Best Easy Sopa de Lima Recipe

Yucatán's signature lime-infused chicken soup with fried tortilla strips and fresh herbs. This light, healthy chicken soup is protein-rich and embodies the fresh, citrusy flavors of the peninsula.

Cook 45 min Difficulty NORMAL 285 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • boneless skinless chicken breast 1 lb
  • yellow onion 1 cup
  • carrot 1 cup
  • celery 1 cup
  • roma tomato 1 cup
  • corn tortilla 5 pieces
  • fresh lime juice 0.5 cup
  • lime 1 pieces
  • garlic 2 cloves
  • chicken broth 8 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
  • ground black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
  • fresh cilantro leaves 0.25 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 27 g 38%
Protein 24 g 34%
Fat 8 g 28%
Serving size 350g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery; sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened but not browned.

  2. 2

    Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in diced tomato and cook for another 2 minutes.

  3. 3

    Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add chicken breasts. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.

  4. 4

    Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.

  5. 5

    While the soup simmers, cut corn tortillas into thin strips. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry strips until golden and crisp; drain on paper towels.

  6. 6

    Stir in fresh lime juice into the soup and simmer for 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

  7. 7

    To serve, ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with fried tortilla strips, thinly sliced lime, and fresh cilantro leaves.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Sopa de Lima recipe?
The core ingredient is fresh lime juice, which gives Sopa de Lima its signature tangy and citrusy depth. The chicken breast and chicken broth create a protein-rich, comforting base, while the fried tortilla strips and cilantro provide authentic texture and herbal brightness.
Q. How is heat controlled during the cooking process?
Heat control is essential for the soup's clarity and chicken's tenderness. Vegetables are sautéed over medium heat to avoid browning, chicken is simmered gently to retain moisture, and frying tortillas over medium heat produces a crisp texture without burning.
Q. How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?
To maintain juicy, tender chicken, simmer the breasts gently and avoid overcooking. As soon as the chicken reaches full doneness (about 15–18 minutes), remove from the broth, shred, and return it to the pot briefly to absorb flavors.
Q. What is the nutritional content per serving for this Sopa de Lima?
Each 350g serving contains 285 kcal, with 27g carbohydrates (38% of calories), 24g protein (34%), and 8g fat (28%). This makes it a high-protein, moderate-carb, and light-fat soup, suitable for balanced meals and certain dietary needs.
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