This hearty Mexican chicken lentil soup is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, ideal for a cozy dinner. It's bursting with the rich taste of salsa verde, tender chicken, and wholesome lentils, all simmered together to create a comforting and nutritious meal.
When preparing this recipe, you might need to venture to the supermarket for a few key ingredients that may not be commonly found in your pantry. Items like salsa verde, diced green chiles, and lentils are essential to this dish and can usually be found in the international or canned food aisles. Ensure you also have fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro to add that authentic Mexican flair.
Ingredients For Mexican Chicken Lentil Soup
chicken breasts: Adds protein and substance to the soup, becoming tender and flavorful as it cooks.
garlic cloves: Provides a rich, aromatic flavor base for the soup.
white onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup’s base.
chicken stock: The liquid base that enhances the soup’s savory taste.
salsa verde: Gives the soup a zesty, tangy flavor with a hint of spice.
lentils: Adds a hearty texture and boosts the nutritional value.
whole-kernel corn: Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch to the soup.
diced green chiles: Provides mild heat and enhances the Mexican flavor.
ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy spice to the soup.
sea salt: Brings out the flavors of all the ingredients.
freshly-cracked black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and enhances the overall flavor.
avocado: A creamy topping that balances the spice.
fresh cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal note as a garnish.
jalapeno slices: Optional topping for extra heat.
cheese: Optional topping that adds richness and creaminess.
lime wedges: Adds a burst of fresh acidity to finish the soup.
One reader, Josie Britton says:
This Mexican chicken lentil soup is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the recipe is super easy to follow. Perfect for a cozy night in. The toppings add a fresh touch that takes it to the next level. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Mexican Chicken Lentil Soup
How to shred chicken: Using two forks, pull the chicken breasts apart into bite-sized pieces after cooking. How to sauté onions and garlic: Heat oil in a pot, add diced onions, and cook for about 5 minutes until they are translucent. Then add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. How to use an Instant Pot: Add ingredients to the Instant Pot, secure the lid, set the vent to sealing, and cook on high pressure for the specified time. Perform a quick release to open the lid. How to use a Crock-Pot: Add ingredients to the Crock-Pot, cover, and cook on high or low settings for the specified time until the lentils are tender. How to simmer soup: Bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer while cooking.
How To Make Mexican Chicken Lentil Soup
Make this Mexican chicken lentil soup in 3 easy ways! Impresses with a warm zesty pot of soup with chicken, salsa verde, corn, and flavorful Mexican spices.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbchicken breasts,boneless, skinless
- 3garlic cloves,minced
- 1small white onion,chopped
- 8cupschicken stock
- 2cupssalsa verde,(16 oz), homemade or store-bought
- 2cupslentils,uncooked green or brown
- ½cupwhole-kernel corn,frozen or canned
- 1candiced green chiles,(4 oz)
- 2tspground cumin
- sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper,to taste
For Recommended Toppings:
- diced avocado
- chopped fresh cilantro
- jalapeño slices
- cheese,cotija, queso fresco or Monterrey Jack
- fresh lime wedges
Instructions
Instant Pot Directions:
-
Add all ingredients to the bowl of your Instant Pot (pressure cooker), and briefly stir the soup to combine. Close lid securely and set vent to “Sealing”. Cook on high pressure for about 12 minutes, followed by a quick release of the vent. Remove the lid.
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Using two forks, shred the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve warm, garnished with any toppings of choice. Or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Crock Pot Directions:
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Add all ingredients to the bowl of your Crock-Pot (slow cooker), and briefly stir the soup to combine. Cover and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or on Low for 6 to 8 hours, until the lentils are tender.
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Using two forks, shred the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve warm, garnished with any toppings of choice. Or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Stovetop Directions:
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Dice the chicken into small bite-sized pieces.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes more, stirring occasionally, until fragrant. Add the chicken and remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
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Continue cooking until the soup reaches a simmer. Then reduce heat to medium-low (to continue the simmer), cover, and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until the lentils are tender. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve warm, garnished with any toppings of choice. Or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Calories: 401.04kcal
- Fat: 9.55g
- Saturated Fat: 2.41g
- Trans Fat: 0.06g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.79g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.00g
- Carbohydrates: 48.36g
- Fiber: 7.60g
- Sugar: 8.01g
- Protein: 31.32g
- Cholesterol: 43.49mg
- Sodium: 1092.43mg
- Calcium: 62.50mg
- Potassium: 977.87mg
- Iron: 5.44mg
- Vitamin A: 42.52µg
- Vitamin C: 26.51mg
Technique Tip for Enhancing the Flavors of Mexican Chicken Lentil Soup
For a richer flavor, toast the cumin in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant before adding it to the soup. This will enhance the depth of the spice and give your Mexican chicken lentil soup an extra layer of complexity.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Soup Recipe
Prep ingredients ahead: Chop garlic and onion in advance. Measure out spices and lentils to save time during cooking.
Use rotisserie chicken: Substitute chicken breasts with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to skip the shredding step.
Opt for canned lentils: Use canned lentils instead of dried to reduce cooking time.
Instant pot advantage: Use the instant pot for a quicker cooking process compared to the crock pot or stovetop methods.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze portions for quick meals later.
Substitute Ingredients For Mexican Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe
chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a suitable replacement for chicken in soups.
chicken breasts - Substitute with tofu: For a vegetarian option, tofu provides a good source of protein and absorbs the flavors of the soup well.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder can provide a similar flavor. Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove.
white onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions have a slightly sweeter taste but can be used interchangeably with white onions in most recipes.
chicken stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: Vegetable stock is a good alternative for a vegetarian version of the soup, providing a rich and savory base.
salsa verde - Substitute with tomatillo sauce: Tomatillo sauce has a similar tangy flavor and can be used if salsa verde is unavailable.
lentils - Substitute with split peas: Split peas have a similar cooking time and texture, making them a good alternative to lentils.
whole-kernel corn - Substitute with frozen corn: Frozen corn can be used in place of canned corn and often has a fresher taste.
diced green chiles - Substitute with jalapenos: Diced jalapenos can provide a similar heat and flavor profile to green chiles.
ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a slightly different flavor but can add a similar earthy note to the soup.
sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt can be used in place of sea salt, though you may need to adjust the quantity slightly.
freshly-cracked black pepper - Substitute with ground black pepper: Ground black pepper can be used if freshly cracked is not available, though it may be slightly less pungent.
diced avocado - Substitute with guacamole: Guacamole can provide a similar creamy texture and flavor as diced avocado.
chopped fresh cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can be used as a garnish if cilantro is not available, though the flavor will be different.
jalapeno slices - Substitute with serrano pepper slices: Serrano peppers are slightly hotter but can be used in place of jalapenos for a similar flavor.
cheese - Substitute with queso fresco: Queso fresco is a mild, crumbly cheese that works well as a topping for Mexican soups.
fresh lime wedges - Substitute with lemon wedges: Lemon wedges can provide a similar acidic brightness to the soup if limes are not available.
Best Way to Present This Delicious Soup
Serve in elegant bowls: Use pristine white porcelain bowls to highlight the vibrant colors of the Mexican chicken lentil soup.
Garnish with precision: Place a few slices of jalapeno and a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro delicately on top of the soup.
Add a touch of creaminess: Add a small dollop of diced avocado in the center of the bowl for a creamy texture contrast.
Incorporate height: Create a small mound of shredded chicken in the middle of the soup to add visual interest and height.
Use vibrant toppings: Add a few whole-kernel corn kernels and a spoonful of diced green chiles around the chicken mound to enhance the color palette.
Finish with a citrus note: Place a thin slice of fresh lime on the rim of the bowl for a fresh, zesty aroma.
Add a cheese element: Sprinkle a small amount of finely grated cheese over the soup for a subtle richness.
Serve with a side: Accompany the soup with a small plate of tortilla chips or a slice of crusty bread to add a crunchy texture.
Ensure perfect temperature: Serve the soup warm, ensuring it is at the ideal temperature to enhance the flavors and aromas.
Create a balanced presentation: Arrange the toppings symmetrically and thoughtfully to create a visually balanced and appealing dish.
Essential Tools for Making Mexican Chicken Lentil Soup
Instant Pot: A multi-functional pressure cooker that speeds up the cooking process, making it ideal for preparing the soup quickly.
Crock-Pot: A slow cooker that allows for a longer, more gradual cooking process, perfect for developing deep flavors in the soup.
Large stockpot: A big pot used for stovetop cooking, providing ample space for all the ingredients to simmer together.
Lid: Essential for covering the Instant Pot, Crock-Pot, or large stockpot to help retain heat and moisture during cooking.
Two forks: Used to shred the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces once they are cooked.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the ingredients like chicken stock, salsa verde, and lentils.
Can opener: Required for opening the can of diced green chiles.
Knife: Used for dicing the chicken (for stovetop method) and chopping toppings like avocado, cilantro, and jalapenos.
Cutting board: A safe surface for chopping and dicing ingredients.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the soup to combine all the ingredients.
Tablespoon: Used to measure and add oil for sautéing the onion and garlic in the stovetop method.
Sealed container: For storing leftover soup in the refrigerator or freezer.
Serving bowls: To serve the soup warm with your choice of toppings.
How To Store and Freeze Mexican Chicken Lentil Soup
Once the mexican chicken lentil soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container or bag to allow for expansion during freezing.
If using a container, seal it tightly with a lid. If using a freezer bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date and the contents, so you can easily keep track of when the soup was made and what it is.
Place the container or bag in the freezer, making sure it's lying flat. This will help the soup freeze evenly and make it easier to stack and store.
The mexican chicken lentil soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until it's heated through.
If you prefer to store the soup in the refrigerator, transfer it to an airtight container once it has cooled to room temperature. The soup will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat the refrigerated soup, simply transfer it to a pot and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through. You may need to add a little extra chicken stock or water to thin out the soup if it has thickened up during storage.
How To Reheat Leftover Mexican Chicken Lentil Soup
Stovetop: transfer the leftover mexican chicken lentil soup to a pot and reheat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure the soup is evenly reheated without overcooking the lentils or chicken.
Microwave: pour the desired amount of leftover soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the soup is heated through. Microwaving is a quick and convenient option, but be careful not to overheat the soup, as it may cause the lentils to become mushy.
Slow cooker: if you have a considerable amount of leftover soup, you can reheat it in a slow cooker. Transfer the soup to the slow cooker and heat it on low for 1-2 hours, or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is ideal for keeping the soup warm for an extended period, making it perfect for gatherings or potlucks.
Oven: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover soup to an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is heated through. This method is suitable for reheating larger quantities of soup and can help maintain its original texture.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the soup well to ensure even heat distribution. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed, as flavors may have intensified during storage. If the soup has thickened too much, you can add a small amount of chicken stock or water to achieve the desired consistency.
Random Fact About Mexican Chicken Lentil Soup
markdown This Mexican chicken lentil soup is a nutritious and hearty dish that combines the protein of chicken and lentils with the vibrant flavors of salsa verde and diced green chiles. It's versatile enough to be cooked in an instant pot, crock pot, or on the stovetop, making it convenient for any cooking preference.
Is This Soup Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
This Mexican chicken lentil soup recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. Using affordable ingredients like chicken breasts, lentils, and salsa verde, it provides a nutritious and hearty meal. The use of pantry staples such as garlic, onion, and chicken stock further reduces costs. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $15-$20 USD. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Is Mexican Chicken Lentil Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
The Mexican chicken lentil soup recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced meal. It contains lean protein from the chicken, fiber-rich lentils, and various vegetables like onions, garlic, and green chiles. The salsa verde adds flavor without relying on excessive amounts of salt or unhealthy fats. Additionally, the toppings such as avocado and cilantro provide healthy fats and fresh herbs.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Use low-sodium chicken stock to reduce the overall salt content of the soup
- Increase the amount of vegetables by adding diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers to boost the nutrient density
- Opt for Greek yogurt instead of cheese as a topping to reduce the saturated fat content while still providing a creamy texture
- Use whole grain corn tortillas or chips as a side to increase the fiber content of the meal
To further enhance the nutritional value of this soup, consider the following suggestions:
- Add a handful of chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking to incorporate more leafy greens
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the soup before serving to add a burst of vitamin C and brighten the flavors
- Sprinkle a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed on top for an extra boost of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber
- Serve the soup with a side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to increase the overall vegetable intake of the meal
Editor's Thoughts on the Flavors of Mexican Chicken Lentil Soup
This Mexican chicken lentil soup recipe is a fantastic blend of flavors and textures. The combination of chicken, lentils, and salsa verde creates a hearty and satisfying base, while the addition of green chiles and cumin adds a delightful kick. The versatility of cooking methods—Instant Pot, Crock-Pot, or stovetop—makes it accessible for any kitchen setup. The recommended toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges elevate the dish, adding freshness and complexity. Overall, it's a nutritious and flavorful soup that's perfect for meal prep or a comforting dinner.
Enhance Your Mexican Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Mexican Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe:
This recipe combines the rich flavors of salsa verde, diced green chiles, and ground cumin to create a hearty and satisfying Mexican chicken lentil soup. Using an instant pot, crock-pot, or stovetop, you can easily prepare this dish with minimal effort. The chicken breasts are cooked to perfection and shredded for a tender bite, while the lentils and corn add texture and nutrition. Top it off with avocado, cilantro, jalapeno slices, cheese, and a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness.
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