Zesty Chicken Lime Chowder
This delightful Zesty Chicken Lime Chowder is a vibrant, citrus-infused soup that showcases the freshness of lime and the heartiness of chicken. Inspired by a beloved recipe from Jacqueline Higuera McMahan and recognized as a runner-up in the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle’s 1993 cooking competition, this chowder combines tender pieces of grilled chicken with an array of colorful vegetables, bringing a burst of flavor to every spoonful. The bright notes of lime and cilantro elevate this comforting dish, making it perfect for a cozy meal with family and friends. Serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
mist (spray)
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
3 (grilled and diced or shredded)
limes
4 (juiced)
homemade or good quality chicken broth
1.5 quarts (simmering)
diced red bell pepper
1 cup (diced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
diced celery
1/2 cup (diced)
diced carrot
1 cup (diced)
diced zucchini
1.25 cups (diced)
diced skinned and seeded tomatoes
1 cup (diced)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
minced fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (for garnish)
diced red onion
1/2 (diced)
ripe tomatoes
3 (seeded and diced)
jalapeño chile
1 (minced, seeds included)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (for salsa)
fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons (for salsa)
salt
1/2-3/4 teaspoon (for salsa)
Instructions
1
1. Start by spraying a light mist of olive oil over the boneless skinless chicken breasts. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
2
2. Preheat your grill or broiler to medium heat. Grill the chicken for approximately 5 minutes on each side, until it is fully cooked and has nice grill marks. Remove from the heat and allow the chicken to cool for a few minutes before dicing or shredding it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
3
3. In a large pot, bring the homemade chicken broth (or good quality chicken broth) to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add the diced red bell pepper, minced garlic, diced celery, and diced carrot. Cook the mixture over low heat for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
4. Stir in the diced zucchini and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes until the zucchini is tender. Then, add the reserved chicken back into the pot, along with the juices from the remaining limes and the diced tomatoes. Season the mixture with salt to taste and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
5
5. Once the soup is heated through, remove it from the heat. Stir in the fresh cilantro for a fresh finish. For added flavor, serve the Zesty Chicken Lime Chowder topped with a vibrant salsa or pass it at the table.
6
6. To make the salsa: In a separate bowl, combine the diced red onion, diced ripe tomatoes, minced jalapeño (with seeds, if you like heat), minced garlic, chopped fresh cilantro, and two tablespoons of fresh lime juice. Season to taste with salt and mix well. This should yield about 2 cups of delicious salsa that can be enjoyed with your chowder.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
13g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Chicken Lime Chowder?
Zesty Chicken Lime Chowder is a vibrant, citrus-infused soup featuring grilled chicken and colorful vegetables, inspired by a recipe from Jacqueline Higuera McMahan.
Who created the inspiration for this chowder recipe?
The recipe was inspired by Jacqueline Higuera McMahan and was a runner-up in the San Francisco Chronicle’s 1993 cooking competition.
How many calories are in a serving of this chicken lime chowder?
There are approximately 400 calories in a serving of this dish.
What is the protein content per serving?
This chowder provides 30g of protein per serving.
How many ingredients are needed to make the chowder and salsa?
There are 19 specific ingredients listed for both the main soup and the accompanying fresh salsa.
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
How should the chicken be prepared before adding it to the soup?
The chicken should be sprayed with olive oil, drizzled with lime juice, grilled or broiled for 5 minutes per side, and then diced or shredded.
How many limes do I need in total?
You will need 4 limes for the main recipe plus an additional 2 tablespoons of lime juice for the salsa.
Can I use store-bought broth for the Zesty Chicken Lime Chowder?
Yes, you can use either homemade chicken broth or a good quality store-bought chicken broth.
What vegetables are simmered in the broth first?
The red bell pepper, minced garlic, celery, and carrots are the first vegetables added to the simmering broth.
How long do the initial vegetables cook in the broth?
The bell pepper, garlic, celery, and carrots should cook over low heat for 15 minutes.
When should I add the zucchini to the soup?
The diced zucchini should be added after the initial vegetables have simmered for 15 minutes, and then cooked for an additional 5 minutes.
How are the tomatoes prepared for the chowder?
The tomatoes for the soup should be skinned, seeded, and diced before being added to the pot.
When do I add the fresh cilantro to the chowder?
Stir in the 1/4 cup of minced fresh cilantro after removing the soup from the heat to maintain its fresh finish.
What ingredients are in the accompanying salsa?
The salsa includes red onion, ripe tomatoes, jalapeño, garlic, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
Is this soup recipe spicy?
The soup itself is mild; however, the optional salsa includes a jalapeño chile which can be made hotter by including the seeds.
How much salsa does the recipe yield?
The salsa portion of the recipe yields approximately 2 cups.
What is the fat content of this dish?
Each serving contains 20g of fat.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 13g of carbohydrates per serving.
What serving suggestion is provided for this chowder?
The chowder is best served with a side of crusty bread to soak up the broth and topped with the fresh salsa.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe and features fresh vegetables and lean chicken breast.
What type of cuisine does this dish represent?
The recipe is described as Mexican-inspired due to the use of lime, cilantro, and jalapeño.
How much garlic is used in total for the soup and salsa?
You will need 3 garlic cloves in total: 2 minced for the soup and 1 minced for the salsa.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe requires 1.5 quarts of chicken broth.
How much zucchini do I need to dice?
You will need 1.25 cups of diced zucchini.
Can I grill the chicken instead of broiling it?
Yes, you can use either a grill or a broiler preheated to medium heat.
How much fresh lime juice goes into the salsa?
The salsa requires 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice.
What gives the soup its heartiness?
The heartiness comes from the tender grilled chicken and the variety of vegetables like carrots, celery, and zucchini.
What kind of oil is used on the chicken?
A light mist of olive oil spray is used to coat the chicken before grilling.
How much salt is recommended for the salsa?
The recipe suggests 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of salt for the salsa.