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Mexican Chicken Soup

This Mexican chicken soup combines smoky spices and fresh lime zest to create a warm and flavorful dish. It features tender chicken, sweet corn, and beans in a fragrant broth, finished with vibrant cilantro. The soup has a hearty yet bright texture, perfect for chilly evenings or when craving comforting spice.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts prefer thighs for juiciness
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 red bell pepper peppers chopped
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels canned or fresh
  • 1 cup cooked beans black or pinto
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • wooden spoon
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces if using thighs, and dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the red pepper. Prepare all your ingredients before starting.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Add the diced onion, garlic, and chopped red pepper to the same pot. Sauté until fragrant and vegetables are tender, about 3 minutes, with the onions becoming translucent and peppers softening.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in cumin and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and develop a fragrant aroma.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the pot along with the corn and beans. Stir well and let simmer for another 10 minutes, so the flavors combine and the ingredients heat through.
  6. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lime juice to brighten the flavors. Stir in the lime juice and check for balance.
  7. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and best texture.

Notes

For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili powder. Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors deepen.