Yucatan Citrus Chicken Soup
Embrace the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this luscious Yucatan Citrus Chicken Soup, also known as Sopa De Lima. This authentic dish features tender shredded chicken simmered in a zesty broth infused with lime, complemented by sautéed vegetables, crunchy tortilla strips, and creamy avocado. Perfect for gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal, this soup is a delightful representation of Yucatan cuisine that's sure to warm your heart and soul. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for an added touch of freshness.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Corn tortillas
8 (Cut into 1/4-inch strips)
Vegetable oil
1/2 cup (For frying the tortilla strips and sautéing vegetables)
Salt
To taste (For seasoning)
Onion
1 medium (Chopped)
Celery rib
1 (Thinly sliced)
Carrot
1 (Thinly sliced)
Jalapeno or Serrano pepper
1 (Stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped)
Garlic cloves
4 (Minced)
Bay leaf
1 (Whole)
Dried Mexican oregano
1/4 teaspoon (Crumbled)
Tomato
1 large (Peeled and chopped)
Chicken stock or low sodium chicken broth
8 cups (Use as the soup base)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 lbs (For protein in the soup)
Green onions
2 (Finely chopped)
Limes
3 (Juiced (about 1/3 cup))
Avocado
1 large (Peeled, pitted, and coarsely chopped)
Fresh cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons (Chopped)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Yucatan Citrus Chicken Soup?
Yucatan Citrus Chicken Soup, also known as Sopa De Lima, is an authentic Mexican dish featuring tender shredded chicken in a zesty lime-infused broth.
What are the main flavors in this soup?
The soup is characterized by vibrant citrus from fresh limes, savory chicken stock, and aromatic herbs like Mexican oregano and cilantro.
What kind of chicken should I use for Sopa De Lima?
This recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts which are simmered until tender and then shredded.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 17 ingredients in total, ranging from fresh vegetables and chicken to specific spices and garnishes.
What gives the soup its signature crunch?
Hand-cut corn tortilla strips that are fried in vegetable oil until crispy provide the signature crunch for this dish.
Is this Yucatan chicken soup healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy meal option as it features lean protein and a variety of fresh vegetables.
What type of citrus is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses approximately 1/3 cup of fresh lime juice, typically requiring about 3 limes.
Can I use store-bought tortilla chips instead?
While the recipe suggests frying fresh corn tortilla strips, you can use store-bought chips as a quick alternative garnish.
What vegetables are included in the base?
The base is made with chopped onion, thinly sliced celery, sliced carrots, minced garlic, and chopped tomato.
Is the soup spicy?
It has a mild heat coming from one stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper.
How much broth do I need?
The recipe requires 8 cups of chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth.
What kind of oregano is best for this dish?
Dried Mexican oregano is recommended for its unique citrusy and earthy flavor profile compared to Mediterranean oregano.
What are the suggested garnishes?
The soup is traditionally garnished with fried tortilla strips, chopped avocado, fresh cilantro, and green onions.
How should I prepare the tortillas?
You should cut 8 corn tortillas into 1/4-inch strips before frying them in vegetable oil.
Does the soup contain dairy?
Based on the ingredient list, this Yucatan Citrus Chicken Soup is dairy-free.
How many limes are needed?
You will need approximately 3 limes to yield the required 1/3 cup of juice.
Can I use a whole chicken instead of breasts?
While the recipe specifies breasts for ease of shredding, you can use a whole chicken to make the stock and shred the meat for more flavor.
How do I prepare the avocado?
The avocado should be peeled, pitted, and coarsely chopped to be used as a creamy topping for the soup.
Is this soup gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free chicken stock and ensure the corn tortillas are 100% corn.
What is the role of the bay leaf?
One whole bay leaf is added during the simmering process to infuse the broth with a subtle herbal depth.
Should I peel the tomatoes?
Yes, the recipe suggests using one large tomato that has been peeled and chopped.
What type of oil is used for frying?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 cup of vegetable oil for frying the tortilla strips and sautéing the vegetables.
How do I serve the soup?
Serve it hot in bowls, adding the crunchy tortilla strips and avocado just before eating to maintain texture.
Can I prepare the broth in advance?
Yes, the broth and chicken can be prepared ahead of time, but it is best to fry the tortillas and chop the avocado right before serving.
What are the green onions used for?
Two finely chopped green onions are used as a fresh garnish to add a mild bite to the finished dish.
What is the texture of the chicken?
The chicken should be cooked until it is tender enough to be easily shredded into bite-sized pieces.
Can I substitute the jalapeño?
Yes, you can use a serrano pepper for more heat or omit the pepper entirely for a completely mild soup.
Is this a traditional Mexican recipe?
Yes, it is a classic representation of Yucatan cuisine, specifically the famous Sopa De Lima.
How much cilantro is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro leaves for garnishing.
What makes this soup a comfort food?
The combination of warm, savory broth, tender chicken, and the satisfying crunch of tortillas makes it a quintessential comfort food.