Cilantro Chicken Soup is ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a warm & cozy weeknight meal. Tender chicken and fresh vegetables are simmered in a fragrant cilantro-based broth, creating a perfectly spiced soup loaded with fresh cilantro flavors.
This cilantro chicken soup recipe is adapted from my earlier spicy chicken soup. Some recipes make life easier, and this is one of them. With minimal effort, I can assemble a meal my family absolutely loves every single time. It’s a win-win!
This recipe is also freezer-friendly, making it convenient for busy days(see also this paprika chicken soup). Best of all, it’s packed with flavor and tastes, just like something you’d order at a restaurant.
I prefer topping this soup with fresh cilantro, jalapeño slices, and some avocado slices. Feel free to add a dollop of sour cream or tortilla strips for both: visual appeal and extra textures.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
⭐️It’s easy to make with customizable heat.
⭐️One-pot weeknight meal with incredible flavors—perfect for a savory dinner.
⭐️It is freezer-friendly and a crowd-pleaser, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Chicken: You can choose between chicken breasts or thighs. This time, I opted for chicken thighs.
- Chicken Broth: I've used low-sodium broth. If your broth has salt, adjust the salt in this recipe.
- Onions: Both red and white onions work great in this recipe.
- Garlic: I always prefer fresh garlic in any recipe. However, bottled minced garlic can be used as a substitute if needed.
- Carrots and Veggies: I've used carrots and celery. You can swap or add other veggies, such as red bell peppers, parsnips, cabbage, zucchini, or any vegetable of your choice.
- Fresh Cilantro: For the best flavor, use fresh cilantro. Remove the hard stems and keep the leaves. If using pre-washed cilantro, ensure it’s clean and strain any excess water using a salad spinner.
- Spices: I used a combination of ground cumin, paprika, and chili powder for a flavorful kick.
- Olive Oil: You can substitute it with your preferred cooking oil.
- Lime: Juicy lime adds a burst of freshness that perfectly complements the flavors of cilantro. If lime isn't available, you can also use lemon.
How To Make Cilantro Chicken Soup
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, searing for 2-3 minutes on each side until slightly browned. Set aside.
- In the same pot, add diced onion, carrot, celery, and jalapeño if using. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Then add minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
- Pour in the chicken broth and return the chicken to the pot. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken cooks through.
- Take out the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup. Stir in most of the chopped cilantro and lime juice, simmering for 5 minutes.
♨️How To Adjust The Heat Level
The cilantro chicken soup has a noticeable heat, which primarily comes from the jalapeños and chili powder.
To reduce the heat, you can remove the seeds and inner ribs of the jalapeños, as they hold most of the spice. You can also use less chili powder, as it contributes significantly to the soup’s heat. Adjust these ingredients based on your preferred spice level.
If you want to increase the heat, leave the jalapeño seeds and ribs intact or add more chili powder. Consider incorporating additional jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an even spicier kick for a more intense flavor.
The Leftovers
You can repurpose the leftover soup by adding some pasta or noodles to transform it into a delicious soup for the next day(like this chicken noodles soup). Store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for about three months.
To reheat the soup, thaw it by placing it in the refrigerator overnight or defrost it in the microwave.
You can reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave. If it has thickened, add a bit of water or broth while reheating to restore the desired consistency.
Pro Tips For Best Results
- If you're short on time, use kitchen scissors to cut the chicken into smaller pieces or use pre-cut chicken to reduce prep time.
- Reserve some fresh cilantro for garnish—just a small amount adds a refreshing and vibrant touch to the soup.
Best To Pair With
Pair this cilantro chicken soup with cornbread, tacos, roasted vegetables(like this roasted sweet potatoes), or a green salad(kale salad) for a complete and satisfying meal.
FAQ
If your family loves whole chicken, you can cut it into small pieces or cubes and use it in the soup. The juices from the chicken enhance the broth, making the soup taste amazing. Alternatively, you can use chicken thighs or breast—whichever works for you. In my family, chicken thighs are the preferred choice for their tenderness and flavor.
You can use vegetable broth, but the flavors will change slightly. Chicken broth provides a richer taste, but vegetable broth is an excellent option if you prefer a vegetarian version.
Yes, absolutely! You can make the soup ahead of time and refrigerate it. In fact, the flavors develop and meld together, making it taste even better the next day.
Yes, this recipe works wonderfully in a slow cooker. Follow the instructions and adjust the cooking time as needed.
More Recipes To Try
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know your thoughts in the 📝 comments section below the recipe.
📖 Recipe
Cilantro Chicken Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 onion diced
- 1 carrot diced
- 1 stalk celery diced
- 1 jalapeño seeded and chopped
- 1 cup cilantro leaves fresh chopped (divided)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder optional
- 6 cups chicken broth low-sodium preferred
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Place the chicken over the pot and sprinkle it with a pinch of salt and pepper, then sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the onion, carrot, celery, and jalapeño. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder (if using) and cook for another minute.
- Simmer the Soup
- Add the chicken broth and return the chicken to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
- Stir in most of the chopped cilantro (reserve some for garnish) and the lime juice. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining cilantro. Add optional toppings like sliced avocado, tortilla strips, or extra lime wedges.
Notes
- Adjust the spice by adding or removing jalapeño seeds and tweaking the chili powder to your preference.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months for a convenient meal later.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge or defrost in the microwave. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding water or broth if needed.
- Enjoy a complete meal with cornbread, tacos, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad.
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