Mexican Chicken Lime Soup (Sopa de Lima)

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of Mexican Chicken Lime Soup, or Sopa de Lima, especially on a chilly evening or when you’re feeling under the weather. This traditional Yucatán dish is a beautiful balance of zesty citrus, tender chicken, and a flavorful, slightly spicy broth.

The first time I had this soup, I was on a trip to Mexico, exploring local markets filled with vibrant colors and the rich aroma of freshly made tortillas. I was instantly drawn to a small food stand where a kind elderly woman ladled steaming soup into bowls, topping it with crispy tortilla strips. One spoonful, and I was hooked—the tangy lime, the savory broth, and the gentle heat from the spices created a perfect harmony of flavors.

Now, I love making this at home whenever I want a taste of that trip. It’s a simple, wholesome recipe that comes together with fresh ingredients, and the best part? It’s incredibly nourishing and packed with flavor. Whether you’re craving a light yet satisfying meal or need a pick-me-up, this soup is the perfect choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and Refreshing: The fresh lime juice adds a tangy zest that makes this soup irresistibly delicious.
• Warm and Comforting: The rich, spiced broth is soothing and perfect for chilly days.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and immune-boosting ingredients, it’s a wholesome meal.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this soup is a go-to for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings, adjust the spice level, or make it heartier with extra veggies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), shredded
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Serving:

• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Tortilla strips (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

How to Make Mexican Chicken Lime Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Flavor

Now, it’s time to add the spices—cumin, coriander, oregano, and chili powder. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic, letting the spices toast for about 30 seconds. This step is key to unlocking their full depth of flavor.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the diced tomato and jalapeño, then carefully place the chicken breasts into the pot. Cover and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the broth and stir to combine.

Step 5: Add the Lime

Now comes the magic ingredient—fresh lime juice and zest! Stir in the lime juice and zest, along with salt and black pepper. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes so all the flavors can meld together.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes—sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, red onion, and crispy tortilla strips. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Helpful Tips

• Use Fresh Limes: The key to the soup’s bright, tangy flavor is fresh lime juice. Bottled lime juice won’t give you the same fresh taste.
• Make it Spicier: If you like more heat, add extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Short on Time? Use pre-cooked shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken to speed up the process.
• Homemade Tortilla Strips: For extra crunch, slice corn tortillas into thin strips, toss them with a little olive oil, and bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until crispy.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Notes

• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the broth with the tomatoes before adding the shredded chicken.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 640mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve.

Can I freeze Mexican Chicken Lime Soup?

Yes! Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with warm corn tortillas, a side of Mexican rice, or a fresh salad.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs will add more richness to the broth and stay tender longer.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Pour the cooled soup into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Related Recipes

If you love this soup, here are a few more delicious Mexican-inspired dishes to try:

• Cozy Salsa Verde Tortilla Soup
• The Coziest Taco Soup You’ll Ever Make
• Crockpot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup: A Cozy Comfort Food
• Birria de Res: A Heartwarming Mexican Stew

Conclusion

Mexican Chicken Lime Soup is one of those meals that brings warmth and comfort with every spoonful. The combination of citrusy lime, tender chicken, and savory spices makes it an absolute favorite in my kitchen. Whether you’re craving something light yet satisfying or looking for a cozy dish to brighten your day, this soup is sure to hit the spot.

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