Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Soup: A Delicious and Comforting Dish
If you desire a soup that is both filling and bursting with lively, rich flavors, the Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Soup is the perfect option. This wholesome yet light meal combines the tangy zest of lime, the fresh herbaceousness of cilantro, and the warm comfort of chicken and rice into one bowl. Whether you’re in search of a warm meal on a cold night or a revitalizing lunch, this soup is a flexible and enjoyable selection.
Overview
– Prep Time: 10 minutes
– Cook Time: 50 minutes
– Total Time: 1 hour
– Servings: 6
This soup is an enchanting blend of Southeast Asian and Latin American elements, fusing ingredients such as ginger, turmeric, coconut milk, and fish sauce with traditional chicken soup components. The outcome is a luxurious, fragrant broth that is both calming and energizing.
Key Ingredients
– Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are simmered until they become tender, then shredded, providing protein and substance to the soup.
– Aromatics: Onion, garlic, ginger, and bell pepper form a flavorful foundation, while optional turmeric and cayenne infuse richness and a touch of heat.
– Vegetables: Carrots and red bell pepper add sweetness and a splash of color. Optional extras like celery, peas, or jalapeño can improve the texture and taste.
– Broth & Coconut Milk: A mixture of chicken broth and coconut milk results in a savory, slightly creamy broth with a hint of tropical flavor.
– Rice: Jasmine rice or any long-grain kind soaks up the broth and delivers a gratifying texture.
– Lime & Cilantro: Fresh lime juice and zest elevate the soup’s brightness, while chopped cilantro brings a wave of herbal freshness.
– Seasonings: Fish sauce or soy sauce imparts umami, and green onions add a final burst of flavor.
Cooking Instructions
1. Sauté the Base: Start by heating oil in a large saucepan. Add diced onion, carrot, and red bell pepper, cooking until softened (around 10 minutes).
2. Add Aromatics: Mix in garlic, ginger, turmeric, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
3. Simmer the Chicken: Incorporate chicken broth and coconut milk, then add the chicken. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and let simmer for 20–30 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Remove and shred the chicken.
4. Cook the Rice: Reintroduce the shredded chicken to the pot and add rice. Simmer for another 20 minutes until the rice is soft.
5. Finish with Flavor: Mix in lime juice and zest, fish sauce, chopped cilantro, and green onions. Serve hot.
Optional Add-Ins & Variations
This soup is highly adaptable. Here are some suggestions to customize it to your liking:
– Toss in diced celery or jalapeño for added crunch or heat.
– Add peas for a touch of sweetness and color.
– Swap rice for noodles for a quicker version (cut cook time to 10 minutes).
– Drizzle in some hot sauce or top with nam prik pao (Thai chili paste) for an extra kick.
– Mix in a teaspoon of sugar to balance the sourness of the lime.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
– Calories: 424
– Fat: 21g (Saturated Fat: 13g)
– Cholesterol: 62mg
– Sodium: 640mg
– Carbohydrates: 43g (Fiber: 2g, Sugars: 7g)
– Protein: 27g
Why You’ll Adore It
Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Soup offers more than merely a meal—it’s a feast for the senses. The tangy flavor of lime, the creamy indulgence of coconut milk, and the savory richness of chicken broth come together in splendid balance. It’s a cozy dish that feels lavish yet remains light and nutritious.
Ideal for meal prep, this soup stores splendidly and tastes even more delicious the following day as the flavors continue to blend. Whether you’re cooking for a family or preparing lunches for the upcoming week, this recipe is a tasty and practical selection.
Final Thoughts
This Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice Soup is an exceptional recipe that infuses global flavors into your kitchen with minimal effort. With only an hour from start to finish and a blend of fresh, healthful ingredients, it’s a reliable meal for any season. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.