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    Home » Recipes » Soups & Chilis » Zesty Chicken Soup

    Zesty Chicken Soup

    Published: Oct 2, 2015 · Modified: Jan 15, 2021 by Barbara Curry · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    Zesty Chicken Soup in a bowl with some limes next to the bowl.

    Transform ordinary chicken soup with this zesty version, coriander makes all the difference. A great way to use up left over rotisserie chicken.

    A bowl of chicken soup with coriander
    Zesty Chicken Soup

    It’s rainy and the temperatures have dropped slightly which means it’s time for zesty chicken soup. I have a friend who is struggling with Chemo and I’m trying to come up with something that she might like once she gets her appetite back.  Anyone out there who may have some suggestions I would love to hear from you. Sometimes you feel so helpless.

    Taking food makes me feel like I am helping in some small way. Another great soup option if you’re not feeling great is chicken orzo soup, it’s a great comfort food. Throw in some quick and easy drop biscuits and you just have to feel better!

    You would think that there’s not much you could do to make chicken soup different, but adding just a little coriander changes this completely. I also added just a pinch of cayenne, but not enough to make it spicy, just interesting.

    What is coriander

    Coriander is an herb, the leaves and stems are better known as cilantro while the seeds are crushed to make coriander spice. They don’t taste anything alike and can not be substituted for each other.  The seeds are used to flavor gin and also pickles. It’s a warm spice combined with cumin in many recipes like Instant Pot chili. For this recipe you will use both the seeds and the leaves. If you are a cilantro hater, leave it out, but don’t leave out the coriander.

    A bowl of Zesty Chicken Soup
    Zesty Chicken Soup

    How do you make this delicious chicken soup recipe

    This recipe is very simple to make with about 15 minutes of preparation and about 30 minutes to cook.

    Step 1: Sauté the vegetables in a Dutch oven or large pot until the carrots and celery have softened a little.  Add the seasonings and chicken broth and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the vegetables are soft but not mushy.

    Step 2: Add the chicken, corn, lime juice and zest and cilantro and let bring it to a boil and serve.

    A dutch oven of chicken soup
    Zesty Chicken Soup

    With the girls back at school I find myself with leftover roasted chicken and this is a perfect way to use up those leftovers.  If you want to roast your own chicken breasts, it’s so easy, you can find the directions in my chicken chili recipe.

    I added fresh corn which we are still seeing in the grocery.  It’s not from North Carolina but it still has some flavor and if you add it at the end, it gives the soup a nice texture.  You could serve this over rice if you’re looking for something heartier, but I liked it better just as it is.  Simple, but with a pop of flavor from the coriander.  It’s like adding a colorful scarf to a black dress, it completely changes the outfit.

    A bowl of chicken soup with limes
    Zesty Chicken Soup

    What to serve with SOUP

    • A delicious yeast roll goes great with soup or chili
    • I live in the South, so of course biscuits
    • A batch of cornbread would be awesome
    • Can’t decide which to make, go with a hybrid of cornbread biscuits
    • Try a not yeast soda bread
    • Cheesy pull apart bread is another great option
    • Have fun and make some yeast knots

    If you make Zesty Chicken Soup, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! I would love to see your creation.

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please know that I only provide links to things that I use on a regular basis and think you might find helpful.

    Adapted from The Cozy Apron

    A bowl of Zesty Chicken Soup

    Zesty Chicken Soup

    Author: Barbara Curry
    Transform ordinary chicken soup with this zesty version, coriander makes all the difference. A great way to use up left over rotisserie chicken.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin
    PREP: 15 minutes
    COOK: 30 minutes
    Servings: 6

    Ingredients
     

    • 1-2 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 small onion diced
    • 4-5 medium carrots peeled and diced
    • 3-4 stalks celery diced small
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • ½ teaspoon coriander
    • ½ teaspoon chili powder
    • pinch cayenne pepper
    • 4 cloves garlic minced
    • 5 cups chicken stock
    • 2 chicken breasts cooked and shredded
    • 1 cup corn
    • 1 teaspoon lime zest
    • 1 lime lime juice
    • 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot. Once hot, add onion, carrots and celery and saute for 1-2 minutes. Add salt and pepper and the rest of the spices and saute for 1-2 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Add garlic and cook an additional minute. Add chicken stock.
    • Bring soup to a rolling simmer and then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes or until vegetables are as tender as you like them.
    • Add remaining ingredients and additional salt and pepper to taste. Bring to boil and serve.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 234kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 408mg | Potassium: 716mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 6951IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg
    Follow Me On SocialDid you make this recipe? Mention @ButterandBaggage or tag #ButterandBaggage on Instagram!

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    Comments

    1. cheryl says

      March 02, 2018 at 12:31 pm

      Absolutely fabulous spices lead to an amazing flavor. Make it Paleo by excluding the corn. Yum yum!

      Reply
    2. Susan Turner says

      November 07, 2019 at 12:20 pm

      This was delicious, Barb! The kids loved it, too.

      Reply
      • Barbara Curry says

        November 07, 2019 at 7:40 pm

        I love it when I find something that everyone likes!

        Reply

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    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

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