Sopa De Lima Recipe
Yucatan style lime soup, shredded chicken, avocado, red onion, crispy tortilla
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Ingredients
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Broth & Base
Vegetables & Aromatics
Soup Add-ins & Finish
Tortilla Garnish
Optional Condiments
Method
Broth & Poaching Chicken
- 1
- 2
Poach chicken
Reduce heat to low so liquid is at a gentle simmer. Add the whole chicken breasts, partially cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes or until the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
- 3
Remove and shred
Transfer the breasts to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes. Shred the chicken with two forks into bite-sized pieces. Reserve 3 cups shredded for the soup and save any extra for other uses.
- 4
Flavoring & Lime
- 5
Roast and purée tomato (optional, for color)
While chicken poaches, char the halved Roma tomato directly over a gas flame or in a hot skillet until skin blackens in spots (about 4–6 minutes). Let cool slightly, then roughly chop.
- 6
Add tomato and lime
Add the chopped roasted tomato and lime zest to the warm strained broth. Stir and simmer 5 minutes to integrate flavors. Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 cup fresh lime juice, tasting and adjusting — aim for bright, tangy but balanced flavor.
- 7
Adjust seasoning
Taste the broth and add additional salt or black pepper as needed. If too tart, add up to 1/4 cup additional warm stock or a pinch of sugar to balance.
Tortilla Strips
- 8
Cut tortillas
Stack tortillas and cut into 1/4-inch wide strips (or cut into triangles if preferred).
- 9
Fry until crisp
In a medium skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high until shimmering (about 350°F if using a thermometer). Fry tortilla strips in batches, stirring and tossing, until golden and crisp, about 1–2 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined tray and immediately sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt to season.
- 10
Alternative bake
For a lighter option: toss strips with 1 tsp oil, spread on a sheet pan, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp.
Assembly & Finish
- 11
Reheat shredded chicken
If the shredded chicken cooled, warm it briefly in the hot broth (1–2 minutes) or microwave gently until just warmed.
- 12
- 13
- 14
Garnish with tortillas & serve
Scatter a generous handful of crispy tortilla strips over each bowl so they stay partially crisp. Serve immediately with lime wedges and hot sauce on the side.