5 Delicious Chicken Soup Recipes with Cilantro

Soups are the comfort food of choice for many across the globe, with chicken soup being particularly soothing and healing, especially when you're under the weather. Adding cilantro not only elevates the taste but also brings a unique freshness to the dish. Here are five delicious chicken soup recipes that feature cilantro, each designed to provide comfort, warmth, and a burst of flavor.

Classic Cilantro-Lime Chicken Soup

This soup is an all-time favorite for those who appreciate a harmonious blend of zesty lime, tangy tomatoes, and the citrusy note of cilantro. Here’s how you can whip up this delightful soup:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 6 cups of chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, and jalapeño until soft.
2. Stir in cumin and cook for another minute.
3. Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and chicken. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
4. Remove chicken from the soup, shred it, and return it to the pot.
5. Add lime juice and most of the cilantro, reserving some for garnish. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional cilantro leaves.

🍋 Note: Adjust the amount of jalapeño to suit your spice tolerance. For a less spicy version, you can simply omit it.

Cilantro and Coconut Chicken Soup

This Thai-inspired soup brings together the creamy richness of coconut milk with the bright flavor of cilantro, creating a soothing and exotic dish:

• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
• 1 lemongrass stalk, bruised
• 2 cups of coconut milk
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup of shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup of cilantro, chopped
• Lime zest and juice for flavor

Preparation Steps:

1. In a large pot, heat coconut oil and sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until aromatic.
2. Add lemongrass stalk, stirring to release its flavors.
3. Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth, bring to a simmer.
4. Add chicken pieces, cook until done.
5. Stir in carrots and let the soup simmer until vegetables are tender.
6. Add cilantro, lime zest, and juice, adjust seasoning with salt.
7. Remove lemongrass before serving.

Mexican Green Chicken Pozole

Mexican pozole is a beloved dish, and this version uses fresh green ingredients for a vibrant, flavorful stew:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 pound tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 2 poblano peppers
• 1 jalapeño
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (29 oz) hominy, drained
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Preparation Steps:

1. Roast tomatillos, poblano, and jalapeño under a broiler until charred. Let them cool, then peel and remove seeds from peppers.
2. In a blender, puree tomatillos, peppers, garlic, and half the onion with some chicken broth.
3. Brown the chicken pieces in a pot with the rest of the onion.
4. Pour in the puree, remaining broth, and hominy. Simmer until chicken is cooked.
5. Add oregano and cilantro, adjust seasoning.
6. Serve with radishes, avocado slices, and extra cilantro for garnish.

Cilantro Chicken and Rice Soup

This recipe transforms the traditional chicken and rice soup with the addition of cilantro, providing a subtle change that's both refreshing and comforting:

• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 6 cups of chicken broth
• 1/4 cup of cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps:

1. In a pot, melt butter and sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
2. Add chicken, cook until it starts to brown.
3. Stir in rice, then pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is cooked and chicken is tender, about 20 minutes.
5. Add cilantro, season with salt and pepper. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top.

Cilantro Chicken Tortilla Soup

A fiesta in a bowl, this soup features crispy tortilla strips, shredded chicken, and the fragrant touch of cilantro:

• Vegetable oil for frying
• 6 corn tortillas, cut into strips
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Avocado, sour cream, and cheese for garnish

Preparation Steps:

1. Fry tortilla strips in oil until crispy; drain on paper towels.
2. In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
3. Add tomatoes, chili powder, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer.
4. Add shredded chicken and cilantro, cook until everything is warmed through.
5. Serve in bowls topped with tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, and a sprinkle of cheese.

🌿 Note: Cilantro is known for its distinct flavor, which some people find soapy. If you're cooking for guests, it might be wise to have it as a garnish on the side.

These chicken soup recipes, each starring cilantro, provide comfort and a delightful taste experience. They are versatile, easy to prepare, and can be adapted to suit various dietary needs or flavor preferences. The addition of cilantro not only enhances the flavor profile but also brings health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, aiding digestion, and contributing to heart health. Next time you're craving a bowl of soup, consider one of these recipes to enjoy the unique taste that cilantro offers, making your meal both memorable and nourishing.

Is cilantro necessary for these recipes?

+

While cilantro adds a unique taste, you can certainly substitute or omit it for different flavors. Parsley can work as an alternative, although the taste will differ. The beauty of soup is in its adaptability, so feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs.

Can I use leftover chicken in these soups?

+

Absolutely! Leftover chicken is perfect for soups. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly since the chicken just needs to be heated through, not cooked from raw.

What if someone in my family dislikes cilantro?

+

Cilantro’s flavor is quite divisive. You can offer cilantro as a garnish so each person can control how much they add to their soup. Other herbs like parsley or basil can be used as substitutes for a similar fresh touch.