Sopa de Lima Recipe: Yucatán’s Zesty Chicken Soup with a Citrus Kick
This authentic Sopa de Lima recipe from Yucatán blends shredded chicken, tangy lime, and a hint of chile into a bright, soothing soup topped with crispy tortilla strips. It’s Mexican comfort with a citrus twist.
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450 g chicken thighs (or breast)
- 8 cups chicken stock or water + bouillon
- 1 white onion divided (half for broth, half diced)
- 4 cloves garlic divided (2 for broth, 2 minced)
- 2 Roma tomatoes diced
- 1 small habanero or 1 jalapeño minced (seeded for less heat)
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 whole allspice berries optional but traditional
- 6 –8 small limes or 3–4 large, juiced (about ½ cup)
- 8 corn tortillas cut into thin strips (fried or baked)
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped
- 2 tbsp neutral oil
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the broth (20–25 minutes):
- In a large pot, add chicken, ½ onion, 2 garlic cloves, bay leaves, allspice, salt, and chicken stock. Simmer until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred and strain:
- Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Strain the broth to remove solids, keeping only the clear, flavorful liquid.
- Build the base (sofrito):
- Heat oil in the same pot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion for 2–3 minutes, add minced garlic, then stir in the tomatoes and minced chile. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 4–5 minutes.
- Combine:
- Pour the clear broth back into the pot with the sautéed base. Simmer for 5 minutes, then add shredded chicken. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Brighten with lime:
- Turn off the heat and stir in fresh lime juice. Adding it off-heat keeps the citrus flavor bright and lively.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, chopped cilantro, and extra lime wedges.
Notes
- Add lime only after removing from heat—this prevents bitterness and keeps the soup vibrant.
- Toast allspice in a dry pan for 30 seconds to deepen its aroma.
- Keep tortilla strips separate until serving to stay crispy.
- For authentic flavor, use lima agria (Yucatecan sour lime) if available.