Grandma Simon'S Mexican Chicken Soup
A hearty Mexican chicken soup with tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fresh vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners or cold days needing bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, simmer the chicken, sliced onion, salt, and pepper in water for 2 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken from the broth. Strain the broth and let it cool.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding skin and bones.
- Add the strained broth back to the pot, along with the tomatoes, sliced carrots, chopped browned onion, and chicken bouillon granules.
- Simmer the soup until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding fresh cilantro or lime juice just before serving. You can substitute fresh tomatoes for canned if preferred, but remember to adjust the cooking time. If you want a spicier soup, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. This soup can also be thickened with a bit of masa harina if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh avocado slices, cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Enchiladas(Mexican) or a side of warm tortillas for a complete meal. For extra crunch, consider serving with tortilla chips or a fresh garden salad on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the soup has thickened. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for convenience, ensuring it's heated thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Simon'S Mexican Chicken Soup contains roughly 589 calories, with 32g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (139% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (134% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (132% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2124mg per serving (92% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but keep in mind that the flavor of the broth might be less rich. If using boneless pieces, reduce the simmering time to about 30-40 minutes, or until fully cooked. You can also add additional seasonings to enhance the flavor.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with a mix of hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adjust the cooking time as needed and consider adding beans for protein and texture.
What can I do if the soup is too salty?
If your soup turns out too salty, you can add diced potatoes or additional water to dilute the saltiness. Let it simmer for a bit longer to allow the flavors to meld. Adding a bit of sugar can also help balance the saltiness, so consider that as well.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).