Ah, soup—a warm hug in a bowl! This Healthy Chicken Avocado Lime Soup is like the perfect blend of a tropical vacation and a cozy night at home, if that even makes sense. I remember scrolling through Instagram last week, seeing everyone sipping their pumpkin lattes, and thinking, “Nah, give me this zesty, creamy goodness instead!
Steps
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot on medium heat. Add green onions and jalapeños, sautéing for about 2 minutes until tender. Stir in garlic during the last 30 seconds of sautéing.
- Pour in chicken broth and add tomatoes, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Include chicken breasts if using, or wait to add rotisserie chicken at the end. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the chicken to cook through fully, with the time varying based on the thickness of the breasts.
- Turn the burner to a warm setting, remove the chicken from the pot, and let it rest for 5 minutes on a cutting board. Shred the chicken and return it to the pot, adding cilantro and lime juice, and rotisserie chicken at this stage if used.
- Just before serving, add diced avocados to the soup. If not serving immediately, add avocados to each bowl individually. Serve with optional toppings like tortilla chips, cheese, and sour cream.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, adjust for heat preference)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced (or 1 can, 14.5 oz, diced tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1.5 pounds chicken breasts, uncooked, or use cooked rotisserie chicken
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 3 avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
- Tortilla chips
- Shredded cheese (such as Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or cheddar)
- Sour cream
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- Additional vegetables like corn or bell peppers
- 1 can (4 oz) mild diced green chilies
- Homemade chicken stock instead of broth
Nutritional Values
Calories 2238 | Calories from Fat 1080 | Fat 120g | Saturated Fat 18g | Cholesterol 438mg | Sodium 4368mg | Potassium 7062mg | Carbohydrates 78g | Fiber 48g | Sugar 12g | Protein 174g | Vitamin A 3990IU | Vitamin C 168mg | Calcium 294mg | Iron 12mg
FAQ
- Can I use canned chicken in Chicken Avocado Soup?
- Yes, canned chicken can be used for this soup. Just add it at the end of the cooking process to ensure it remains tender and flavorful.
- What can I substitute for fresh avocados if they’re not ripe?
- It’s best to wait until avocados are ripe for the best flavor. However, if you’re in a hurry, you might consider using avocado slices as a garnish, although fresh ripe avocados are preferable.
- How can I make the soup less spicy?
- To reduce the spiciness, you can omit the jalapeños or substitute them with half a cup of chopped bell pepper. Removing the seeds from the jalapeños can also lessen the heat.
- What are some optional toppings I can add to the soup?
- You can enhance the soup with toppings like Mexican blend cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
- Can I use other types of chicken besides rotisserie or uncooked chicken breasts?
- Certainly, grilled fully-cooked chicken can be used as well. Simply add it in the same step where rotisserie chicken would be incorporated.
Tips
- Use just-ripe avocados: Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe, not too hard or mushy, to achieve the best flavor in the soup.
- Add avocados just before serving: If you aren’t planning to serve the soup immediately, add the avocado to each individual bowl to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Customize the spice level: Adjust the heat by either leaving the seeds in the jalapeños for extra spice or substituting with bell peppers for a milder taste.
- Enhance with toppings: Consider adding tortilla chips, cheese, and sour cream for an extra layer of flavor and texture to complement the soup.
Equipment
- Large pot with lid – Essential for cooking and simmering the soup.
- Cutting board – Useful for shredding chicken and chopping vegetables.
- Chef’s knife – Needed for chopping vegetables and other ingredients.
- Citrus juicer – Handy for squeezing fresh lime juice.
- Avocado slicer or pitter – Useful for preparing avocados efficiently.
