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- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch fresh ginger, grated - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1-2 green chilies, sliced (adjust according to your spice preference) - Juice and zest of 2 limes - Salt and black pepper, to taste The heart of Coconut Lime Chicken Soup lies in its main ingredients. The chicken adds protein and texture. Coconut milk brings creaminess and a subtle sweetness. Fresh vegetables like onion, garlic, ginger, and bell pepper add flavor and nutrition. Green chilies give the soup a nice kick, while lime juice and zest brighten every bite. - 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional; can substitute with soy sauce) - 1 cup baby spinach or kale, chopped You can customize your soup with optional ingredients. Fish sauce or soy sauce enhances the umami flavor. Adding baby spinach or kale boosts the nutrient content and gives your soup a fresh touch. - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish - Lime wedges, for serving Garnishes make your dish pop! Fresh cilantro adds a nice herbal note. Lime wedges let you add more zing as you eat. These simple touches elevate the soup from good to great, making it a dish to remember. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Sautéing the Aromatics Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes. The onion should turn soft and clear. Next, mix in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 inch of grated fresh ginger. Cook this for 1 minute until it smells great. - Cooking the Chicken Now, add 1 pound of cut chicken to the pot. You want to cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir it often until the chicken is no longer pink. This step is key to having tender chicken in your soup. - Combining Ingredients Add 1 diced red bell pepper and 1 to 2 sliced green chilies to the pot. Cook these for 3 to 4 minutes. This makes the soup colorful and tasty. Now, it’s time to move on to the next steps! - Adding Broth and Coconut Milk Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and 1 can of coconut milk. Stir it all together well. Raise the heat until the soup starts to simmer gently. This is where the magic begins, as all the flavors meld. - Flavoring the Soup with Lime Squeeze the juice from 2 limes into the pot. Add the zest too, along with 1 tablespoon of fish sauce if you choose to use it. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. This adds a bright flavor that makes the soup special. - Stirring in Greens Right before serving, toss in 1 cup of chopped baby spinach or kale. Stir until the greens wilt, which takes just a couple of minutes. This makes your soup vibrant and healthy. - Adjusting Seasoning Take a moment to taste your soup. If it needs more lime juice or salt, now is the time to add it. Balancing the flavors is important for a delicious finish. - Adjusting Lime Juice and Seasoning To make your soup pop, play with the lime juice. If you want it tangy, add more juice. If you prefer a milder taste, use less. Always taste as you go. Salt and black pepper also help balance flavors. - Suggestions for Spice Levels Spice can change the whole dish. Start with one green chili for a mild kick. If you love heat, add more chilies or even red pepper flakes. Keep adjusting until it feels just right for you. - Best Pot for Cooking Soup A large pot or Dutch oven works best. These pots hold heat evenly and let flavors mix well. They also allow for gentle simmering, which is key for a great soup. - Importance of Gentle Simmer A gentle simmer lets the flavors blend without burning. Keep an eye on the heat. Too high will cook it too fast. You want the soup to bubble softly, not boil fiercely. - Serving Suggestions Serve this soup hot in deep bowls. The warmth makes it comforting. Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top for color and flavor. Lime wedges on the side enhance the dish and invite more zing. - Creative Serving Bowls Use fun bowls for serving. Bright colors or unique shapes can make the dish look special. Consider coconut shells for a tropical feel, or simple white bowls to let the soup shine. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices will elevate the flavors of your soup significantly. Always opt for fresh cilantro and lime juice for the best taste. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder soup, remove the seeds from the green chilies before adding them. Conversely, add more chilies for an extra kick. Simmer for Flavor: Allow the soup to simmer a bit longer if you have time. This helps the flavors meld beautifully and enhances the overall taste. Garnish for Freshness: Always garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges. This not only adds visual appeal but also freshens up each bowl with a burst of citrus. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in this soup. Shrimp or tofu work great instead of chicken. Both options add a nice twist. Shrimp cooks fast and brings a sweet taste. Tofu soaks up all the flavors and makes it vegan. For veggies, you can add carrots or zucchini. Carrots give a sweet crunch, while zucchini adds a soft texture. Feel free to mix and match what you have on hand. Want to add more depth? Try mixing in curry paste. It gives the soup a warm, rich flavor. Just a spoonful can change everything. Using different herbs can also change the taste. Basil or mint can add a fresh touch. These herbs brighten the soup and make it feel special. If you want it dairy-free, use coconut milk as your only cream. It keeps the rich flavor while being kind to your tummy. For a gluten-free version, skip the fish sauce or use gluten-free soy sauce. This keeps all the flavors without any gluten. Enjoy the soup, no matter your diet! How Long Can You Store Leftovers? You can store leftover Coconut Lime Chicken Soup in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure you keep it in an airtight container. Best Practices for Refrigeration Let the soup cool down before placing it in the fridge. Avoid leaving it out for more than two hours. This keeps it safe to eat later. Freezing Instructions If you want to keep the soup longer, you can freeze it. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Thawing and Reheating To thaw, place the soup in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove over medium heat. Stir it well as it warms up. You may need to add extra broth or water for a good consistency. Prepping Ingredients Ahead of Time Chop your veggies and chicken ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. This saves you time when making the soup. Batch Cooking for the Week Make a large batch of soup and divide it into meal-sized portions. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal any day of the week. Just heat and serve! Coconut lime chicken soup is a warm and tasty dish. It blends coconut milk with lime juice. The soup has chicken, veggies, and spices for a burst of flavor. This dish has roots in Thai cooking, where coconut milk adds creaminess and lime gives it a fresh taste. It’s perfect for cold days or when you need comfort food. To add heat, you can use more green chilies. Slice them thin and stir them in. If you want more spice, add red chili flakes or sriracha. You can also use a spicy curry paste for a different flavor. Remember to taste as you go, so it doesn't get too hot for you. Yes, you can use canned chicken. It saves time and still works well. Just drain the chicken before adding it to the soup. Since canned chicken is already cooked, add it near the end of cooking. This way, it warms up without getting mushy. This blog post covered the key ingredients and steps to make Coconut Lime Chicken Soup. You learned about the essential and optional ingredients, like chicken and coconut milk. I shared tips to enhance flavor and variations for dietary needs. Also, we discussed storage options and answered common FAQs. In closing, exploring this soup can be fun and rewarding. Delight in experimenting with flavors and find your favorite twist. Enjoy a warm bowl made with fresh ingredients!

Coconut Lime Chicken Soup

A flavorful and aromatic soup combining coconut milk, lime, and tender chicken.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 to 2 green chilies, sliced (adjust according to your spice preference)
  • 2 limes juice and zest
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional; can substitute with soy sauce)
  • 1 cup baby spinach or kale, chopped
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • for serving lime wedges
  • for garnish fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
  • Incorporate the minced garlic and grated ginger into the pot, cooking for an additional minute until the mixture is fragrant and aromatic.
  • Add the diced red bell pepper and sliced green chilies to the pot. Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bell pepper has softened slightly.
  • Introduce the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot, cooking for 5-7 minutes or until they are no longer pink, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Increase the heat slightly until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer.
  • Squeeze the juice of the limes into the soup and add the lime zest along with the fish sauce (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to your liking.
  • Allow the soup to continue simmering for 10-15 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld together beautifully and ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
  • Just before serving, stir in the baby spinach or kale, allowing the greens to wilt for a couple of minutes without overcooking.
  • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding additional lime juice or salt as preferred to balance the flavors.

Notes

Serve hot with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for added flavor.
Keyword chicken, coconut, lime, soup