Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 whole jalapeños, seeded and minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 32 ounces chicken stock
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/3 cup minced cilantro
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 4 avocados, halved, pitted, peeled, and sliced or cubed
Instructions
- Heat the oil and vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced green bell pepper, diced yellow onion, and minced jalapeños. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and the vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add spices and garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for an additional 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant and the spices are well incorporated.
- Add chicken stock and shredded chicken: Pour in 32 ounces of chicken stock and add 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer the soup: Let the soup simmer gently for 15 minutes to allow all flavors to meld together.
- Finish with cilantro and lime: Right before serving, stir in 1/3 cup of minced cilantro and 1/2 cup fresh lime juice. This adds a bright and fresh flavor to the soup.
- Add avocado and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with sliced or cubed avocado. Optionally, garnish with extra chopped cilantro, lime slices, and tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños based on desired heat level—leave seeds for spicier soup.
- Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to make preparation quicker.
- For a creamier texture, gently mash some of the avocado into the soup before serving.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days but add avocado fresh before serving to avoid browning.
- Feel free to substitute lime juice with lemon juice if preferred.
- Serve with warm tortillas or tortilla chips to add a crunchy contrast to the creamy soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free