Mexican Chicken Soup

Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe - Authentic and Bursting with Flavor

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 4 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Mexican Chicken Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends and family. This soup is packed with delicious ingredients like chicken, hominy, chilies, and tomatoes, all simmered together in a savory broth. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

Mexican Chicken Soup, also known as "Sopa de Pollo," has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for generations. This traditional soup is often made with simple and affordable ingredients that are easy to find in local markets. It is a popular dish that is enjoyed throughout Mexico and has become a favorite in many households around the world.

Ingredients

2 tbsp canola oil
2 medium onions, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
8 cups canned low sodium chicken broth
4 oz (113 g) canned green chilies
2 (15.5 oz (439 g)) cans posole, drained (mix yellow and white)
1 (15 oz (425 g)) can whole canned tomatoes, roughly chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1 lb (454 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs
0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 lime, juice of
kosher salt
fresh ground black pepper

How to prepare

1. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Brown the chicken and cut it into small pieces.
3. Add the chicken to the crockpot.
4. Sauté the onion, celery, and garlic until they are soft.
5. Add the sautéed vegetables to the crockpot.
6. Add the broth, chili powder, and cumin to the crockpot.
7. Add the green chiles, tomatoes, and oregano to the crockpot.
8. Cook on 'low' for 4 hours.
9. Add the hominy 30 minutes before serving.
10. Add cilantro leaves and lime juice just before serving.
11. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
12. Serve hot.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
To make the soup spicier, you can add more chili powder, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños.
For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk to the soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To add extra flavor to the soup, you can roast the chicken thighs before adding them to the pot.

- For a spicier kick, you can add a chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper to the soup.

- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend some of the soup mixture before adding the hominy.

- Garnish the soup with avocado slices, sour cream, or tortilla strips for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Mexican Chicken Soup can be served with a side of warm tortillas, rice, or a fresh green salad. You can also top the soup with avocado slices, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the soup helps to enhance their flavors and aromas.

- Slow cooking the soup on low heat allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and savory broth.

- Adding the hominy towards the end of cooking ensures that it stays tender and doesn't become mushy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Canola oil can be substituted with olive oil or vegetable oil.

- Chicken thighs can be replaced with chicken breasts or shredded rotisserie chicken.

- Canned chilies can be swapped with fresh diced chilies or jalapeños.

Make Ahead Tips

Mexican Chicken Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave before serving. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to thin out the soup if it thickens in the fridge.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mexican Chicken Soup in colorful bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, lime wedges, and a sprinkle of chili powder. You can also add a side of warm tortillas or cornbread for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Mexican Chicken Soup pairs well with a crisp and refreshing beer like a Mexican lager or a light-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. You can also serve the soup with a fruity and tangy margarita for a festive touch.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Mexican Chicken Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply transfer the soup to a saucepan and heat over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to thin out the soup if it thickens in the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

280

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 32g

- Dietary Fiber: 6g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

- Total Fat: 10g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 24g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15%

- Vitamin C: 20%

- Calcium: 6%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

Mexican Chicken Soup is a nutritious and balanced meal that is rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a starter to a larger meal.

Summary

Mexican Chicken Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its savory broth, tender chicken, and hearty hominy, this soup is sure to warm you up and satisfy your taste buds. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this recipe is a must-try. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something special. It was a cold winter day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in Mexico City. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most mouth-watering aroma of simmering chicken, vegetables, and spices. Maria smiled at me and said, "I'm making my famous Mexican Chicken Soup for lunch today. You're in for a treat!"

I eagerly watched as Maria effortlessly chopped onions, garlic, and tomatoes, adding them to a pot filled with chicken broth. She then tossed in chunks of tender chicken, carrots, potatoes, and corn, along with a generous amount of cilantro and cumin. The soup bubbled and simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing scent that made my stomach growl in anticipation.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Maria explained to me that this recipe had been passed down through generations in her family. She learned how to make it from her grandmother, who learned it from her mother, and so on. Each woman had added her own twist to the recipe, creating a delicious and comforting dish that was cherished by all who tasted it.

I couldn't get enough of the Mexican Chicken Soup. The flavors were rich and complex, with just the right amount of spice to warm me up from the inside out. I begged Maria to teach me how to make it, and she happily obliged. We spent the afternoon in the kitchen, chopping, stirring, and tasting our way through the recipe until I had it memorized.

When I returned home from my visit to Mexico City, I couldn't wait to recreate the Mexican Chicken Soup for my own family. I gathered the ingredients and set to work, following the steps I had learned from Maria. As the soup simmered on the stove, the familiar aroma filled my kitchen, transporting me back to that cozy afternoon with my friend.

When my family sat down to eat, they couldn't believe how delicious the soup was. They devoured it with gusto, asking for seconds and thirds. I beamed with pride, knowing that I had successfully recreated Maria's recipe and brought a taste of Mexico to our dinner table.

Over the years, I continued to make the Mexican Chicken Soup for my family and friends, sharing the story of how I learned the recipe and the memories it held for me. It became a staple in our home, especially during the colder months when a warm bowl of soup was just what we needed to feel cozy and comforted.

As I grew older, I passed the recipe down to my own grandchildren, teaching them the art of making the soup from scratch. They listened intently as I shared the story of how I learned it from Maria in Mexico City, and they eagerly helped me in the kitchen, chopping vegetables and stirring the pot.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the laughter of my grandchildren and the aroma of simmering Mexican Chicken Soup, I can't help but feel grateful for the recipe that has brought us all together. It's more than just a dish - it's a connection to my past, a reminder of the friends and family who have shared it with me, and a symbol of the love and tradition that I hope to pass on to future generations.

I take a sip of the soup, savoring the flavors that have become so familiar and comforting to me over the years. As I look around at my family gathered around the table, I know that this recipe will continue to be a part of our lives for generations to come. And I feel thankful for the simple joy of sharing a meal with the ones I love, knowing that the taste of Mexico is always just a pot of soup away.