Chipotle Chicken Soup

Authentic Chipotle Chicken Soup Recipe from Mexico

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chipotle Chicken Soup is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the smoky heat of chipotle peppers with tender chicken and fresh vegetables. This soup is perfect for a cozy night in or for serving to guests at a dinner party.

History

Chipotle Chicken Soup is a modern twist on traditional chicken soup, with the addition of chipotle peppers adding a spicy and smoky flavor. Chipotle peppers are smoked jalapeños that are often used in Mexican cuisine to add heat and depth to dishes.

Ingredients

1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
12 oz (340 g) skinless, boneless chicken breasts, chopped
1 x 14.5 oz (411 g) can of low-sodium chicken broth
2 tsp chopped canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
0.5 tsp sugar
0.25 tsp salt
2 cups tomatoes, chopped (or 1 14.5 oz (411 g) can diced tomatoes)
0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

How to prepare

In a Dutch oven, cook the onion and garlic in olive oil over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes or until the onion is tender.
Add the chicken and cook for 2 minutes.
Add the broth, chipotle peppers, sugar, and salt.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat.
Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
Remove from the heat and add the tomatoes and cilantro.

Variations

Add corn or black beans for extra texture and flavor.
Top the soup with avocado slices, sour cream, or shredded cheese for a creamy finish.
Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of chopped chicken breasts for a quicker preparation.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chop the onion and garlic finely to ensure they cook evenly and release their flavors into the soup.

- Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to suit your taste preferences – if you prefer a milder soup, use less peppers, and if you like it spicy, add more.

- For a creamier soup, you can blend a portion of the soup in a blender before adding the tomatoes and cilantro.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chipotle Chicken Soup with a side of warm tortillas or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a flavorful Chipotle Chicken Soup is to simmer the soup slowly to allow the flavors to meld together. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find chipotle peppers, you can use chipotle powder or hot sauce as a substitute. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Chipotle Chicken Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Chipotle Chicken Soup with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a wedge of lime for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Chipotle Chicken Soup with a crisp green salad or a side of Mexican rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Chipotle Chicken Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chipotle Chicken Soup contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chipotle Chicken Soup contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chipotle Chicken Soup contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chipotle Chicken Soup contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chipotle Chicken Soup is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

Chipotle Chicken Soup contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Chipotle Chicken Soup is a nutritious and balanced meal option, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Chipotle Chicken Soup is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests. With its smoky heat and tender chicken, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was just a few basic ingredients, but the flavors were bold and complex. I knew I had to learn how to make this Chipotle Chicken Soup.

I first encountered this recipe during a trip to Mexico many years ago. I was wandering through a bustling market in Oaxaca when I stumbled upon a small food stall run by an elderly woman. The smell of spices and roasted peppers filled the air, drawing me in like a moth to flame.

I watched as the woman deftly chopped onions, garlic, and tomatoes, adding them to a large pot simmering over an open flame. She then reached for a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, pouring the contents into the pot with a flourish. The smoky aroma that wafted up from the pot was intoxicating.

Curious, I struck up a conversation with the woman, asking her about the soup she was making. She smiled warmly and explained that it was a traditional recipe passed down through generations in her family. She graciously offered to teach me how to make it, and I eagerly accepted.

As we cooked together, she shared stories of her childhood and the memories attached to this dish. She spoke of lazy Sundays spent gathered around the table with her family, enjoying steaming bowls of Chipotle Chicken Soup and corn tortillas fresh off the comal. I could almost taste the love and history that infused the soup.

After hours of simmering and stirring, the soup was finally ready. The woman ladled generous portions into bowls and handed me a spoon. I took a tentative sip, unsure of what to expect. The first taste was a revelation - smoky, spicy, and comforting all at once. I closed my eyes and savored each mouthful, feeling transported to another time and place.

When I returned home, I couldn't stop thinking about that Chipotle Chicken Soup. I scoured cookbooks and the internet for a similar recipe, but nothing quite matched the depth of flavor I had experienced in Mexico. Determined to recreate the dish, I began experimenting in my own kitchen.

I tried different combinations of spices, adjusting the heat level to suit my taste. I roasted peppers over an open flame to achieve that signature smokiness. I simmered the soup for hours, allowing the flavors to meld together in perfect harmony.

After countless attempts and tweaks, I finally landed on a version of the recipe that felt true to the one I had tasted in Oaxaca. I proudly served it to my family and friends, watching their faces light up with delight as they took their first spoonfuls.

Over the years, I have continued to make this Chipotle Chicken Soup, each batch bringing back memories of that market stall in Mexico and the kind woman who shared her recipe with me. I have passed it on to my children and grandchildren, hoping to keep the tradition alive for generations to come.

As I ladle steaming bowls of soup into their eager hands, I tell them the story of how I learned to make this dish and the impact it had on me. I watch as they savor each bite, their faces lighting up with the same joy and appreciation I felt all those years ago.

In a world that is constantly changing and evolving, some things remain constant - the power of food to bring people together, to evoke memories, and to nourish both body and soul. This Chipotle Chicken Soup is more than just a recipe to me; it is a connection to my past, a tribute to the woman who shared it with me, and a reminder of the importance of preserving traditions in a fast-paced world.