Description
Traditional Peruvian Chicken Cilantro Soup is a comforting and flavorful soup combining fresh cilantro, tender chicken, and wholesome vegetables. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, this vibrant soup soothes and nourishes, making it perfect for cold days, recovery from illness, or whenever you need a warm, healing meal.
Ingredients
Protein
- Chicken pieces (bone-in thighs or drumsticks) – 2 lbs (approx.)
Herbs and Aromatics
- Fresh cilantro – 1 large handful (about 1 cup packed)
- Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Yellow chili or ají amarillo (optional) – 1 small, finely chopped
Vegetables
- Carrots – 2 medium, diced
- Potatoes – 2 medium, diced
Liquids
- Chicken broth – 6 cups
Additional Ingredients
- Lime juice – from 1 lime (adjust to taste)
- Rice or thin noodles (optional) – 1 cup cooked
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- Oil (for sautéing) – 1 tbsp
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Finely chop the onions, garlic, and yellow chili (if using). Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the aromatics gently until fragrant and translucent, forming the flavorful base for the soup.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and sear on all sides until lightly golden. This step locks in the juices and enhances the depth of flavor in the broth.
- Add Vegetables and Broth: Stir in the diced carrots and potatoes. Pour in the chicken broth to cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer gently until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender, about 30-40 minutes.
- Blend the Cilantro Mixture: Take a generous handful of fresh cilantro and a cup of broth from the pot. Blend until smooth, then stir this vibrant green mixture back into the soup to infuse it with fresh aroma and signature flavor.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Season the soup with salt, pepper, and fresh lime juice to taste. If desired, add cooked rice or noodles to make the soup heartier and warm through. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish as preferred before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cilantro for the most vibrant flavor and best health benefits.
- Simmer the soup gently to keep the chicken tender and broth clear.
- For richer broth, simmer chicken bones longer or use homemade chicken stock.
- Add cilantro gradually, tasting as you go to balance the herbal flavor.
- Add fresh lime juice just before serving to retain its brightness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Peruvian chicken cilantro soup, traditional Peruvian soup, healing chicken soup, cilantro soup, chicken soup with herbs