Spicy Mexican Chipotle Lime Chicken Soup Cookies Cups

If you like Mexican-inspired chicken recipes, check out my Instant Pot Salsa Verde Chicken!

This Spicy Chicken Soup is Mexican-Style Comfort Food

If you haven’t yet experienced caldo de pollo, or Mexican chicken soup, then you’re in for a culinary fiesta of epic proportions!

This Spicy Chicken Soup is Mexican-Style Comfort FoodWhat You’ll NeedHow to Make Chipotle Lime Chicken SoupTips for SuccessTopping IdeasWhat to Serve with this Chicken SoupStoring and Reheating LeftoversDoes This Freeze Well?More Cozy Soup RecipesGet the Recipe

This caldo de pollo recipe is brimming with bright and bold flavors. It’s spicy and citrusy, with loads of fresh lime juice and sweet corn kernels cut fresh from the cob. It’s the perfect comfort food to enjoy all year round, even in the summertime! My chipotle lime chicken soup is so easy to make, and the kids even enjoy it in spite of the heat! Plus, this recipe is great for leftovers. Like most soups, the flavors get even better over time!

What You’ll Need

I can practically taste this spicy chicken soup, just from reading the ingredients! Here’s everything you need to make your own caldo de pollo-style soup at home:

Chicken: Boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1– inch cubesChipotle Peppers: Dice up a couple of peppers from a can of chipotle in adobo sauce.Adobo Sauce: From the same can of chipotle in adobo, you’ll use a couple spoonfuls of the sauce.Chicken Broth: Low sodium chicken broth offers more control over salt and seasoning levels.Corn: I cut mine fresh from the cob (this recipe calls for three ears of corn). If it’s not in season, or if you’d prefer, you can also use frozen, or canned corn that’s been drained and rinsed. Garlic: Whole cloves, finely minced.Onion: I use yellow onion for this soup. You can use other kinds, keeping in mind they may have a stronger flavor.Limes: Lime brings a brightness and zestiness to the flavor of the soup. Cilantro: Very popular in Mexican cuisine, and an authentic herb in this soup recipe. However, if you’re super opposed to cilantro, use parsley instead.Salt & PepperOlive OilGarnish: Avocado, crushed tortilla chips and lime wedges are optional but recommended!

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Traditionally, caldo de pollo is made with bone-in chicken. Boneless chicken breasts work great for this recipe, though browning them is key! (More on this later). The beauty of this soup is that virtually any part of the chicken will do the trick. If you’re after even more flavor, use parts of the chicken with bones and skin, like drumsticks or bone-in chicken thighs. You can even use a whole chicken, including giblets, to really enhance the flavors!

How to Make Chipotle Lime Chicken Soup

The base for this Mexican chicken soup recipe consists of chicken broth mixed with adobo sauce, chopped chipotles, and the juice from two large limes. Here’s how everything comes together: Saute: In a large pot, brown the seasoned chicken for a few minutes per side. I find working in batches is best! In the same pot, cook the onions and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant. Combine & Simmer: Add the chicken back into the pot. Next, stir in the broth, chipotle pepper and adobo sauce, bringing the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and leave the soup to simmer. Shortly before the end of the cooking time, add in the corn kernels. Season & Serve: Once the pot is off the heat, squeeze in the lime juice. Add cilantro and season to taste, before dishing up. Serve your Mexican-style chicken soup with avocado and crushed tortillas. See below for even more suggestions and ways to serve it!

Why Brown the Chicken?

Browning the chicken really adds dimension to both the chicken itself as well as the broth. Of course you can skip this step, but you’ll lose the depth of flavor that comes from a nice flavorful crust. Make sure to brown your chicken in small batches so it gets nice and golden. Chicken that’s crowded in the pan will create steam, and prevent the outsides from browning nicely.

Tips for Success

Adjust the Heat to Taste: You can add more or less adobo sauce, and certainly less chipotle peppers depending on the level of heat you prefer. The recipe as-written is on the spicy side; for a milder soup, I’d recommend to start with only one chipotle pepper instead of two, and add from there!Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts will become tough and dry if overcooked. Cooking times may also vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces, your stove and pan. Brown the chicken just enough and then leave the simmering to do the rest. You can check the pieces as they simmer to ensure they aren’t cooked too quickly.Skim the Fat: While chicken is a lean meat, you may notice excess fat rising to the surface of the soup as it cooks. You can leave the fat in, or skim it off if you prefer.

Topping Ideas

My kids love to add sour cream to their soup, as it makes it creamy and softens the spiciness. Shredded cheese is another delicious option that brings a melty, creamy texture to the soup! I always add avocado slices and lots of crushed tortilla chips to mine, plus extra cilantro. Here are some more ideas for toppings:

Salsa or Avocado SalsaGreek yogurt (instead of sour cream)Corn tortillas or even Seasoned CrackersHot sauceDiced or sliced bell peppersSliced jalapeñosTaco seasoningLime wedges

What to Serve with this Chicken Soup

This chipotle lime chicken soup is the perfect warm-up for taco night! Serve it alongside your favorite tacos and these other Mexican-inspired dishes:

Easy Chipotle MeatballsBeergarita Pulled ChickenSouthwestern Cobb SaladSkillet Frachos

This spicy soup is also great to enjoy served over Spanish Rice as a light meal or side dish when entertaining. Whether you’re keeping cozy during the winter months or looking for a fresh, zesty soup come summertime! Here are some other easy recipes to pair it with:

Easy Cheesy Breadsticks or Sweet Dinner RollsGrilled Tequila Lime ChickenCrispy Crab Balls with Chipotle Tartar SauceJalapeno Popper Pizza Southwestern Quinoa SaladChipotle Pulled Pork with Apple Slaw

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store leftover chicken soup airtight in the fridge for up to one week. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Does This Freeze Well?

This soup will keep fresh when frozen for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container and thaw it in the fridge before serving. You can also reheat this soup directly from frozen on the stovetop over low heat.