Sopa de Lima Chicken Soup with Fresh Lime and Cilantro

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bright, aromatic soup featuring tender chicken in a tangy lime broth with fresh cilantro and avocado, perfect for chilly days. This mexican-inspired soups ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken breast, chicken broth, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Simmer 4 cups chicken broth, 1/4 cup finely chopped white onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a pot for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed chicken breast and cook at a gentle simmer for 15 minutes until chicken is opaque and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Remove pot from heat and stir in 2 tbsp lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Let sit for 5 minutes to infuse flavors.
  4. Step 4: Serve hot, garnished with 1/2 diced avocado and 2 tbsp thinly sliced radish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sopa de Lima Chicken Soup with Fresh Lime and Cilantro take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sopa de Lima Chicken Soup with Fresh Lime and Cilantro?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sopa de Lima Chicken Soup with Fresh Lime and Cilantro?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sopa de Lima Chicken Soup with Fresh Lime and Cilantro for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sopa de Lima Chicken Soup with Fresh Lime and Cilantro?

Mexican soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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