Zesty Chicken-Lime Soup with Cilantro and Cheese
Indulge in a burst of flavors with this Zesty Chicken-Lime Soup, inspired by the beloved El Torito recipe. This invigorating soup features tender shredded chicken, fresh tomatoes, and red onions, all beautifully seasoned with zesty lime juice and aromatic herbs. The creamy Jalapeño jack cheese adds a delightful richness, while crispy tortilla strips and creamy avocado lend a satisfying texture. Perfect for cozy family dinners or a vibrant weekend brunch, this soup can easily be transformed into a hearty meal by adding hominy, corn, or your favorite grains. Enjoy a comforting bowl that transports you to sunny climes with every spoonful!
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken stock
1 quart (homemade or store-bought)
limes
2 (juiced)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (preferably Mexican)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (crushed or dried)
bay leaf
1 (whole)
chipotle chile
1 teaspoon (pureed)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
chicken breast halves
2 (cooked and shredded)
tomatoes
1 cup (julienne-cut)
red onion
1/2 cup (julienne-cut)
cilantro
1 tablespoon (minced)
jalapeno jack cheese
4 ounces (cut into cubes)
corn tortillas
2 (cut into strips)
avocado
1 (peeled, pitted, and sliced)
lime slices
4 (for garnish)
fresh cilantro stems
4 (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large stockpot, combine the chicken stock, fresh lime juice, dried Mexican oregano, dried basil, pureed chipotle chile, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
3
Stir in the shredded chicken, julienne-cut tomatoes, red onion, and minced cilantro. Bring the soup back to a boil, then simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
4
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice as desired.
5
Ladle the hot soup into warmed individual bowls, and drop in cubes of jalapeño jack cheese, allowing them to melt slightly.
6
Garnish each bowl with crispy tortilla strips, avocado slices, and a sprig of fresh cilantro for a colorful presentation.
Nutrition Information
15
Fat
10
Carbs
17.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Chicken-Lime Soup with Cilantro and Cheese?
It is an invigorating soup featuring tender shredded chicken, fresh tomatoes, and red onions, seasoned with lime juice and aromatic herbs.
What restaurant inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the beloved El Torito chicken-lime soup.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
What type of cheese is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of jalapeño jack cheese cut into cubes.
How much protein does this soup provide?
This soup contains 17.5 grams of protein per serving.
What are the primary garnishes for this soup?
Garnishes include crispy tortilla strips, avocado slices, lime slices, and fresh cilantro stems.
Can I make this soup heartier?
Yes, you can transform it into a heartier meal by adding hominy, corn, or your favorite grains.
What kind of chicken is required?
You need 2 chicken breast halves that have been cooked and shredded.
How much fat is in this dish?
This recipe contains 15 grams of fat.
What gives the soup its smoky flavor?
A teaspoon of pureed chipotle chile adds a zesty and smoky depth to the broth.
What type of oregano is recommended?
Mexican oregano is preferred for this recipe to provide an authentic flavor.
How many carbohydrates are in this soup?
There are 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How long should the stock and herb mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How much chicken stock is needed?
The recipe requires 1 quart of chicken stock, either homemade or store-bought.
What is the first step in making this soup?
Combine the chicken stock, lime juice, oregano, basil, chipotle chile, and bay leaf in a large stockpot.
How are the tomatoes prepared?
One cup of tomatoes should be julienne-cut for this recipe.
How many limes are used for the juice?
The juice of 2 limes is added to the soup base.
When do you add the shredded chicken to the pot?
Add the shredded chicken after the initial 15-minute simmer of the stock and herbs.
How should the red onion be prepared?
Use 1/2 cup of red onion that has been julienne-cut.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 17 ingredients listed for this Zesty Chicken-Lime Soup.
Are there any dried herbs used besides oregano?
Yes, the recipe also calls for 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
What is the final cooking step before serving?
After adding the chicken and vegetables, simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes.
How do you handle the cheese during serving?
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and then drop in the cheese cubes so they melt slightly.
What kind of tortillas are used?
Two corn tortillas are cut into strips to be used as a crispy garnish.
How should the avocado be prepared?
The avocado should be peeled, pitted, and sliced before being used as a garnish.
Is this soup suitable for a brunch?
Yes, it is described as a vibrant option perfect for a weekend brunch.
Does the recipe include fresh cilantro?
Yes, it uses both minced cilantro stirred into the soup and fresh cilantro stems for garnish.
What should I do with the bay leaf?
One whole bay leaf is added to the stockpot for flavoring during the simmering process.
Can I adjust the lime flavor?
Yes, you can add more lime juice at the end of cooking according to your preference.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include soup, chicken, lime, cilantro, jalapeno jack cheese, Mexican, and comfort food.