Light • Fresh • High-Protein • Mexican-Inspired
Quick Description
A vibrant, comforting, high-protein chicken soup made with shredded chicken, tomatoes, veggies, lime, cilantro, avocado, and crunchy tortilla strips. Light yet filling — perfect for dinner or meal prep.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total: 45 minutes
- Protein: ~38g per bowl (depends on chicken amount)
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (breast for high protein)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup carrots (optional but adds color)
- 1–2 jalapeños, chopped (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Toppings & Garnishes
- 1 large avocado, diced or sliced
- Tortilla strips (homemade or store-bought)
- Green onions, sliced
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro
Optional Add-Ins (for extra volume & nutrients)
- ½ cup corn
- ½ cup black beans
- Extra veggies (zucchini, celery, cabbage)
Instructions
1. Sauté the aromatics
Heat olive oil in a pot.
Add onions, garlic, and jalapeño.
Cook 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
2. Add veggies
Add tomatoes, carrots, and bell peppers.
Cook another 3–4 minutes to soften.
3. Add spices
Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt.
Toast spices for 30 seconds for maximum flavor.
4. Add broth + chicken
Pour in chicken broth.
Add shredded chicken.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat.
Simmer 15–20 minutes.
5. Add lime + cilantro
Turn off heat.
Stir in lime juice and cilantro.
6. Build Your Bowl (the fun part!)
Fill bowl with hot chicken soup.
Top generously with:
- Fresh avocado
- Crispy tortilla strips
- Green onions
- Extra cilantro
- Lime wedges
Serve hot.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Fridge: Up to 4 days (store toppings separately)
- Freezer: Up to 2 months (don’t freeze avocado or tortilla strips)
- Add fresh toppings after reheating for best taste.
Make It High-Protein
Use:
✔ Chicken breast only
✔ Add ½ cup cottage cheese blended smooth (stir in at the end—no flavor change, adds protein!)
✔ Add extra chicken
✔ Greek yogurt as a topping
✔ Replace tortilla strips with protein chips (optional)
Flavor Upgrade Tips
- Add a splash of hot sauce
- Roast tomatoes & peppers first
- Use smoked chicken for extra depth
- Add a spoon of salsa verde
- Add a pinch of oregano
