freshness: Once removed from heat, stir in the chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice to brighten the dish before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh ingredients for best flavor and nutrition.
  • If possible, homemade chicken broth adds unmatched depth compared to store-bought.
  • Adjust spice levels carefully by starting with less chili powder and adding more as desired.
  • Simmer gently to keep chicken tender and enhance flavor development.
  • Serve with garnishes like sliced avocado, shredded cheese, or tortilla strips for extra texture.
  • Rotisserie chicken can be used to save time; add shredded at the end of cooking to warm through without drying.
  • The soup keeps well for meal prep and tastes better the next day after flavors meld.
  • Vegetarian option: substitute chicken with black beans or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, adding broth or water if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican chicken soup, healthy soup, immune-boosting, lean protein, gluten free, quick soup, comforting soup, meal prep soup

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/healthy-mexican-chicken-soup/