Zesty Chicken and Lime Soup Recipe for Fresh, Flavorful Comfort

This chicken and lime soup is my lighter take on a Mexican favorite. Bright and satisfying, it combines shredded chicken, fresh lime juice, tomatoes, cilantro, and corn for a simple, healthy meal that’s ready in about 25 minutes.

bowl with Mexican chicken and lime soup garnished with sour cream and parsley

I rely on leftover or rotisserie chicken for this recipe, which is what keeps it so quick. It’s a great way to use up cooked chicken and makes a fast weeknight dinner or a light lunch.

The soup is mild but full of fresh flavor. Many versions include jalapeños or extra spices; I prefer a gentler style that still delivers on taste. If you want more heat, a pinch of cayenne or a diced jalapeño will do the trick.

You can use diced or stewed canned tomatoes, or fresh tomatoes in season. I used stewed tomatoes and broke them into smaller pieces in the pot so every spoonful has a nice texture.

close-up of Mexican chicken and lime soup in a bowl

I hope you enjoy this simple chicken and lime soup — it’s comforting, fresh, and an easy way to stretch leftover chicken into a delicious meal.

Chicken and Lime Soup - Salt & Lavender

Chicken and Lime Soup

A quick and easy chicken and lime soup that uses up leftover or rotisserie chicken.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
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Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 sticks celery chopped
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 (10 fluid ounce) cans chicken broth
  • 1 (12 fluid ounce) can corn
  • 1 (18.3 fluid ounce) can stewed or diced tomatoes (I buy an Italian herbs one)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup leftover or rotisserie chicken (shredded into bite-size pieces)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 handful fresh cilantro chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

  • Sour cream (optional)
  • Fresh avocado slices (optional)

Instructions

  • Add the olive oil to a pan and heat over medium. Chop the onion and celery and add them to the pan.
  • After about 5 minutes, once the onion and celery have softened, add the chicken broth, corn, tomatoes, garlic, shredded chicken, and lime juice.
  • Bring the soup up to just before a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for about five minutes.
  • While the soup simmers, chop the cilantro. Add the cilantro to the pot and simmer an additional five minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and avocado slices if desired.

Notes

  • If you prefer softer vegetables, simmer the soup a few minutes longer. I like the celery and onion to retain a little bite.

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