Sopa de Lima is a warm and zesty chicken soup from Mexico. It features a bright lime flavor, along with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and tasty spices. Perfect for warming your belly!
I love how easy it is to whip up this soup after a long day. Just throw in the ingredients, let them simmer, and enjoy the cozy aroma filling the kitchen. So good! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vegetable Oil: This is used for sautéing onions and garlic. You can swap it for olive oil or even avocado oil for a touch of extra flavor.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness, or make it at home for a richer taste. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead.
Bone-in Chicken Breasts: They add great flavor and depth to the broth. If you’re short on time, cooked rotisserie chicken works too. Just add it at the end to warm through!
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes are ideal, but canned diced tomatoes can save time. They still bring nice flavor to the soup!
Limes: Fresh limes are key for that zesty taste. If you don’t have limes, lemons make a decent substitute, although the flavor will be slightly different.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Chicken Soup?
The secret to great flavor lies in your cooking technique! Start by sautéing the onions and garlic until they’re fragrant. This builds the flavor base. Then, don’t rush simmering the broth. Give it at least 20-25 minutes to enrich the taste.
- Keep the heat low after bringing it to a boil to avoid overcooking the chicken.
- After shredding the chicken, add it back to the pot and season the broth with lime juice. This really brightens everything up.
Finally, topping the soup with crispy tortilla strips adds a nice crunch that complements the tender chicken and veggies. Enjoy crafting this delicious soup!
How to Make Sopa de Lima
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 bone-in chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 limes (juice and wedges for garnish)
- 1 cup fried tortilla strips (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped white or red onion (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sopa de Lima takes about 30-40 minutes to prepare. This includes around 10 minutes for prep work and 20-25 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This is the base of your flavor, so be sure not to rush this step.
2. Add Garlic and Tomatoes:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and chopped tomatoes. Sauté everything together for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and the garlic becomes fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and carefully add the chicken breasts. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is nice and cooked through.
4. Shred the Chicken:
After the chicken is fully cooked, take it out of the pot and let it cool slightly. Once it’s cool enough to handle, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces and discard the bones. Place the shredded chicken aside for later.
5. Season the Broth:
Add the oregano, cumin, chili powder, and season with salt and pepper to the broth. Stir everything well and let it simmer for another 10 minutes. This will allow all those wonderful flavors to blend beautifully!
6. Finish with Lime:
Before serving, stir in the fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors. Taste your broth and adjust the lime juice as desired to get that perfect tangy flavor.
7. Serve It Up:
To serve, start by dividing the shredded chicken into bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the chicken and top each bowl with crispy fried tortilla strips. Yum!
8. Add Fabulous Garnishes:
Finally, garnish each bowl with chopped onions, fresh cilantro, and extra lime wedges on the side. This not only looks great, but adds even more flavor!
9. Enjoy Your Sopa de Lima!
Grab a spoon and enjoy the warm, tangy goodness of your homemade Sopa de Lima. It’s a comforting and delicious soup that’s sure to brighten your day!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken for Sopa de Lima?
Absolutely! While bone-in chicken breasts add great flavor, you can also use thighs or even boneless, skinless chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless cuts will cook faster.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth is a wonderful substitute for a lighter soup. You can also use homemade broth or simply water with added seasonings to enhance the flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent the soup from thickening too much.
Can I Prepare This Soup in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance! Just cook the soup, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving, and consider adding fresh tortilla strips just before serving for the best texture.
